SMg Goes Super league

It hasn?t got quite the local rivalry of a Leeds Rhinos v Bradford Bulls match, but newly enlarged SMg Risk Solutions has certainly got a lot to shout about.

The Managing Directors of the companies recently acquired by SMg are both keen rugby league supporters; RBR Insurance Brokers is in the middle of a two year sponsorship of the Bulls, which SMg has inherited, and Mike Cowburn of Cowburn Insurance Brokers is heavily involved with the Rhinos. The two men have, however, agreed to put their rugby disagreements behind them in order to forge ahead in the insurance game and create Yorkshire?s only Superleague insurance broker.

SMg itself has been in Leeds for over 70 years and has built a reputation for honesty, integrity and client service. Last year, it was acquired by the Folgate Partnership, a new breed of insurance deliverer, and in February and March of this year, SMg purchased the insurance business of RBR of Ilkley, and Woodlesford-based Cowburn Insurance Brokers.

SMg now has 120 people, a gross written premium income of over ?40m, offices in Leeds, Ilkley, Bradford and Altrincham, and an impressive range of clients across the country.

SMg?s new Managing Director, and a Director of Bradford Bulls, Mark Minton, said, ?This is a tremendously exciting time for all of us at SMg. We are focused on looking after our client base and helping them through the challenges that a hardening insurance market brings. We have an experienced group of people and, through the Folgate Partnership and our own established contacts, access to an excellent panel of insurers. We believe strongly that SMg will be a force to be reckoned with in the broking industry and that clients will see a difference in the way they are looked after by us, compared to other regional outfits. I also believe that the Bulls will win the Superleague this year.?

Mike Cowburn added, ?Leeds all the way. I?m looking forward to the local derby game on May 23rd and to seeing Mark in the office the following Monday!?