Broking success: Family affair
Morton Michel directors Jerry, Samantha and Nick Beere tell Caitlin Morrison how a favour for a playgroup in 1964 led to the formation of a successful family business and a relationship with an insurer that has lasted for half a century
▶ How did the business come about?
Samantha: It was in 1964, my dad worked in insurance, and my mum used to. Then she had my brother Nick. Playgroups were just starting at the time, and there weren’t very many of them. Mum got to know the lady that ran the playgroup Nick went to. One day the lady asked her: “We think we should have insurance, do you know where we can get any?” When Dad looked around for some he found that there wasn’t actually anything so he arranged a meeting with someone from
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 Broker
Travel insurance broker goes into liquidation
Michael Pettifer Insurance Brokers, trading as MPI Brokers, went into creditors’ voluntary liquidation on 21 November, the Financial Conduct Authority has confirmed.
End of Year Review 2025: Crawford & Co’s Glenn Thornton
Glenn Thornton, head of major and complex loss at Crawford & Company, says farewell to two insurance icons in ‘Royal’ and ‘Sun Alliance’; hails the youngest deputy president CILA has ever had in Marsh’s Melissa Cunningham; and predicts AI driven dynamic valuation could be the key to finally beating underinsurance.
Caravan Guard profits soar as turnover up double digits
Caravan Guard grew profit by over 40% in the year ended 31 March 2025 as turnover rose 21%.
Cardiff regional review: Competition not exterminated by consolidation
Insurance experts in Cardiff outline the diversifying businesses in the media and sporting hub city, and highlight the competitive nature of the market with one broker per village on the outskirts.
End of Year Review 2025: Gallagher’s Gary Fletcher
Gary Fletcher, managing director of commercial at Gallagher UK Retail, is proud of the broker’s data led client tools and digital strategy; and favours a duet with Coldplay’s Chris Martin over his employer’s namesake Liam from Oasis.
Q&A: Grove & Dean’s Michael Lawrence
Michael Lawrence, distribution and underwriting director at personal lines specialist Grove & Dean, spent 34 years at LV general insurance in its various guises before jumping the fence in 2024.
End of Year Review 2025: Create Insurance Solutions’ Mike Cranny
Mike Cranny, founder of Create Insurance Solutions, remains disappointed by consolidation that brings nothing beneficial for customers – and questions shiny new hires that claim to bring “a wealth of talent” to a new employer.
FCA warns of Essex broker clone
The Financial Conduct Authority has warned of a clone claiming to be Essex-based Ignite Insurance Brokers.