Key Points
- Specialist Risk Group (SRG), a London-based insurance intermediary, has acquired Kennett Insurance & Risk Management, as announced on 7 January 2026.
- The acquisition bolsters SRG’s UK Retail platform and expands its footprint in the North of England, particularly through Kennett’s offices in Hull and Leeds.
- Kennett specialises in insurance for sectors including service, construction, manufacturing, property, motor fleet, motor trade, logistics, niche areas, and community sectors.
- Post-acquisition, Kennett integrates into SRG’s UK Retail pillar, allowing clients continued service from the existing team with access to SRG’s broader resources.
- Lee Anderson, Group Deputy CEO of Specialist Risk Group, stated: “The acquisition of Kennett Insurance is another important step in the continued development of our UK Retail business in the North of England. We are deliberately building scale rooted in specialism, strong regional presence, and high-quality teams. The Kennett team brings expertise in sectors that matter to SRG and a team whose values and approach align closely with our own. We are delighted to welcome them to the Group.”.
- Daniel Schofield, Managing Director of Kennett Insurance & Risk Management, commented: “Joining Specialist Risk Group marks an exciting next chapter for Kennett. SRG’s commitment to people and long-term growth makes it a natural home for our business and our clients. This partnership allows us to retain our client focus, while benefiting from the scale, support, and opportunities that come with being part of a wider group.”.
What is the significance of this acquisition for SRG’s UK Retail strategy?
Specialist Risk Group (SRG) continues its aggressive expansion in the UK insurance brokerage sector with the acquisition of Kennett Insurance & Risk Management. As reported directly from SRG’s official announcement on their website, the deal represents a further step in SRG’s expansion across the North of England, reinforcing its long-term commitment to investing in regional capability and strengthening its UK Retail platform. Kennett operates from offices in Hull and Leeds, bringing local presence and experienced teams that will deepen SRG’s footprint in the region.
This move aligns with SRG’s broader strategy of building specialist, locally led businesses within a national and international platform. Clients of Kennett will continue to receive support from the existing team while gaining access to SRG’s wider expertise and resources. The acquisition underscores SRG’s focus on complementary industries, enhancing the breadth and depth of its offerings.
Who is Kennett Insurance & Risk Management?
Kennett Insurance & Risk Management holds a strong reputation for client service and deep expertise across traditional fields. As detailed in SRG’s press release, Kennett excels in sectors such as the service sector, construction, manufacturing, property, motor fleet, motor trade, and logistics, complemented by niche areas and community sectors. These align closely with SRG’s existing specialist focus.
Kennett Insurance Brokers Limited, trading as Kennett Insurance & Risk Management, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, according to its own site. Historically, Kennett has been involved in the regional brokerage scene, with past mentions in acquisitions like those by Willis IRM, which bought Kennett Insurance Brokers alongside others to grow to £32m GWP and over 100 staff, though that predates this deal.
What did SRG’s leadership say about the deal?
Lee Anderson, Group Deputy CEO of Specialist Risk Group, emphasised the strategic fit in the official announcement. As quoted by SRG, Anderson said: “The acquisition of Kennett Insurance is another important step in the continued development of our UK Retail business in the North of England. We are deliberately building scale rooted in specialism, strong regional presence, and high-quality teams. The Kennett team brings expertise in sectors that matter to SRG and a team whose values and approach align closely with our own. We are delighted to welcome them to the Group.”.
This statement highlights SRG’s deliberate approach to growth through regional expertise.
What is Daniel Schofield’s perspective on joining SRG?
Daniel Schofield, Managing Director of Kennett Insurance & Risk Management, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. According to SRG’s release, Schofield stated: “Joining Specialist Risk Group marks an exciting next chapter for Kennett. SRG’s commitment to people and long-term growth makes it a natural home for our business and our clients. This partnership allows us to retain our client focus, while benefiting from the scale, support, and opportunities that come with being part of a wider group.”.
Schofield’s comments reflect confidence in maintaining client relationships amid the integration.
How does this fit into SRG’s recent acquisition history?
This acquisition follows a pattern of regional consolidation by SRG. For instance, in September 2025, SRG acquired Champion Insurance Group, including Champion Professional Risks and Champion Health & Benefits, broadening its UK Retail division in the North West, particularly Manchester, as reported by Insurance Journal. Lee Anderson, group deputy CEO at Specialist Risk Group, commented then: “We are thrilled to welcome Champion Insurance Group to SRG. It was immediately clear that we share the same values and ambitions, particularly around growth, client service, and building a business that is both relevant and resilient.” Champion’s founder and managing director Dan Maloney added: “This is a really exciting step forward for our business… With SRG’s support and wider capabilities, we’re well placed to accelerate our growth.”.
In October 2025, SRG acquired a wholesale team led by Shelley Wright from Lockton, strengthening London market capabilities across subsidiaries like Miles Smith, CBC Partnership, and The Underwriting Exchange, per Insurance Journal. Anderson noted: “We are delighted to welcome Shelley and her team to SRG. Their deep broker relationships and multi-line specialism represent everything we are building in our wholesale division.” Wright responded: “We’re looking forward to joining SRG at such an exciting time… this is a business that understands and values specialism.”.
Earlier, SRG’s backing by HGGC since 2021 has fueled such growth, with HGGC praising SRG’s capabilities.
What is SRG’s background and ownership?
Specialist Risk Group, headquartered in London, is a specialist insurance broker formed through prior acquisitions like Miles Smith in 2018 and The Underwriting Exchange in 2019 under Pollen Street Capital, before HGGC’s 2021 acquisition. HGGC, a US-based private equity firm, has supported SRG’s M&A, drawing from its insurance portfolio including Davies Group. Neil White, partner at HGGC, said at the time: “The team at SRG has a unique and impressive set of insurance distribution capabilities. We are thrilled to pair our industry knowledge with their expertise to help grow SRG organically and through acquisition.”.
SRG operates pillars including UK Retail, wholesale, and international, with a focus on specialism.
Why is the North of England a focus for SRG?
The North of England offers strong regional opportunities for insurance brokers. Kennett’s Hull and Leeds offices provide immediate local presence, similar to Champion’s North West expansion. SRG aims to create a UK-wide platform of scale and service excellence.
This regional build-out counters consolidation trends, emphasising locally led expertise.
What does this mean for clients and staff?
Clients benefit from continuity and enhanced resources. Kennett’s team remains intact, serving traditional and niche sectors while tapping SRG’s platform. Staff gain from SRG’s growth commitments, as echoed in prior deals.
No financial details were disclosed, consistent with SRG’s pattern.
What are the implications for the UK insurance brokerage market?
SRG’s spree signals ongoing M&A activity among intermediaries. Deals like this build resilient platforms amid regulatory and economic pressures. Competitors like Clear Group acquiring Delco Safety highlight risk management trends.
SRG positions as a leading independent player.
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