Setting the standard for 45 years

1979 – punk rock ruled the charts, Mrs Thatcher became the UK’s first female Prime Minister and Trevor Francis became the first £1 million footballer.

It was also the year Trevor Todd and Steve Cue, joined shortly thereafter by Chris Scott, founded the independent insurance broker that still bears their names today.

Fashions may have changed, and football’s transfer market now makes Francis’ record seem minuscule, but Todd and Cue remains a steadfast presence in the North East and beyond.

One of the UK’s leading independent insurance brokers, holding Chartered status, Todd and Cue prides itself on service and a client-first ethos.

Consistency has been key throughout – Trevor and Steve led the business for many years, with Steve and Chris then leading the business through the 2000s.

A management buyout in 2017 saw managing director Mark Armstrong and directors Glenn Cue – son of Steve – and Julie Rea assume ownership of the firm.

The trio speak with pride about Todd and Cue’s longevity in an increasingly changing market, and share a strong passion for retaining its independent status in a sector where merger and acquisition and consolidation activity is widespread.

Mark, who has been with the business for 20 years, says: “When the management buyout opportunity presented itself, we were all motivated to make it happen as we recognised the platform of Todd and Cue’s historic success.

“It also allowed us to continue on the independent journey.

“We all remain passionate about the role independence can play within the broking market.

“We’ve sought to build on the strong reputation Todd and Cue has historically enjoyed, primarily driven by our dedication to providing excellent customer service intent on delivering positive outcomes for all clients.”

The firm’s early days saw Trevor and Steve set up in a small office on Team Valley, Gateshead, with just one other member of staff – a typist.

Today, while still based on Team Valley, Todd and Cue operates from a much larger office and employs more than 30 people, with an in-house claims team working alongside brokers to offer clients a seamless service.

And with longevity comes success – in its 45th financial year, the business was delighted to report its best year to date.

Glenn says: “We’ve delivered on our intent as a management team and have grown the business, year-on-year, over the last seven years.”

For Julie, the commitment to independence brings a number of positives for clients.

She says: “From a broking perspective, we’re not tied in.

“We can choose an insurer and an option that suits a client and their specific circumstances, rather than working within centrally defined strategies.

“Another plus is that decisions are made under this roof and made quickly – that allows us to be more effective.”

Highlighting the numerous changes that occur within the risk management sector, the trio say the company is well-equipped to proactively manage emerging threats.

Julie adds: “Cybercrime would be one example of where we have a sound understanding of the risk.

“Through detailed discussions with our client base, the take-up rate on this coverage has grown significantly in recent years.

“Another emerging risk will be artificial intelligence, and we are being proactive in ensuring we understand the implications for businesses and how that is aligned to insurance protection.”

Key to tackling emerging threats is Todd and Cue’s ethos of continuous improvement and development, which includes regular training for all staff, recognised by its Chartered status.

Glenn says: “Chartered status is a recognition of technical competence in the industry and requires a commitment to learning and development within the business.

“We take up any opportunity to provide training for our people – the vision is to have a team which is market leading when it comes to technical ability.

“We place great pride in having that status and view it as a real differentiator.”

So, what next for the business as it looks to the future?

Mark says: “The plan is not complicated and we will continue to push and build on what has been a good year, adapting where necessary to meet market challenges.

“We can only do that by continuing to invest in our team and working with our clients to understand the risks within each company’s business and, in turn, present bespoke insurance programmes designed to cater for those businesses.

“Customer retention, which is typically circa 95 per cent, will be key during these next 12 months.

“We are grateful for the platform we inherited, and are hugely proud to have celebrated 45 years of success.”

Todd and Cue

For more information about Todd and Cue, the services it provides and its support on areas including cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, visit the website at the top of this article, call 0191 482 0050 or email [email protected]