Hugh’s the oldest independent broker in town?
Published on in About usINSURANCE. A word that excites so few, yet residing on unassuming street in the centre of Norwich sits a team of nearly 70 insurance professionals, all passionate about their industry. This is a business that has existed in the city since 1906, when a young entrepreneur named Hugh Boswell began trading from a small office in London Street. Over a century later, the business remains independently owned, and thanks to decades of organic growth, one of the top 100 brokers in the UK.
“The years have been kind to us,” states Hugh J Boswell Managing Director Peter Foster. “When the existing board bought the business through a management buyout in 2013, it was in a great place. The Directors are dedicated to the idea of creating something special, whilst upholding the foundations on which the business was founded.”
So, what has helped make Hugh J Boswell?
The Culture
One of the factors Peter attributes to the business’ success is the united culture. A quick glimpse at the website, or walk around the office shows how important values are to the people at Hugh J Boswell.
“We identified very early on the importance of culture within a growing organisation. We have taken the philosophies that made our business successful, and placed them into a dynamic framework, to help us develop as a unified team. We now have a mission, and set of values that run through the veins of the entire company”
Training
It sounds like a service sector cliché to say ‘the people are the business’, but within Hugh J Boswell, there’s a feeling this is exactly the case. The commitment to training and development was acknowledged in 2015, when Hugh J Boswell were awarded Chartered Insurance Broker status; an accolade only a handful of brokers in the region can boast.
“Investing in training has meant our clients receive quality service and our people are given career opportunities. Last year, we proudly launched the ‘Hugh J Boswell Academy. Our Academy encompasses everything development-based, including an apprenticeship programme, sponsored professional qualifications and regular soft skills training for all staff”.
Clients
Hugh J Boswell has a vast number of long-standing clients but none that can match RH Matthews. The Holt-based family-run firm have placed their insurance programme with Hugh J Boswell for over 60 years.
“I believe it’s a testament to how we conduct business that a client that has trusted us to protect their business for so long. Our independence and emphasis on ‘people’ ensures we really do place our clients’ needs first.”
Forward Vision
Whilst the company is rightly proud of its history and heritage Hugh J Boswell has a clear vision and solid plans for continued growth. Peter says “We are never ones for standing still and believe that our future is bright indeed. Through commitment to our clients and investment in staff we are delighted that we continue to grow and have confidence in the years ahead.”