Momentum Meets

In this episode of Momentum Meets, host Alistair Body welcomes David Hockey, Head of Partnerships at Admiral Pioneer, the division behind Admiral’s bold expansion into the commercial insurance space.Renowned for its leadership in personal lines, Admiral is now making strategic moves into the SME market – and they’re doing it through carefully chosen broker partnerships. David shares the thinking behind this shift, the ambition driving it, and what it means for brokers who want to stay ahead of the curve.From modular products and proprietary platforms to digital underwriting and long-term broker relationships, this conversation uncovers how Admiral Pioneer is building something new – with brokers, not around them. You’ll hear about the lessons David’s brought from his global experience, what’s shaped the early momentum, and how Admiral aims to balance innovation with trusted service.Whether you’re a broker seeking forward-thinking insurer partnerships or simply curious about how legacy players are adapting for the future, this episode delivers practical insight and fresh perspective in equal measure. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We meet our very newly appointed Broker Relationship Manager, Joe Hall, who discusses his previous experience in the industry after starting his career in car sales.If you're looking to start your own brokerage and want more information on how Momentum Broker Solutions can support your journey, then reach out to Alistair Body on LinkedIn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we're joined by Mathew Rowles, Managing Director of Malago Insurance in Bristol. With over 30 years in the industry and nearly a decade running his own brokerage, Mathew has built something genuinely meaningful – a firm rooted in traditional values, local relationships, and an unwavering commitment to doing things the right way.We talk through the story behind Malago: why Mathew chose to set up on his own, how he’s grown the business through word-of-mouth and community reputation, and what it means to stay independent in today’s fast-changing insurance landscape. From supporting local sports teams to organising Christmas appeals for families, Mathew’s approach is all about bringing people together and providing real value.In this episode:🌉 Why community-led values still outperform volume-driven models🌉 How independent brokers can compete – and win – without chasing scale🌉 What today’s clients really want: relationships, relevance, and reliability Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Alistair Body, sits down with solicitor Kevin Timms, founder and director of Tenarys Law. With over 13 years of experience, Kevin has built a reputation for handling complex disputes across insurance, construction, and commercial sectors. His approach focuses on turning disputes into strategic assets, helping clients save time and money.​Their conversation explores the legal landscape post-COVID-19, strategies for managing legacy insurance portfolios, and the impact of group class actions. They also discuss how brokers can proactively approach claim recoveries and navigate legal considerations regarding undisclosed commissions.​Kevin shares his insights on the importance of early action in construction-related claims and how brokers can support SMEs in the construction sector.​This discussion offers valuable perspectives for independent insurance brokers in the UK, providing practical insights to better support clients and navigate the shifting legal environment.​Disclaimer: Kevin Timms is a qualified solicitor. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Listeners should consult a qualified professional for advice tailored to their specific circumstances.​ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Wednesday 26 March, we discovered how you can transform your career in insurance. In the webinar, we unveiled the real-life journey of Matt Meader, founder of Meader Risk Solutions, who left full-time employment to start his own insurance brokerage in 2023. His story is an example of how strategic insight, resilience, and a forward-thinking approach can empower every Account Executive to achieve entrepreneurial success. If you’re an Account Executive or in a client management role, this webinar showed how to unlock new business opportunities through true partnership with Momentum. Alongside Matt, you gained valuable insights from his partner, Olivia O’Donnell, whose influential role in his decision-making process underscores the impact of experienced guidance. Whether you’re ready to take the next step or simply curious about your future possibilities, this offered opportunity to learn how to step confidently into business ownership.We’re ready to support your journey to running a successful independent insurance brokerage. Find out how to become a Broker Partner with us by talking with Sasha Goschen, our Business Development Executive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NEW EPISODES COMING SOON!We’re revisiting one of our most popular episodes - The True Cost to Starting Your Own Brokerage (S1E10). One of the most common questions we hear is, “How much do I really need to invest to start my own brokerage?” The answer might surprise