History | About Us | J.Bennett and Son

How We Started 101 Years Ago - Our History

Jake Bennett, the current Managing Director's grandfather, started an insurance broking business from his home in High Wycombe in 1908. Since then, J. Bennett & Son has grown to become one of the largest insurance broking companies, to remain independent, in the Home Counties; providing commercial and personal insurance and risk management advice.

Since the company was founded all those years ago, Jake's ethos of attention to detail, allied to considerable knowledge & expertise and good old fashioned personal service have remained the bedrock of what we offer to all our clients, both large & small.

In over 100 years of trading, we have arranged and looked after the insurances of some of the oldest and best known names in High Wycombe and the surrounding area.

Although we pay a great deal of attention to traditional personal service, we are innovative in our approach to modern technology and we happily embrace new systems to enhance our service to all our clients.

Timeline

	Jake Bennett, grandfather of current MD, starts an insurance broking business, run from the family home in Hughenden Valley, High Wycombe.
	John Bennett born on 19th February. Jake changes name of business to J Bennett & Son.
	John Bennett returns from active service in WW2, having undertaken a correspondence course in insurance, and joins the business.
	Jake Bennett dies. John takes over running the business, which is now run from an office in High Wycombe High Street (on the site which W H Smith now occupies). Leslie Harris, John’s brother in-law, is now a partner in the business.
	Business moves to offices in Corporation Street (HW).
	Peter Rump joins the business, from Norwich Union, as Financial Controller. Accounting procedures and credit control improve dramatically.
	Robert Newton joins company straight from school.
	The company, until now a partnership, is incorporated as a limited company. Simon Bennett joins company after 2 years training with Lloyds broker.
	Leslie Harris retires.
	Robert leaves to further his career with another local broker.
	John Bennett retires. Peter Rump takes over as MD. Simon Bennett appointed director.
	Branch office opened in Bicester. Simon Bennett appointed as local director to develop business in Bicester.
	Peter Dowlen joins as a director from Leslie & Godwin, a large Lloyd’s broker in the City.
	The company buys its first hot air balloon. Peter Dowlen, already an accomplished pilot, persuades his fellow directors that the company's image would be enhanced by such a purchase. Up & Away Ballooning Ltd is formed to own & run the balloon as a business, to fly fare-paying passengers.
	The company buys two local brokerages: Lance Smith of Princes Risborough and JR Insurance Services. The company moves offices and incorporates all personnel within much larger premises at The White House, a former merchant’s house built in 1585 and situated on the High Street, High Wycombe. Robert Newton, now a partner at JR Insurance Services, rejoins the company as a director.
	Peter Rump retires. Simon Bennett takes over as MD.
	The Directors acquire the freehold of The White House.
	The company buys two more local brokerages: Price Picton of Marlow and J R Hardy of Holmer Green.
	The company’s centenary year. A centenary celebration was held at Bisham Abbey on 20th June.
	The Company merges with D G Carr & Co, another established High Wycombe broker. Peter Sutcliffe & his staff move into The White House and Peter becomes a director of J Bennett & Son. The newly enlarged company continues to trade as J Bennett & Son (Insurance Brokers) Ltd.

Cotteswood Kitchens Ltd - Manufacturer of Bespoke

"Cotteswood have used J. Bennett & Son Insurance Brokers for 26 consecutive years for all its traders combined, fleet vehicle and group accident policies. Throughout this time we have found their advice, value for money and speed with dealing with any claims to be first class."