This article is by Mark Lowther, Head of Technology at Markel.
In today’s business landscape, brokers are no longer just insurance intermediaries they’re often sounding boards for clients looking to manage uncertainty and plan for growth. With a clear view of the risks their clients face and access to a wide range of support services through insurers and networks, brokers are increasingly acting as strategic advisers helping businesses prepare for the future.
Context for growth in the UK
The UK government has made economic growth a central focus, with initiatives such as the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor signalling investment in science, technology and innovation1. This region alone is expected to add £78 billion to the UK economy by 2035, driven by sectors that are already expanding.
At the same time, small and medium-sized businesses across the country continue to face challenges. High energy costs, labour shortages and inflation continue to impact their margins. Many business owners are looking for trusted advice, not only to protect what they’ve built, but to better understand how they can grow confidently and sustainably.
The broker’s opportunity
This is where brokers can add real value with their understanding of how businesses operate day to day, particularly those in specialist sectors or fast-changing industries. Whether it’s advising on the right mix of liability, cyber and business interruption cover, or flagging issues like IR35 or employment exposures early, the role of many brokers is increasingly consultative. For businesses in fast-moving sectors like tech and life sciences, this kind of insight can be crucial. The value of this advice is often in helping clients plan ahead, not just protecting them after something has gone wrong.
Supporting innovation and emerging businesses
Certain industries, such as tech and life sciences, are growing quickly and often need more tailored support. Products like MarkelTech have been developed with this in mind, offering insurance designed for companies at different stages of their development from early-stage start-ups through to scaling operations.
These businesses may need a mix of traditional cover such as professional indemnity and business interruption, alongside additional services, such as employment law, debt recovery or IR35 compliance. Brokers can connect their clients with this kind of support through specialist insurers, ensuring policies reflect the full picture of how these organisations operate.
Risk advice that evolves with the business
Growth often means complexity. New people, new markets and new technology can change a business’s risk profile quickly. Brokers who build regular client conversations into their approach can help spot these changes early, enabling clients to adapt their cover and put appropriate risk management practices in place.
Cyber resilience is a good example. As businesses become more reliant on digital platforms and data, they also become more exposed to threats. Brokers can advise on both risk mitigation and cover options, helping clients put protection in place before they experience an incident.
A collaborative approach to growth
Helping a business grow doesn’t always mean introducing more products. Often, it’s about asking the right questions, staying close to the client’s ambitions, and making sure insurance keeps pace with change. In short, it’s about being part of the plan not just the protection.
Supporting over 1 million UK customers, Markel has a strong focus on sector propositions, such as Construction, Charities & Social Care and Technology. Cyber liability, management risks insurance and legal expenses cover are offered as both stand-alone and integrated products.
For more information visit: uk.markel.com
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