Castlemead was founded in Bristol in 1987 by David Ingleby, specifically to provide businesses with expert and independent insurance and risk-management advice. Over 35 years later, our expert and forward-looking team, today led by David’s son, Richard, continues to grow steadily and we now have offices in Bristol, Exeter, and Compeigne, near Paris.
What makes us different?
Some clients might say it’s our outcome-led approach. Others, our ability to see the big picture and zoom in on the detail. Others still, our commitment to always act in their best interests. But for us, it’s our values. They act as a North Star for how we do business. They provide a framework for decision-making, a blueprint for building relationships, and a yardstick for measuring success.
How can we make life easier and simpler for our clients, provide more value, and deliver better results? Typically, it’s in the details: the small print, the cover, the price. Often, a little insight here can make a big difference there.
We understand how businesses work, and what makes them tick. We keep our finger on the industry pulse and we’re on a never-ending mission to learn and develop our commercial know-how. Know-how we then apply to the benefit of our clients’ businesses – and ours.
At every opportunity, we aim to lift everyone up. We help insurers, we help suppliers, we help our clients, and we help our colleagues to be the best they can be – and achieve the best possible outcome and results.
We want the best for our clients and move heaven and earth to get the job done. We don't leave the I’s undotted or the T’s uncrossed. We keep going. We place the cover. We settle the account. We get the claim paid. We get the outcome we need.
We’re truthful, yet respectful – even if clients or insurers behave poorly. We keep our promises and present our clients’ risks to insurers fairly – even if this makes life difficult for us. We never “sell insurance to our clients”. Instead, we “buy insurance for them”.
“Castlemead really understand what we do. It’s a good fit and the size of the business means we don’t feel like a number.”
“They go the extra mile to give the best possible service, and they look after the best interests of the client.”
“Castlemead have a deep understanding of our sector, we operate globally and they understand the risks we face in our markets. Our previous insurers didn’t have this understanding and it transpires that we had the wrong insurance and were unknowingly exposed. They are very responsive, Richard is the main contact but his team works seamlessly with my team and things get done. I don’thave to chase or worry. It all happens at the right level and it works.Castlemead is very different, there’s expertise but there’s a human element, you’re dealing with people who know your business.”
“They are a small firm and they really take care of their clients. They know what they are doing and they understand our industry. They also have all the history of our company and understand our business so they can just get on with the insurance.”
“We’ve worked with Castlemead for many years. Their specialist knowledge of the care sector means they understand our business and keep us updated with any changes we need to know about. They are extremely thorough in their approach and offer a friendly and efficient service. We highly recommend them.”
“We started working with Castlemead following a merger. Previously our insurance had been handled by one of our subsidiary companies, but following a management buyout we needed to find a new insurance broker and contacted Castlemead on their recommendation. We haven’t looked back! Adrian at Castlemead was extremely thorough in his approach and quickly grasped the size of our commercial property portfolio. He also visited a number of our properties to ensure the insurance cover was right. In my experience, this was the the first time a broker had done this.”
“We feel like we have a relationship with a company who really has got our back. We have genuinely never had this experience with an insurance supplier before. Not only was the Castlemead quote the cheapest, but due to Adrian’s diligence it was also the most comprehensive cover we have ever had.”
“We’ve found the Castlemead team to be through and responsive, and as such, they’ve taken a lot of the admin away from us which is great.”
“I feel confident that Castlemead has a good understanding of our business and the risks we face.”
“It’s the personal approach, Clive and Sarah know how we operate, they understand what limitations we have and our management set up. They provide the info we need in the right way. Our business is complex and they understand it which makes the whole process easier. They also understand that insurance isn’t our core business or our interest. They make sure we’re properly covered and at a reasonable price.”
“We were with a large VC broker before. They had been taken over so many times, while the contact didn’t change, it felt like it was time to change supplier. I knew Richard from a business networking group, and he had credibility, was clearly knowledgeable, and that gave us confidence to change.”
“We approached Castlemead as they are the WEAF appointed broker and understand our sector. They put forward a robust insurance package for us and a fair and honest proposal. We're delighted with the service we get from them, they deliver on everything they say they will and there's always someone you can speak to when you need to. We never feel like a number, it's a highly personal and professional service.”
“Shaun understands our business and is extremely thorough. Castlemead has married up all our insurances and they are now under the same policy date. Whatever the query he will come back quickly with an answer.”
“The length of time we’ve been working together means that they have a really good working knowledge of our business. They offer a very competent service and are responsive. They give clear advice on any changes and reasons for changes to the policy.”
Further information:
Bristol office:
Castlemead House
St John's Road
Bristol BS3 1AL
Exeter office:
Leeward House
Fitzroy Road
Exeter Business Park
Exeter EX1 3LJ
