Acquisition of JRT Insurance Brokers Ltd boosts Northern presence for PIB Group

September 9, 2021

A bright future lies ahead for JRT Insurance Brokers Ltd (‘JRT’) as the latest independent broker to be snapped up by PIB Group Ltd (‘PIB’). The announcement follows only a few days on from PIB’s acquisition of Simply Insurance. 

About JRT

Established in 2015, JRT is an independent insurance broker based in Nottingham. Led by Richard Bright and Justin Thornhill, the 14-strong team is focused on meeting all aspects of insurance needs for private and business clients. Together they service clients from local to large nationals, of which many are long standing commercial clients. Specialisms include the construction, care, hospitality and leisure industries.

Richard Bright, Director for JRT commented: “This is a fantastic moment for JRT as we become part of PIB Group. We were attracted to PIB because they have acquired a number of quality brokers in our region previously, they have a strong management team, broad expertise and share our commitment to provide quality products and services to clients. It’s the icing on the cake to be able to access the Group’s additional firepower and assistance for the benefit of both our clients and colleagues – a real added value for our business.”

Organic growth and experience

In six years, JRT has grown quickly through recommendation and networking, rather than relying heavily on advertising. They have earned a reputation for providing high quality products and customer service. Their streamline structure has also paved the way to continually improve ways of working, policies and procedures, efficiencies and target areas in which growth can be achieved. 

Richard commented: “Our brilliant team works really hard for clients and will always go the extra mile. We pride ourselves on our service, high quality products and being punchy, which has led to developing the business mostly through reputation.”

In addition to their local clients, the team successfully manages a range of large national commercial clients in the care, property, construction, retail, telecoms and logistics sectors.

Experienced team

Clients are therefore in great hands as the team boasts substantial industry experience and knowledge, with Richard and Justin both leading by example with their CII qualifications. All of the team either hold or are working towards their CII certification as a minimum requirement and are actively encouraged to continue progressing further if they want to. 

Brendan McManus, CEO for PIB Group commented: “I’d like to give a very warm welcome to all our new colleagues at JRT Insurance Brokers who will bolster PIB’s Northern presence. Richard and Justin have built a very successful business thanks to the hard work and support of their experienced team and loyal clients. We look forward to investing in JRT and providing them with the ammunition to keep growing through the support of our experts, and additional facilities, products and services.”

Community 

In amongst looking after clients, the JRT team likes to support their local community where possible through a number of initiatives rather than one main one. This has included donating to foodbanks, supporting Golf Days, as well as sponsoring grassroots football teams where Richard has held the position as Vice Chairman and Chairman, for example.

Boost to PIB’s Specialty division and Northern presence

Looking ahead, JRT’s local presence is a great fit for PIB. Settled in a prime edge of a city business park with easy access to Nottingham City Centre, JRT will integrate into PIB’s Specialty division and join its strong East Midlands businesses across Retford, Lincoln, Leicester and Derby. 

The division, which is known externally as PIB Insurance Brokers and boasts CII Corporate Chartered status, is home to the Group’s specialist commercial lines brokers, supported by inhouse claims handling and a risk management team.

Of the eight investments completed so far by PIB this year, four will integrate into the Specialty division. These include UK & Ireland Insurance Services and Element Hinton earlier in the year, bringing further expertise in the construction, waste and engineering leisure sectors. They were followed by CBC Insurance Jersey who bolster PIB’s presence across the Channel Islands, then Simply Insurance Services who were acquired at the start of September and complete PIB’s unique motor proposition. 

Steve Redgwell, CEO for PIB Insurance Brokers, commented: “I’d like to give a very warm welcome to everyone at both JRT and Simply Insurance who have joined PIB Insurance Brokers in quick succession. They are another boost to our division as we continue to build our niche and specialist offering for the benefit of local and national clients. We look forward to collaborating with our new colleagues whose ambition, entrepreneurial spirit and client focus are complementary to our culture and growth goals.”