Ethos Broking is a collection of like-minded brokers that share similar values but retain their own DNA.
We pride ourselves on delivering a unique offering which is built on close relationships and aligned cultures, whilst at the same time providing our brokers with the tools to grow independently.
To deliver our strategy, we work with culturally aligned businesses by offering the capital and expertise needed to facilitate their aspirations. For those ready to take a step back, we provide an alternative to consolidation, allowing their business to be part of a federation of strong regional brands.
The acquisition journey


















"We've worked in and managed brokerages so we've walked in your shoes and understand the challenges that you face"
To us it's not just business, it's personal. We have strong relationships with a range of insurer partners enabling you to provide the best products and facilities to your customers.
- Regional Hubs
- Satellites
Our regional broking hubs have stable and ambitious management teams, who actively pursue the acquisition of smaller Satellite brokers with the ultimate aim of achieving Organic Growth. We understand the importance of regional independent brokers which is why all our Partners retain their own identity and brand. The Hub is provided with access to capital to purchase smaller brokers, known as ‘satellites’. Each Ethos Broker receives wide ranging support from a team of market-leading in-house experts, offering services including HR, Marketing, Risk & Compliance Management and Insurer Reconciliation.
We understand that having poured a good deal of blood, sweat and tears into your business, deciding to sell is an emotional experience. Selling to a like-minded independent broker is often less daunting and can enable you to remain within the business if you wish. Satellite brokerages are often smaller in size with directors looking to sell to another independently thinking business within the area.
The team

Alan Sumner
Regional Managing Director Ethos Broking (North)Following previous positions including Regional Managing Director and head of Risk Management for Jelf, Alan joined Compass London Markets in 2018 before being appointed Regional MD for Ethos Brokers in the North the following year.

Peter Foster
Regional Managing Director (South)Peter Foster has moved from account handler roles to a position at Norwich Union, before becoming a broker at Hugh J Boswell. Following the acquisition of Hugh J Boswell in 2019, Peter took up the role of Regional MD to the Ethos Broking Partners in the South of the UK.
Our brokers

The first Ethos Broking Partner, Finch Group joined the fold in November 2016. Established in 1971, Finch has grown into one of the UK’s top 50 insurance brokers, with offices in Reading, Southampton, the Isle of Wight, Basingstoke and Bournemouth.

Boyd Insurance was established over 40 years ago and operate from their office in Paisley, as well as three additional offices across Scotland. The business is now seen as one of Scotland’s premier independent brokerages, delivering a comprehensive portfolio of insurance and risk management services to businesses across a range of industry sectors.

Established over 60 years ago, Saffron Insurance has grown considerably over the last twenty years and has developed into one of East Anglia’s largest independent insurance brokerages. The business delivers its commercial-centric service via 12 offices in the South East region.

Established in 1964 Thompson & Richardson is one of the largest independent insurance brokerages in the UK. Focusing largely on commercial lines business, the brokerage employs 75 members of staff across its 4 offices in Sleaford, Grantham, Lincoln and Boston.

Knighthood Corporate Assurance Services has built a strong reputation since its establishment by providing competitive tailored solutions for a diverse range of businesses. Based in West Sussex, this commercial lines broker has a strong focus on marine insurance clients.

Kent-based Weald Insurance Brokers were established following a merger of two like-minded businesses in 2003. Weald has since built a strong reputation specialising in property-related commercial risks, fleet, motor and motor trade insurances and policies for high net worth individuals.

Lockyers has grown from small beginnings in West Yorkshire to a well-established independent broker which boasts a variety of services. The small yet capable team of experts has amassed over 200 years’ worth of experience, and currently operate from two locations.

With headquarters in Manchester, MCM has been delivering a personal service to a diverse range of businesses since its creation in 1977. The brokerage, which is renowned in the North West region, also has offices in Derry and Birmingham.

Established in West Sussex in 1967 Bennett Christmas has grown organically and through acquisition to become one of the county’s leading insurance brokers. The business now employs over 50 people and controls over £17m in GWP from its office in Burgess Hill.

Founded over 100 years ago in 1906, Hugh J Boswell has since built a strong commercial reputation, particularly in the automotive industry. While remaining proudly independent, this broker employs over 60 staff with three offices across Norwich, Bury St Edmunds and London.

Perry Hawkins moved to Rugby and merged with Appletons to form Perry Appletons in 2000. The company has made a couple of small acquisitions during their time in business and has a financial arm of the business, Perry Appletons Financial. Part of the Rugby First Business Improvement District, Perry Appleton are strongly rooted in their community – making them a firm powerhouse from which to make further acquisitions in the region.

Founded in 1971, Guy Penn & Co Ltd is a long-established Personal and Commercial Lines community broker, based in Lancashire. The business has grown to operate from four locations across the North West and also runs two successful agencies for Yorkshire Building Society. The team joined the Ethos Broking family in August 2020.

Operating for over 70 years, London- based Chambers & Newman have developed a strong reputation focusing largely on Property Insurance. The business employs 20 members of staff and controls over £19.3m in GWP from its office in Piccadilly and became part of the Ethos Broking family in April 2021.

Established in 1972, Yorkshire based Schofield Insurance Brokers offer a broad range of expertise for both commercial and private clients. The business now employs 32 people and controls over £9.7m in GWP from its office in Leeds. The team joined the Ethos Broking family in October 2021.
Not sure of your next steps?
If you're thinking of selling your business and would like more information, our Ethos Broking team are here to answer your questions and offer confidential advice.