Howden UK&I consolidates Birmingham offices in new city centre hub

London, 28 January 2025 – Howden announces today that it has consolidated multiple Birmingham offices into one central hub, creating a centre of excellence for more than 120 expert insurance advisors.

The new office, located on Church Street in Birmingham’s bustling business district underscores Howden’s growth and ambitions for future expansion in the Midlands, positioning itself as the region's broker of choice for businesses and individuals.

As the largest UK insurance broker* and one of the top five employee-owned businesses in the country by headcount, Howden offers an enticing opportunity for individuals to establish or grow a career in insurance. The Birmingham office will welcome and train apprentices as part of Howden’s Early Careers Programme, providing opportunities for school and university leavers.

Carl Shuker, CEO Howden UK&I Retail, said: “Howden has an established network and strong relationships with clients and communities across the Midlands. We’re committed to continuing our growth story by investing in our next chapter, which has brought colleagues together to form a city centre hub. 

“Meaningful growth is only possible with talented people, which is why Howden is dedicated to attracting and retaining the best local talent to drive sustainable business growth. We welcome anyone with an interest in or an established career in insurance to learn more about our talent opportunities.”

John Cotton, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “Birmingham has spearheaded the West Midlands’ evolution into the UK’s largest regional professional and financial services cluster, which saw a staggering 30% increase in growth over the last five years. It’s brilliant that Howden is supporting this drive by choosing Birmingham as the base for its new city centre hub and is investing in the next generation of talent by supporting local people to develop rewarding careers within the insurance industry.”

The Birmingham office offers a wide breadth of insurance solutions, including personal insurance (motor, home, and contents, etc.), as well as business insurance for companies of all sizes (from sole trader to PLC), health insurance and employee benefits, plus particular specialisms in sports, rail infrastructure, and gun trade insurance. Clients have access to a comprehensive spectrum of services. 

In Birmingham, Howden has grown organically and through the acquisition of expert, like-minded insurance businesses such as Jobson James Rail and Guncover.

Howden is committed to improving sustainability and has achieved a gold SKA accreditation from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors for the Birmingham office refurbishment. The flexible, open-plan office is designed to foster collaboration and innovation, featuring hot desks, collaboration spaces for spontaneous meetings, plus a sociable kitchen and dining area. The new space provides opportunities for Howden to continue expanding its Midlands workforce.

Located within the vibrant business district, the office is a short walk from the Birmingham Snow Hill station, making it ideally situated for clients and colleagues alike. 

* According to Insurance Times’ Top 50 Insurers 2024 report.