you. And if you want to hear more real experiences from those who’ve done it, don’t miss our special live webinar on March 26th at 7.30pm. Matt Meader and his partner Olivia O’Donnell will share their journey - how they planned for the transition, the challenges they overcame, and what’s made Meader Risk a success. Sign up now, and take that next step towards your future – momentumsolutions.co.uk/broker-qaReady to discuss plans to start your own independent insurance brokerage? Start a confidential chat with me on LinkedIn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NEW EPISODES COMING SOON!Starting your own brokerage is an exciting step forward in your career. But for many, there are hesitations - questions about timing, financial security, and whether it’s the right move. In this episode, we’re bringing you highlights from Breaking the Barriers to Starting Your Own Brokerage (S1E19). Momentum Broker Partners Andy Burman and Pete Phillips share how they embraced the opportunity to build their own businesses - overcoming concerns, preparing financially, and developing the confidence to make it happen. If you’ve ever considered starting your own brokerage but weren’t sure where to begin, this episode will give you valuable insights and motivation.  And if you want to hear more real experiences from those who’ve done it, don’t miss our special live webinar on March 26th at 7.30pm. Matt Meader and his partner Olivia O’Donnell will share their journey - how they planned for the transition, the challenges they overcame, and what’s made Meader Risk a success. Sign up now, and take that next step towards your future – momentumsolutions.co.uk/broker-qaReady to discuss plans to start your own independent insurance brokerage? Start a confidential chat with me on LinkedIn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your Life. Your Business. Your Future.Last week, we hosted our final Momentum 101 of the year showing prospective new insurance brokers that the path to starting their own independent brokerage is within close reach.New of consolidation has continued to dominate headlines this year, but Nigel Bartlett and Ben Hasler see it as an opportunity to capitalise on the personal nature of broking.If you're looking to start your own brokerage and want more information on how Momentum Broker Solutions can support your journey, then reach out to Alistair Body on LinkedIn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is focussed on someone who has set up their own brokerage in one of the furthest corners of the UK and works tirelessly to serve his local community. I'm pleased to welcome Adam Stanger of Orkney Insurance Brokers.Adam's journey into the world of insurance started after he left school to work at the Bank of Scotland, then took some time to travel and explore. The last 16 years have been in broking, starting his own business in 2022.We talk about:The importance of a truly local broker - and how different it is working on the island of OrkneyThe challenges of Scottish broking, especially with the centralisation of underwriting in EnglandOrkney's rich maritime historyIf you're looking to start your own brokerage and want more information on how Momentum Broker Solutions can support your journey, then reach out to Alistair Body on LinkedIn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We focus on Compliance and Governance - a crucial area for brokerages, both new and established. Joining Alistair Body are two members from our very own Compliance Team: Steve Walton, Quality and Compliance Director and Helen Webster, Quality & Compliance and Onboarding Coordinator.  Together, they discuss: ✅ The importance of compliance with an example that saw a brokerage being wound up✅ How they’re expanding learning tools to better support CPD points✅ Effective oversight and partnership strategies for Appointed Representatives Steve and Helen also share their forward-thinking perspectives on fostering partnerships, maintaining transparency around complaints, and preparing for the next wave of regulatory changes. If you're looking to start your own brokerage and want more information on how Momentum Broker Solutions can support your journey, then reach out to Alistair Body on LinkedIn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"I like telling people about my plan because it holds me to account if I'm not delivering... And I don't like to fail."For our latest episode, Alistair Body is joined by Woking-based Sam Bowen who set up Opal Black in 2022. For Sam, the dream is to grow a network of independent local brokerages that will support communities. Two years into his business plan and he's just completed his first acquisition - but promises there is more growth to come.In this episode, we also hear:How enrolling with a life coach has widened his perspective, and gives him chance to reflectWhy he left a self-employed insurance roleAbout the support that Momentum have offered to allow Sam to rewrite his business planIf you're looking to start your own brokerage and want more information on how Momentum Broker Solutions can support your journey, then reach out to Alistair Body on LinkedIn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"When the pressure comes in terms of