We support our clients trading internationally through our Global Business Network (GBN) membership and, post-Brexit, through Castlemead France, our office in Compiegne, near Paris.
Castlemead France, our ‘French Connection’, provides a gateway to Europe for businesses in the UK with subsidiaries and interests in France and the rest of the EU. It’s also a conduit for businesses in Europe looking to approach the UK market for capacity.
Our French office offers a full suite of international agencies with leading insurers, as well as passporting rights across the EU. It’s regulated by Orias and is a member of the CNCEF.
How it works
While our ability to work across borders in Europe and the world is unusual for an independent broker our size, it offers real flexibility, efficiency and cost-effectiveness for our clients. For example:
One of our UK clients has a small sales office in Germany, and because we have an office in the EU, we can issue the liability from the UK through Castlemead France. This approach also means we can write the policy for a fraction of the cost compared to using an EU broker.
A company in the EU has multiple sites across Europe and the main broker, and GBN member, is based in Italy. The broker can use GBN members to source and issue the right policies across multiple countries. In this instance, we’d handle the UK policy.
If you want to set up a subsidiary in Turkey, we can arrange insurance on your behalf through a local Indian GBN broker. It works both ways, too. If you’re an Turkish company setting up a UK subsidiary, your local broker can work with us to arrange insurance that complies with UK regulations and meets your needs. Even better, you only need to deal with your own broker.
Ultimately, through Castlemead France and GBN’s global network of brokers, insurers, reinsurers, legal professionals, and risk managers across 150 countries, we’ve got all the bases covered.
Find out more about the 10 year anniversary of GBN and The Power of Community here
“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
