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Over half a century in insurance for Tony Knight

One of the most experienced insurance brokers in the country is celebrating 55 years of working in the industry.

Tony Knight, managing director of Knightsure Insurance Brokers (part of the JM Glendinning Group), began his career in insurance fresh from school in 1969. His first taste of the industry came when he joined the insurance department of the West Midlands Gas Board, where he spent two years as part of a small team learning the trade. 

After two years he moved to Legal & General before moving with his family to the Isle of Wight and taking a role at Zurich Insurance where, after completing his FCII, he quickly gained a promotion to lead a team of 35. From there, he switched to work as a broker in Portsmouth and was made a director of the business shortly after joining. 

In 1990, Tony and his wife, Linda set up Knightsure Insurance Brokers in Southampton, which became part of the JM Glendinning Group at the start of 2023. His business helps clients reduce risk exposure by providing expert advice and finding suitable insurance policies and in recent times Tony has developed a particular interest in assisting clients with understanding their cyber exposures.

On his 55 years working in insurance, Tony says:

“Working in the insurance industry has been a rewarding career choice in so many ways. Much has changed over the years, but I still get a buzz out of talking with clients, getting to know their businesses and understanding the details of the cover that they require. The biggest change during my career has been the speed of communication. Technology has made everything so much quicker now, which is great. However, you cannot beat picking up the phone and talking through client needs and providing solutions.”

“Since joining JM Glendinning nearly two years ago, Knightsure has gone from strength to strength, with 30% growth in that time. Having the support of the wider group has been fantastic. I now have a team that has helped to fuel the growth we have seen.”

Never one to rest on his laurels, Tony has always stayed ahead of the latest technology and trends to make sure that his clients receive the best advice possible. Tony continues:

“With my love of technology, cyber insurance has interested me since the moment I heard the term. There are so many brokers that haven’t embraced it and have fallen behind in presenting the best options for their clients. When done well, it can give a client peace of mind.”

JM Glendinning Group managing director, Jake Fox says:

“Tony is a consummate insurance professional and still spends the time to get to know his clients and what is important to them. He constantly pushes himself out of his comfort zone to know and understand emerging risks so that he can deliver the best cover for those who come to him. He is a true credit to the industry and exactly the kind of person we love to have as part of the team at JM Glendinning.”