Newbie News: Senior-led personal touch – Hardings Insurance Brokers
Tom Butler and Martin Billington have launched Hardings Insurance Brokers, Insurance Age can reveal, as the pair explain how they are looking to build a senior-led trusted broker in its space, achieving organic growth through “cold hard prospecting”.
What were your careers in insurance prior to setting up Hardings?Butler, pictured left: I started in 1992 as an apprentice broker and handler at Schofield Insurance. I progressed to being a partner there in 1999 and a director in 2003. We sold, in 2021, to Ardonagh and I left there at the end of December 2025.
Billington, pictured right: I started in insurance in 1996 – my first role was selling home insurance for the Halifax.
I moved over to Swinton, and then to SME Insurance Services. It was
Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.
To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@insuranceage.co.uk or view our subscription options here: https://subscriptions.insuranceage.co.uk/subscribe
You are currently unable to print this content. Please contact info@insuranceage.co.uk to find out more.
You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@insuranceage.co.uk to find out more.
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (point 2.4), printing is limited to a single copy.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@insuranceage.co.uk
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
You may share this content using our article tools. As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (clause 2.4), an Authorised User may only make one copy of the materials for their own personal use. You must also comply with the restrictions in clause 2.5.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@insuranceage.co.uk
More on Insight
Stephanie Cryer promoted to QBE International CUO
QBE has promoted Stephanie Cryer to chief underwriting officer for its international division, effective 1 April 2026.
Everywhen business joins global broking network
The employee benefits arm of Everywhen has joined global broking business Brokerslink as its latest network member.
Policy Expert recruits from PIB for new COO to replace co-founder Powell
Personal lines specialist Policy Expert has appointed Richard Kirby as chief operating officer to support what it has described as “its next phase of growth”.
Beazley profit drops 19% in year prior to Zurich deal
Beazley has reported a profit before tax of $1.14bn (£857.99m) in the year ended 31 December 2025, down from $1.42bn in 2024, as insurance written premiums stayed stagnant.
Zurich and Beazley deal ‘not about laying off staff’ – CEO Greco
Zurich CEO Mario Greco has made clear the £8.1bn acquisition of Beazley is “not about laying off staff” as he noted Beazley will become fully part of Zurich in 2027.
FCA way off target on insurance new firm authorisation service
New data and goals from the Financial Conduct Authority have revealed the regulator is far behind the target for authorising new insurance firms, with the level of service squarely in the red zone at 81.8%.
imarket premiums tick up in 2025 as Polaris confirms MGA joiners and AI pilot
Digital trading platform imarket handled £454m of premium in 2025 with policies traded rising to just over 547,000, Insurance Age can reveal.
Andrew McGee named Howden Retail chief broking officer
Howden UK and Ireland Retail has appointed Andrew McGee as chief broking officer.