Hardings Insurance Brokers has opened its doors for business as an independent Leeds-based commercial broker. Tom Butler and Martin Billington, who have more than 50 years of combined insurance industry experience, established the business. They previously worked together at Schofield Insurance, which was sold to Ardonagh in 2021.

Hardings Insurance Brokers will operate as a general commercial broker supporting a range of clients including property owners, manufacturers and motor trade firms. It said it also offered particular expertise in financial lines and technology related risks.

Tom Butler, director at Hardings Insurance Brokers, said: “Martin and I wanted to build something that reflects how we believe broking should be done; senior led, advice driven and building long term relationships with clients. We’re not trying to be the biggest broker in our space. Our aim is simply to be the most trusted.”

The firm will operate as an appointed representative of Momentum Broker Solutions. It said it was looking to build the business organically and to create a strong regional and then national footprint.

Alistair Body, business development director at Momentum Broker Solutions, said: “Tom and Martin bring a huge amount of experience and a very clear vision for the kind of brokerage they want to build. Their focus on trust, expertise and relationships reflects exactly what independent broking does best.”