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.
Analysis: The challenge to build back better – as trust in insurance drops
Consumer trust in insurance has fallen over the past 12 months, but experts can see a route to a brighter future. Emmanuel Kenning reports.
Goldman Sachs buys into Clear as ECI exits
The private equity business within Goldman Sachs Asset Management has signed up to buy a stake in Clear Group, the broker has confirmed.
In Depth: The impact of flooding on HNW clients
Sam Barrett examines the future for flood insurance in the high-net-worth space
In Depth: Developing the HNW market for electric vehicles
What are the insurance requirements for HNW electric vehicles and how is the industry responding? Sam Barrett investigates.
Analysis: Recruitment, the workplace environment and the generational shift
Insurance Age learns how the broker space is dealing with hiring and the developing workplace expectations of the younger employees, following reports of recruitment difficulties and clashes between different generations.
Aston Lark buys UKGlobal
Aston Lark has bought UKGlobal Broking Group marking the consolidator’s 50th buy since being formed in 2018.
The Irish broker market: Consolidation and compliance
David Worsfold visits the Emerald Isle to learn more about how the broker market is developing and asks if the next wave of consolidation will be an Irish one
Bruce Stevenson opens fifth branch
The Scotland-based business has opened an office in Perth as it eyes expansion in the region.
Howden buys SPF Private Clients
Howden has signed-up to buy SPF Private Clients for an undisclosed sum, subject to regulatory approval.
Analysis: The inflation challenge
The ever-increasing rate of inflation in the UK and certainty of more to come has led to warnings of challenges for brokers and insurers alike with issues ranging from difficult conversations on premium rises to underinsurance and the prospect of turning…
Aston Lark buys Braddons
Braddons is a specialist corporate broker.
A-Plan delivers rising turnover and profit after Howden takeover
The high street specialist has grown its commercial centres to 40.
Howden restructures executive team ahead of Aston Lark completion
As previously announced, Carl Shuker will lead UK & Ireland business as CEO with Peter Blanc as executive chairman.
In Depth: Build an affinity with trade groups
Sam Barrett explores the strategies brokers need to employ when building schemes cover for trade and affinity groups
In Depth: Standing out in the schemes market
Sam Barrett speaks to experts about how to develop successful schemes across a range of niche areas
Industry braces for "very active few weeks" following Axa vs Wolseley BI ruling
Market experts think the Axa and Corbin & King verdict could spark a chain reaction in the insurance industry, leading to a reopening of claims and renegotiated settlements.
Analysis: Spotlight falls on personal lines amid consolidation frenzy
After a record breaking year for deals by value and volume, specialists analyse what is driving the market and where the acquisition rush will go next. Emmanuel Kenning reports.
Aon confirms cyber incident
Firm states its ability to serve clients has not been impacted by the event.
Brokers praise insurer response to storms claims
Storms Dudley, Eunice, and Franklin could cost UK insurers more than £400m in claims, according to Moodys.
Aston Lark builds on Irish expansion
The consolidator has revealed plans to keep expanding in the Republic of Ireland after sealing its eighth deal.
Aston Lark makes second PMI deal for 2022
Healthwise becomes part of the Howden-owned consolidator.
Brokers face staff shortfall amid Great Resignation
Analysis: Brokers warn the industry is facing a skills shortage as they struggle to fill gaps despite reports of more people looking for new jobs after the pandemic lockdowns.
Blanc exits Hastings board as Mark Cliff steps in
The former Brightside boss has joined Hastings as non-executive director following Peter Blanc's resignation prompted by the Aston Lark-Howden deal.
Howden reports 48% revenue rise for 2021
The broker, which recently bought Aston Lark, also reveals organic growth of 19% for the year.