Tasker makes second broker acquisition of 2019

Tasker Insurance Group (TIG) has acquired specialist broker Hobbs Broking Limited.

It extends TIBs footprint into the Midlands. It will form part of the specialist broking division within Tasker’s retail business arm – Tasker Insurance Brokers (TIB).

It makes it TIG’s second acquisition this year with their first being Castle Insurance Consultants Ltd – a specialist tour operator and travel insurance broker last March.

Robert Organ, TIG’s chief executive, said: “We have known the team at Hobbs for some time and are delighted that they have decided to join us at Tasker Insurance.”

He said that TIG will continue to grow with a key focus on acquiring broker businesses and attracting talent to the business.

Focus

Hobbs trades under the name Hobbs Associates and focuses on the technology and life science sector, adding depth to TIBs specialist broking division which already includes the tour and operations travel business – Travel Risk Professionals.

It already has hubs in the north west, east, south east and at TIG’s head office in London.

“We have a clear vision to build our specialist broking capabilities, in the areas of technology, life sciences, PI, financial lines and medical malpractice in addition to extending our regional retail broking footprint. The Hobbs team joining us takes us a step closer to achieving this priority,” Organ added.

TIG was formed in May 2011 and is an insurance intermediary with specialisms in leisure, hospitality, entertainment, licenced trades and travel and tour operators.

The retail and specialist broking teams arrange insurance directly for clients whilst the wholesale broking and underwriting business provide solutions via other insurance brokers.

Growth

The acquisition will see Hobbs and its team remain in Leicestershire.

Its managing director, Tony Hobbs, spoke said working with the Tasker team will bring the business additional capabilities and help it achieve its growth aspirations.

“It’s great for us as a team and for the business, that we are joining Taskers, a business that we can trust to allow us to continue to do what we do well - servicing our clients,” he added.

TIG’s specialist broking and markets director, Barry Reynolds concluded: “Welcoming such a capable team into the group is very exciting. With two acquisitions of specialist broking businesses being completed within six months, there is real momentum within the business. It’s an exciting place to be.”