Acquisitive insurance group swoops for commercial broker

Guiseley-headquartered insurance business, JMG Group, has acquired commercial insurance broker GR Marshall as the Southampton-based broker approaches its 50th year in the industry.

GR Marshall, which was established in 1974 by Gill Marshall, is now led by Robert Tipp who became a major shareholder and managing director in 2001 and then sole shareholder in 2013.

A privately-owned commercial broker which operates primarily in the property, motor trade and personal insurance market, GR Marshall provides broker services to local clients as well as property managers across the UK. 

The business employs five staff at its office in Hythe and will continue to trade under the GR Marshall brand.  

Tipp said: “This sale is the next step in building on the success we have achieved and, with the expertise and backing from the JMG Group, will allow us to take the business even further.

“I’m currently wearing six or seven hats at any one time and, whilst they are all essential parts of running a successful insurance broker business, I want to engage even more with clients, which is what this move will allow me to do. 

“It was important that we found a buyer that shares our people-focused values and the sales process has more than confirmed this of JMG Group.”

Nick Houghton, CEO of JMG Group, said: “What makes GR Marshall special is its approach to client handling and this is reflected in the longevity and loyalty of its client base.

“The group will help GR Marshall with some of the ‘heavy lifting’ elements involved in the day-to-day running, yet allow Robert and his team the autonomy to steer the business as they best know how.

“Having GR Marshall on board gives us additional expertise to share across the group and a stronger foothold in the South of England.”