Firm reaffirms commitment to independence, innovation and long-term broker partnerships
Independent insurance broker and underwriting agency Yutree Insurance confirmed the completion of a management buyout (MBO), setting the stage for its next chapter of strategic growth under the leadership of long-standing directors Laura Hancock and Kevin Hancock.
The move came at a pivotal moment for the insurance broking sector, with increasing numbers of firms opting for consolidation or private equity-backed sales. Yutree made a deliberate choice to buck that trend—reaffirming its commitment to independence, broker partnerships, and sustainable growth built on service, not scale.
Laura Hancock, managing director, explained,“The business reached a crossroads. With two founding shareholders stepping away, we had a clear choice—sell the company, or take control of its future. Kevin and I knew this wasn’t the time to walk away. Yutree has fantastic momentum, an exceptional team, and a strong reputation in the market. We’re proud to have chosen the more challenging, but far more rewarding, path: investing in our independence and building something long-term.”
The strategic evolution was already underway following the MBO. Key developments included the appointment of a new Non-Executive director, plans for a new office in Norwich, the recruitment of a business development manager, and a realignment of responsibilities for finance director Becky Glover—who stepped into the expanded role of director of finance and technology. These changes