James Hallam

James Hallam, an independent Lloyd's broker for business and private clients

James Hallam Limited is a privately owned, independent specialist insurance broker founded in 1982. It describes itself as a Lloyd's broker, which it presents as giving clients the widest access to the market, and it operates as a national business from regional offices across the United Kingdom while coordinating with global specialists. Its client base spans large AIM-listed firms, boutique businesses and private clients across a broad range of sectors.

The company states that 99% of its work is placed with insurers rated A by Standard and Poor's, with a minimum criterion of BBB+. It presents its independent status as the basis for impartial market access and describes its output as cost-effective insurance programmes.

Cover for companies and organisations

The business-side offer is organised around a set of sector and risk lines:

• Corporate and SME insurance
• Real estate and construction
• Event sector
• Hospitality and travel, including travel insurance and hospitality and travel risk management
• Healthcare and protection, with a ProMed line for healthcare businesses and independent practitioners
• Marine, covering marine trade, marine shipping and a small craft division
• Public sector and local council
• Professional risks, including property professionals
• Cyber insurance and commercial drone insurance
• Technology insurance and motor trade, including vehicle dismantlers
• International business

Private clients and niche covers

For individuals the firm lists personal insurance and high net worth cover, alongside two unusual products named on its site: beach hut and shepherd's hut insurance. Risk management services and training are offered as a complement to the insurance programmes, with the stated aim of encouraging best practices that mitigate risk.

Claims handling in house

James Hallam emphasises claims as a core part of its service. It maintains a dedicated in-house claims team that, according to the company, represents around 10% of its workforce. Clients have access to a client portal, digital claims forms, claims guides and out-of-hours claims help, and the site distinguishes ordinary claims reporting from emergency claims contacts.

Ownership, regulation and leadership

The firm is part of Seventeen Group, which in October 2026 acquired Dashwood Brewer & Phipps in a move the company linked to expanded Lloyd's and London market capabilities. James Hallam Limited is registered in England (No. 1632840) and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under FRN 134435. Oliver Thorne is named as CEO and Paul Turner as Executive Chairman. The company also publishes a modern slavery statement, a privacy notice and an ESG section.

A family-run culture and staff retention

The company presents itself as a family business and ties its approach to that heritage, citing high client retention and relationships with some clients extending beyond 35 years. It also reports high staff retention and says it invests in developing its teams. A published zero-tolerance statement sets out its position on bullying, harassment and discrimination among employees, clients and third-party partners.

Editorial content on risk

Alongside insurance products, the site carries explanatory articles for businesses. Recent examples include deterioration of stock insurance for companies that sell or store perishable goods, guidance on identifying risks beyond accident and injury sources, and a piece on rising retail theft in the UK citing Office for National Statistics figures.