Northern Ireland based broker joins the Oval group
Oval has acquired Belfast-based insurance broker Bartholomew & James. The acquisition will create the new Northern Ireland regional foothold for UK insurance broking and financial services provider the Oval group (Oval).
Formed in 1957, Bartholomew & James is one of the largest independent commercial brokers in Northern Ireland. With an annual GWP of around £25m and a team of just under 60 staff, the company provides services for a range of indigenous Northern Ireland based businesses in sectors which include commercial property, construction, housing associations and churches.
Stephen James, managing director of Bartholomew & James will become Oval’s Northern Ireland regional managing director. Mr James said;
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
End of Year Review 2025: Alps’ Michelle O’Reilly
Michelle O’Reilly, managing director at Alps, expresses disappointment that whilst some parts of the market have talked a good game on innovation and customer care, they have not followed through; and predicts 2026 could be the year the Financial Conduct Authority steps in with tougher measures on home insurance claim declinatures.
Have your say: Shape the future of Insurance Age
Insurance Age is inviting you to help shape its future by taking part in a short readership survey.
MyFirst partners with Howden for young driver service
Howden has joined forces with MyFirst as its young driver partner to provide a “tailored service" across its local UK branches.
Howden replaces Douglas as climate and resilience lead with new impact officer
Howden has appointed Nick Stace OBE to the newly created role of chief global impact officer.
End of Year Review 2025: Flood Re’s Kelly Ostler-Coyle
Kelly Ostler-Coyle, director of corporate affairs, Flood Re bemoans the fact that not enough brokers are talking to clients about Build Back Better and pays respect to “the Welsh titan of the insurance industry” Amanda Blanc.
Premium Credit signs up another top 100 broker
Premium Credit has signed a three-year agreement to be One Sure’s exclusive provider of premium finance for personal lines.
The stats: Commercial rates reduce significantly in Q3 2025
The value of a typical commercial book of business has fallen for the first time since 2018, driven by negative premium movements in commercial combined, property owners and combined liability, reports Ida Axling.
End of Year Review 2025: Open GI’s Neil Hart
Neil Hart, chief sales officer at Open GI, reflects on the ‘old chestnut’ that the cheapest cover isn’t always the best and suggests ‘His Highness’ as his darts alter ego for the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.