News / insurance
Award-winning insurance broker opens South West hub in Bristol
An award-winning insurance advisory firm has launched a new base in Bristol as part of its expansion strategy across the South West.
Partners& has moved into new offices at the Crescent in Temple Back, creating a regional hub for around 30 Bristol-based staff and more than 200 employees across the wider region.
The move aligns with Partners&’s growth strategy to serve key sectors such as digital, technology, construction, life sciences and the creative industries.
The launch event, held at the Crescent, was attended by leading businesses and charities from across the area.
The company has also strengthened its team by appointing two new risk protection advisers: Chris Hill, formerly with Birchin Insurance Brokers, who specialises in professional indemnity insurance, and Jamie Palmer, formerly with Gallagher, who brings extensive experience in commercial insurance.
Founded in 2020 during the global pandemic, Partners& said it aims to deliver a “next-generation” standard of advice by focusing on modern business risks such as cyber threats, management liability and employee wellbeing.
Despite being a relatively young firm, Partners& has already won several major awards, including UK Broker of the Year at the 2023 British Insurance Awards.
The launch at the Crescent was attended by many leading businesses and charities in the region
Partners& is the latest business to move into the Crescent, joining a growing cluster of leading firms that includes the green energy giant OVO.
Group chief executive Phil Barton said the firm is “coming home” to Bristol, a city he described as “thriving with industries that align closely with the company’s expertise”.
He said: “Bristol is close to the hearts of many of our colleagues – we started our careers here. So, in many ways, it feels like we’re coming home.
“It’s also a thriving city, with many of the growth sectors that align with our expertise – from professional services, haulage and logistics, and construction to life sciences and healthcare, including care homes and GP surgeries.
“We wanted to be in the heart of the city and become active members of the thriving Bristol business community.”
The founder Phil Barton (right) with Jamie Palmer, client director during the Bristol launch
Jamie Palmer, client director at Partners&, said: “We’re back in the city. We’re here to reconnect with clients, colleagues and new partners. We’re looking to build something meaningful in Bristol.”
He added that the firm aims to take a “holistic approach” to insurance broking, an industry he described as “broken”.
Partners& is the latest business to move into the Crescent, joining a growing cluster of leading firms
“This business was set up to drive a new direction in insurance — taking a fresh approach to broking and exploring new ways to support clients,” said Palmer.
“Our goal is to provide a more holistic, connected service that goes beyond what’s currently available. We believe the insurance broking industry is broken, and we’re here to fix it by working closely with innovative and growing businesses.”
All photos: Milan Perera
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