Yutree doubles down on independence with management buyout and bold plans for growth

We’re excited to share some big news from the team here at Yutree – we’ve completed a management buyout (MBO), marking the start of a new and ambitious chapter for our business.

Led by our long-standing directors Laura Hancock and Kevin Hancock, this move secures Yutree’s future as a fully independent, Chartered insurance broker and underwriting agency – something we’re incredibly proud of at a time when many firms are choosing to sell to consolidators or private equity.

“The business reached a crossroads,” says Laura Hancock, Managing Director. “With two founding shareholders stepping away, we faced a clear choice – sell the company, or take full control of its future. Kevin and I knew that this wasn’t the time to walk away. Yutree has great momentum, an exceptional team, and a strong reputation in the market. We’re proud to have chosen the challenging, but far more rewarding path: investing in our independence and building something for the long term.”

This isn’t just a change in ownership – it’s the launch pad for a carefully planned phase of strategic growth. We’re already expanding, with:

• A new Business Development Manager joining the team
• Plans underway for a new office in Norwich, deepening our presence in East Anglia
• The appointment of a new Non-Executive Director
• The expansion of Becky Glover’s role as Director of Finance and Technology

All of this reflects our commitment to becoming even easier to work with – by investing in technology, people and broker-facing service.

“We’re exploring new systems and smarter ways of working so our team can spend more time doing what they do best – advising, supporting and building relationships,” said Laura Hancock. “Our brokers will find it easier than ever to trade with Yutree. We’re also inviting new conversations around affinity partnerships, schemes and insurer collaborations. The door is open.”

As a Corporate Chartered firm, Yutree continues to underwrite a number of specialist schemes, including our BIBA-endorsed Media & Entertainment and Liability products. With the MBO complete, we now have the agility to evolve without compromising our values – and the confidence to do things the Yutree way.

“We are proud to be part of a growing movement of brokers choosing independence, service and long-term value over short-term exits,” added Kevin Hancock, Chief Executive. “This is a hugely exciting time for our team, our brokers and our partners. We’re ready to grow – and are excited to do it the Yutree way.”

If you’re a broker looking to work with a growing, independent partner – or you want to talk schemes, opportunities or new ideas – we’d love to hear from you.

Yutree Underwriting is an underwriting agency offering a variety of products to other brokers.

With rates and expertise across hundreds of trades, we can offer insurance solutions for a wide range of businesses.

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