History of the Heartland Group
Heartland (Midlands) Ltd was established in 1992 by Brian Weetman and John Hickman, the business being located initially in Solihull. The aim of the company was to provide a high degree of personal service to commercial clients and to this day that core philosophy remains. After a successful five years John and Brian took the business through the early challenges of a start up business to a position of relative strength in 1997. At this point John decided to leave the company to work in manufacturing and is currently enjoying success as Managing Director of a precision engineering company. John made an important contribution in helping to found Heartland and the company remains grateful for his part in the company’s history. John’s move to manufacturing was always anticipated and as a result Brian became sole owner and Managing Director.
Shortly before this change Heartland moved to Leamington Spa on Thursday 9th April 1998. The date being significant as the area was to suffer the worst floods for over fifty years. Fortunately the office was located in the higher part of the town unlike the original first choice of office which was under 6 feet of water. Risk management or good luck!
The year 2000 was an important year for Heartland passing through the half million mark for fee/commission income. In the same year Heartland joined the Willis Commercial Network, which has enhanced its market strength and enabled the company to stay ahead of market trends with the latest Information technology. All of this helping the company to continue to provide the right solutions to our clients.
In 2001 as a result of further growth the office was re-located to a new office in Leamington Spa.
In December 2004 Heartland was recognised by the insurance industry when they were announced winners of one of the prestigious Insurance Times broker of the year awards.
Today the company employs 11 staff, all of whom have a wealth of experience in the commercial insurance sector. Turnover has grown to £750,000 representing some £5,000,000 of client premium per annum. With the introduction of regulation by the Financial Services Authority in January 2005, Heartland have also taken their responsibility for compliance seriously with extensive work being undertaken on procedures and on-going staff training to build on their professionalism.
Above all Heartland remains committed to providing the very best in commercial insurance advice both now and in the future.