financial growth, it takes you further away from what you should be there for."Our latest guest is Martin Castleton of Aureum Insurance. A self-confessed petrolhead with a passion for cars, Martin began his journey in the insurance industry at the Motor Insurance Bureau in 1997.After holding senior positions throughout his career, he decided to advance his career and start his own insurance brokerage with the support of his school friend Dean.In this episode, we delve into:🚗 Why Martin chose the insurance industry instead of following a career in law🚗 Prioritising client service over corporate metrics and the importance of personal relationships in the insurance industry🚗 The impact of venture capital on the insurance market and its effects on client care and broker operationsIf you're looking to start your own brokerage and want more information on how Momentum Broker Solutions can support your journey, then reach out to Alistair Body on LinkedIn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He started his business - then got a cricket injury Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's time to shine the spotlight on our upcoming talent - The Apprentices!Alistair Body talks with Cam, Charlotte, Connor and Nyle to reveal why they chose to earn while they learn and uncovers🎓 who's tried an apprenticeship before🎓 why one person switched from broking to business systems🎓 which person left a trainee management scheme at a bakers🎓 who has a budding passion for ITIf you'd like to join our Apprenticeship Programme, click through to our website to apply and join our dynamic team! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we feature Rob Dakin, Head of Business Resilience Management Delivery at AXA. Rob brings a wealth of experience and insights from his extensive work in risk management and his close collaboration with Momentum and its broker partners over the past two years. We learn how AXA is transforming high-risk scenarios into insurable opportunities and how brokers can leverage these insights to better serve their clients.You'll hear Rob discuss:📋 market shifts📋 the role of surveys - and tips for brokers on how to approach them📋 the evolving landscape of risk management Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We head to Somerset to meet Dean Holloway of Holloway Insurance Services. You'll hear:💻 how owing his own brokerage has improved Dean's health💻 the importance of remaining truly local💻 why he continues to push his online presenceBe our next guest: momentumsolutions.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam Franks - Beazley 's UK Regional Development Manager and Head of Birmingham Office - joins Alistair Body on the latest episode of our Momentum Meets podcast. You'll hear:📈 how Beazley approach emerging risks, including a product that has been rolled out in the USA📈 a brief touch on the election and what it can mean for the market📈 why we need to be more proud about working in our industryWe also learn more about Sam - including his volunteering with local schools, to supporting children and adults with complex learning needs. And, despite his busy agenda, he still manages to find time to head out for a run...Be our next guest: momentumsolutions.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's guest is an experienced insurance broker specialising in the Hospitality, Retail and Leisure Sectors. Matt Meader of Meader Risk talks about: 🧑‍🍳 the phone call to his girlfriend when he decided to set up his own brokerage🧑‍🍳 how he focusses on the hospitality niche🧑‍🍳 the importance of a good spreadsheet If you want to join Alistair on a future episode, drop our Marketing Team a message. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're giving you the chance to listen to our recent Momentum 101 which featured two broker partners talking about what initiated the move to self-employment, dealing with self-doubt, how to prepare financially, and much more.  If you still have doubts about starting a brokerage, head to our website to read Alistair's post that may help you identify and overcome the barriers preventing you from launching your own venture.Ready to start your own brokerage? Book a call with Alistair - it may be the best conversation you ever had!Keep an eye on our Momentum 101 page if you want to be in the audience of our next discussion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Every door we knocked on was insured by a national brokerage. They don’t visit the client, they bombard them with emails, and they expect them just to renew” We head to Newport to talk with one of our newest Broker Partners. Ben Tweddle, who has over 20 years’ experience under his belt, works alongside friend (and fellow director) Ben Hasler at Protex Insurance. Their investment into the local community in their first year is obvious to see, as they focus on their commitment to superior customer service. Ben, who loves working in the motor trade sector, talks about: 🐶 his first job at a steel company🐶 the importance of partnership, both between him and Ben, and also Momentum🐶 ‘Tex’ – the potential four-legged mascot If you want to join Alistair on a future episode, drop our Marketing Team a message. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.