Scottish broker to rebrand as Howden announces acquisition

Howden Scotland has acquired the book of business of Edinburgh-based SKB Independent Insurance Brokers.

The deal will see SKB, which provides insurance services to businesses throughout Edinburgh, be rebranded to Howden.

It will also be integrated into the existing Howden Scotland team based in Edinburgh.

SKB chief executive Satvinder Breeze said: “I am really proud of having built SKB and proud of my team. It has been an incredible journey over the past 13 years, with lots of valuable lessons along the way. We succeeded in bringing back the old-fashioned way of doing business and building up long-term personal relationships with our amazing clients.

“It is therefore only fitting that the next stage for SKB is to strengthen our client relationships further by partnering with Howden. Howden shares our core values of client care and exceptional customer service, and with their group buying power and global presence, it is an exciting time to join the team. I am very much looking forward to the next chapter.”

Growth

Howden Scotland is formerly known as Bruce Stevenson, a firm acquired by Howden in 2021.

After being established, Howden Scotland made its first deal in 2023, acquiring Glasgow-based Neilson Laurence and Neil.

A year later, it snapped up personal and commercial lines broker Laurie Ross as part of plans to strengthen its high street presence.

After purchasing SKB, Kenny Hogg, chief executive at Howden Scotland, said: “I am delighted to welcome SKB to Howden Scotland and into our Edinburgh team.

“As soon as I met Breeze, it was clear that SKB and Howden had an identical customer service ethos. I am certain that the addition of SKB will further bolster our Howden Scotland business and help us to continue growing and thriving in the coming years.”