Not reading the small print (for whatever reason) can prove expensive when it comes to claiming on your insurance. Yet, research shows only around 7%* of people bother to read contractual terms and conditions. Not surprising, given their length and the level of detail and jargon they contain.
Which is where we come in. We make sure you have the right cover at the right price and that the small print confirms the cover you’ve bought – without giving the insurer a get-out clause. So if you need to make a claim, it’s settled swiftly, smoothly, and seamlessly.
*Source: Skandia UK
Tap into 35+ years of hard-won expertise built around a broad portfolio of key services – from insurance audits, risk analysis, and pricing and placement, to global insurance programmes, business combined packages, and mergers and acquisitions.
Draw on our in-depth knowledge and deep understanding of a diverse range of key sectors and industries. And thanks our ability to cross-pollinate between them, we can help any business – no matter how specialist or niche – to navigate the world of insurance and get the best cover, at the best price, for their specific needs.
First and foremost, we make sure you have the right level of cover for your needs, while making life as simple and as straightforward as possible. But it’s our values that guide how we do business. They provide a framework for decision-making, a blueprint for building relationships, and a yardstick for measuring success.
Castlemead Insurance Brokers is a Chartered, FCA-authorised independent commercial insurance broker for UK mid-market businesses, founded in Bristol in 1987 and operating across the Bristol to Exeter corridor and France. We specialise in international risk advisory for UK businesses with overseas operations, coordinating property, liability, financial lines and cyber programmes across Europe and beyond through Castlemead France and the GBN and TechAssure networks.
With £25m of gross written premium under management, we’re big enough to carry weight with insurers, and small enough that every client deals directly with experienced, Chartered professionals who know their business. Our five account executives serve mid-market businesses from the South West to the Midlands, from offices in Bristol, Exeter and Compiegne.
Independent. We don’t work for any insurer. We search 80+ markets to find the cover that’s right for your business, not the policy that earns us the most commission.
Chartered. We hold Chartered status from the Chartered Insurance Institute, the highest professional standard in UK insurance broking. Every member of our team meets strict requirements for qualifications, ethics, and ongoing development.
Specialist. From advanced manufacturing and food & drink to technology and life sciences, our brokers have genuine expertise in the sectors they serve. We understand your industry, your risks, and where standard policies fall short.
International. Through Castlemead France, the GBN network (150 countries), and TechAssure, we arrange and coordinate insurance programmes for UK businesses with overseas operations, covering property, liability, financial lines, and cyber across Europe and beyond.
Cyber-ready. Through Fourarmed, our cyber risk arm, we conduct independent technical audits and review policy wordings across 18 insurers. We don’t just place cyber cover: we make sure it actually works when you need it.
Personal. Our clients deal directly with their account executive, the same person, every time. No call centres, no chatbots, no being passed between departments.
Since 1987, we’ve built a reputation for going the extra mile, particularly when it matters most. Because small print matters.
We’re lucky to have many of the brightest and the best from the world of commercial insurance at Castlemead. Click on a portrait to find out more.
“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
