JMG Group buys its first business in the South of England

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The acquisition will build the foundations for future growth as the group seeks to invest in more independent insurance brokers

JMG Group, which owns broker JM Glendinning, has purchased independent commercial broker Bickley Insurance as its first acquisition in the South of England.

Based in Surrey and established in 1986, Bickley Insurance specialises in both commercial and personal lines, providing general insurance products and services.

The firm brings a team of eight professionals to the group, which will continue to be led by managing director Jeff Bickley, who has been head of the business since a management buyout (MBO) in 1991.

Nick Houghton, chief executive of JMG Group, said: “Bickley Insurance is an impressive business and Jeff and his team are first class operators and a great addition to the group.

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“We are delighted to welcome them into the fold.

“The acquisition will provide us with a great platform for future growth in the South as we look to invest in more independently owned insurance brokers [that] are considering their options for the future.”

Synergies and shared values

Bickley added: “To clients, it’s very much business as usual – same name, same [managing director], same premises and [the] same exceptional team.

“The difference will be in the services we can provide and the buying power we will tap into, which will be enhanced by being part of something much bigger.

“We will also have support from a wider pool of professionals, which will allow us to grow and simultaneously benefit the group.”

The JMG Group was formed in 2020 when JM Glendinning underwent an MBO led by Houghton, with private equity backing from growth investor Synova.

JM Glendinning Insurance Brokers was established in 1972 and employs over 100 people across eight different locations – West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, the North East, North West and the Midlands.

Bickley added: “JMG’s proposition was very attractive as our businesses have lots of synergies and shared values – particularly in our client centred approach – and its management team is out and out the best in the industry.

“After 30 years at the helm of the business, I felt it was the right time to partner with like-minded people that will help secure the future of the business in a rapidly changing world as well as provide opportunities for the Bickley team to develop their careers.”