Steadfast Group has rebranded its London-based specialty brokerage, HW Wood, under a new name, HWS Specialty, following its full acquisition of the business and its French counterpart, HWI France, in late 2024.
The change consolidates Steadfast’s international operations into a unified specialty platform.
Alongside the rebrand, Steadfast Placements – its division linking Australasian brokers to specialty markets overseas – will now operate under the HWS Specialty name.
Steadfast acquired HW Wood and HWI France in December for £23.5 million (about A$46 million). The transaction included more than 75 employees across offices in the UK, France and Greece.
The business continues to provide wholesale, retail, and reinsurance solutions in sectors including marine, cargo, property, fine art, and specie.
Steadfast’s international CEO, Samantha Hollman, said the move reflects a shift toward a more integrated global operation.
“We are excited to embark on this new chapter as HWS Specialty. The new identity symbolises the fusion of tradition and innovation with a bold vision for the future,” she said. “This marks the beginning of a new value proposition and further cements our dedication to delivering innovative insurance product solutions with a client-centric approach.”
Steve Rudduck, who remains as managing director of the newly named entity, said the company would maintain its existing values while adjusting to global market demands.
“We remain committed to upholding the values that have defined us while embracing the opportunities that lie ahead to expand our service and offer bespoke insurance solutions to meet the evolving needs of our clients in an increasingly interconnected world,” he said.
HW Wood, established in 1982, has operated as a Lloyd’s broker for over two decades. Its incorporation into Steadfast’s broader platform is part of the Australian group’s plan to enhance its presence in major international markets and offer direct support to its broker network in Australasia, the US, and Europe.
Commenting on the acquisition strategy, Steadfast CEO Robert Kelly said the investment provides additional scope for international growth. The acquisition also supports Steadfast’s transition to managing its London binders internally over the next two years.
In tandem with the brand update, a new HWS Specialty website has been launched to reflect its revised market offering and services.
Steadfast also recently reaffirmed its commitment to workplace well-being, having been re-certified as a Family Friendly Workplace. The recognition, assessed every two years, considers employer practices across flexibility, parental, and caregiving support and organisational culture.
