It was recently announced at Robinson Buckley Insurance Brokers Limited that Jim & Clare Robinson and Tony Buckley’s shareholdings have been purchased by a newly formed holding company.

Whilst longstanding managing director Graham Tomlinson retains his previous level of shareholding, Alan Strudwick has increased his involvement with John Lanning and Carol Aston becoming shareholders. To facilitate this, a new company, Robinson Buckley Holdings Limited, has been set up and now owns the insurance brokerage. The directors of both companies are the shareholders as previously noted.

Jim and Clare formed Robinson Buckley Insurance Brokers in 1977, above what was then Randalls Shoeshop in Guildford High Street. Having spent a number of years in Guildford, the independent commercial insurance brokerage moved to Godalming, where it is based today. It was Jim and Clare’s endeavours, supported by Tony, that set the standards for what has proved to be a highly successful company. In a letter to clients, Graham congratulated them on their achievements, thanking them for all the assistance given since he joined the company in 1979; later to take over the reins as managing director. He continued that he was delighted that Alan, John and Carol, who have been a part of the management team for some years, have taken on the shareholding, stating “Our succession is assured and we retain our independence, of which we are very proud. The high standards of service that the company has set remains our priority. The restructure will have no affect on day to day business and we look forward to a successful future with our clients”.

Having considered the recent change of ownership, Graham stated "I have known Jim, Clare and Tony for nearly 40 years and whilst I am sorry to bid them farewell, I will remain in close contact. I look forward to the future with enthusiasm and with a team that are equipped and ready to take Robinson Buckley forward. With any service provider your success is totally dependent upon the staff you employ. At Robinson Buckley we have been blessed with tremendous people and at present possess a team that is the best so far".

Clients, some of who have been with Robinson Buckley from the very beginning, range from local to national and international and are as diverse as the insurance cover arranged for them. They include property owners and developers, contractors, manufacturing companies, warehouses, marinas and boatyards, hauliers, motor traders and the hotel, leisure and information technology industries to mention but a few.

As with so many aspects of the business world today, commercial insurance is an area that has become the domain of the specialist. Robinson Buckley prides itself on the expertise of its staff, who recommend and arrange suitable, competitive cover, also providing risk management advice and a comprehensive claims handling service.

Pictured with Graham (back right) are Carol Aston, Alan Strudwick (both front) and John Lanning (the management team holds an impressive 100 years with the company).