Howden has announced the acquisition of aviation specialist broker Forbes Insurance Limited and the book of business from Hill Aviation Insurance Services Limited.
Howden said that the transactions align with its strategy to expand its specialist expertise for UK clients.
Forbes Insurance and Hill Aviation will be rebranded under the Howden name, forming a dedicated retail aviation division within Howden UK&I. The team will also establish a new Howden office in Leicester, adding to the company’s network of more than 200 branches and office locations across the UK and Ireland.
Founded by CEO Terry Moyes, Forbes Insurance is an independent general insurance broker providing commercial and private client coverage. The firm specialises in aviation insurance, offering solutions for aviation clubs, airfield operators, aircraft maintenance businesses, aviation product suppliers, and manufacturers, as well as for fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, gliders, and motorgliders.
Moyes said that Howden’s 30% employee ownership was a key factor in securing the deal, highlighting the company’s culture and ownership structure.
Based in Leicestershire, the Forbes team has over 125 years of combined insurance and risk management experience. Moyes will lead Howden’s aviation team and oversee the Leicester office.
Hill Aviation, a general aviation insurance broker based in Ripon, North Yorkshire, was founded in 1991 by Steve Hill. Following the transition of his firm’s book of business to Howden, Hill will retire from the industry after a long career in aviation insurance.
Earlier this month, the insurance specialist also partnered with Auxillis under Howden UK&I’s corporate and commercial division to provide claims management services, including vehicle replacement, repair services and a full first notification of loss (FNOL) provision.
The partnership introduces Howden corporate and commercial clients to the Auxillis solution for post-incident management. The service includes gathering information, assessing liability, vehicle recovery, coordinating repairs and arranging replacement vehicle hire.
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