Aston Lark
Founded in 1994, there are two UK regulated businesses currently under the Howden brand; Howden Insurance Brokers Limited and Howden Reinsurance Brokers Limited. The businesses of A-Plan Insurance and Aston Lark are recent additions to Howden and underline its commitment to its domestic market. These businesses now place over £6bn a year on behalf of more than 1.7 million clients, who are served by over 5,000 colleagues in 160 locations across the UK and Ireland.
Aston Lark features in the Insurance Age Top 75 UK Brokers listing, and the Insurance Age Top 100 Insurance Brokers 2021 listing. Find out what other companies made the cut.
Bruce Stevenson reveals growth and plans for Hogg to succeed Bruce as CEO
Howden-owned Bruce Stevenson has reported a 30% increase in turnover to £11.7m with profits up 33% to £3.9m and revealed CEO succession plans.
Brokers face ‘fair value’ dilemma on premium finance amid interest rate rises
Brokers are faced with a dilemma as interest rates rise. The Financial Conduct Authority’s demand for them to offer ‘fair value’ products is at the forefront of their minds when they decide how to deal with the customer. Saxon East reports.
M&A slips back from 2021 record to £4bn in 2022
Imas has calculated that the value of UK general insurance distribution M&A dropped to £4bn in 2022 from £5.6bn in 2021, Insurance Age can reveal.
Howden to become broking powerhouse in the North after Reich buy
Reich will add bolt-on acquisitions, becoming the Northern hub for Howden’s expansion into the region, according to Aston Lark CEO Peter Blanc.
Howden confirms Reich takeover
Howden has confirmed Insurance Age’s exclusive story that it has bought Reich Insurance Group.
Howden buys Reich
Howden has bought Reich Group for an undisclosed sum, Insurance Age can reveal.
Brokers to settle ‘very little’ of £19m financial adviser claims amid latest FCA blow, legal expert says
The FCA’s hopes of getting insurers and brokers to settle £19.2m in IFA claims is in doubt, with a fresh legal challenge the latest blow to hit the regulator’s compensation scheme.
People Moves: 6 - 10 February 2023
Keep up to date with the latest personnel moves in the insurance industry.
Aston Lark strikes deal to buy Allegiance Insure
Howden-owned Aston Lark has agreed terms to buy Allegiance Insure in its first acquisition of 2023.
Interview: Warren Dickson, Aston Lark
Aston Lark UK retail managing director Warren Dickson says the broker is a different period of expansion with office openings ahead. Navigating the struggling UK economy is also a challenge, but one he is up for.
News analysis: The 1/1 reinsurance renewals – What will 2023’s ‘challenging’ reinsurance market mean for UK brokers?
The annual 1/1 reinsurance renewal season might not have been on the list of major concerns of the average UK broker at the start of 2023. But as Rachel Gordon reports it could have a sting in the tail this year when it comes to capacity shrinkage and…
Aston Lark eyes widespread regional expansion in next phase of growth
Aston Lark will look at opening branch offices as it seeks to expand its regional footprint across the UK, according to UK retail managing director Warren Dickson.
David Howden hails double digit UK organic growth and promises more buys
Howden Group CEO, David Howden, has praised the “very strong” and “across the board” organic growth in the business’ UK “pillars” as he revealed the progress at Aston Lark and A Plan.
Howden posts 19% organic growth for 2022
International insurance group Howden has reported 19% organic revenue growth for 2022, the year it completed the purchase of Aston Lark.
People Moves: 9 – 13 January 2023
Keep up to date with the latest personnel moves in insurance.
Aston Lark to open branches in South Wales and the Thames Valley
Aston Lark is expanding its UK regional footprint by opening offices in South Wales and The Thames Valley.
Higos adds 10 apprentices in Wiser Academy tie-up
Higos has taken on 10 college leavers as apprentices working with Wiser Academy to help build the next generation of insurance brokers in the South West.
Review of the Year 2022: Michelle Taylor, Zurich head of sales and distribution
In the latest part of Insurance Age's review of the year Zurich head of sales and distribution Michelle Taylor offers her reflections on 2022 and predictions for the next 12 months.
FCA claims data shows customers get a ‘far better outcome’ via advised broking - Blanc
The FCA’s claims data on personal lines shows customers get a ‘far better outcome’ when taking advise through brokers, according to Aston Lark chief executive Peter Blanc.
Aston Lark acquires N&G direct marine trade book
Aston Lark has bought Navigators and General's commercial direct marine trade book.
FCA ‘haven’t thought through’ plans for PI insurers to pay millions in IFA claims
Insurers have a number of valid reasons to reject claims from IFAs who mis-sold pensions to British steel workers, according to a legal expert.
Products: December 2022
Product launches including cover for SMEs and contractors, residential property owners, renovation providers and a digital platform pilot.
Aston Lark expands Early Careers Programme in national push
Aston Lark has launched the second wave of its Early Careers Programme and committed to expanding the number of recruits to up to 80 in 2023.
IFAs who mis-sold pensions to steel workers fear insurers will reject PI claims
Financial advisers who mis-sold pensions to British Steel workers ‘are concerned that their professional indemnity insurance may not respond to claims’, it has emerged in a regulatory update.