Country and Commercial Insurance Brokers (CCIB) is one of the best known agricultural brokerages in the North West – and now it has a new owner, with Global Risk Partners snapping up a majority interest in the firm.
As part of the deal GRP will not only acquire CCIB but will also take its oversight of the Federation of Agricultural Brokers (FAB), a UK-wide network of agricultural brokers.
CCIB was first formed by
Debbie Airey and Anne Pickover back in 2007. It focuses on both the commercial and personal lines space with specialisations including farm fleet, D&O and environmental liability. The duo then founded FAB in 2014 and the group now has 31 members – it was seen as an opportunity for agricultural brokers to join together and potentially improve their trading terms.
“Brexit will bring about huge changes in the farming sector, not least because of the potential reforms to the farm payments system, which require farmers to supplement their income by generating revenue from means other than traditional farming, for example leisure, specialist food production and other rural business activities,” commented Airey.
“It will be vital that they get advice from specialist brokers such as CCIB who understand their needs. As part of the GRP Group, CCIB will be able to extend the help and support we give our customers, so that they make the most of the new opportunities provided by change in the rural landscape.”
Mike Bruce, GRP’s CEO of broking, also expressed his enthusiasm at the deal.
“Debbie and Anne have built an excellent business in CCIB, and we look forward to assisting them as they embark on the next stage of the journey. They are a dynamic team and we are delighted that they are joining GRP, where we have high expectations of growth for both CCIB and the FAB network,” he said.
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