Business Insurance
Personal Insurance
Independent insurance brokers and underwriters, Bennett Christmas Group is the ninth regional broking powerhouse to form part of the Ethos Broking group.
Established in West Sussex in 1967, Bennett Christmas has grown to become one of the county’s leading insurance brokers. The business which is led by Mark Bennett, Roger Christmas, Tom Stripp, Anna Prestwich and Viv Cooper now employs over 50 people and controls over £17m in GWP from its office in Burgess Hill.
The Group which includes Bennett Christmas Insurance Brokers, BC Underwriting and BC Health & Safety, a risk management consultancy, predominantly focus on commercial lines business and despite its rapid growth maintains a family feel. The existing workforce will join Ethos Broking as part of the deal and the office premises will be retained.
Commenting on the deal, Richard Tuplin, Ethos Broking MD said:
“It’s fantastic to add another strong independent broker to our family. The Bennett Christmas team has a compelling culture which centres on caring and delivering for their customers; an ethos which aligns solidly with ours. We’re looking forward to working together to broaden the offering for customers in the South East, whilst also supporting Bennett Christmas’ growth plans.”
Bennett Christmas CEO, Mark Bennett added:
“Ethos Broking was the obvious new home for the Bennett Christmas team. We know Des O’Connor and the team well and have benefitted from a strong relationship as a member of Broker Network for a number of years. They understand what it’s like to be an independent broker."
“Bennett Christmas is and always has been about our people and customers, and the partnership with Ethos Broking is a perfect fit and will boost our offering. In an industry dominated by online insurance providers, we deliver a vital service to our customers – demystifying the market, doing the leg work and having their back in a claim.”
Bennett Christmas made two purchases in 2018, in addition to purchasing independent broker, Slade Edwards in 2017.