About Us

Bishop Skinner was established by Ron Brewis in 1973 and he remains Company Chairman today. Over the years Bishop Skinner have acquired a number of other businesses; carefully selecting those which fitted our profile, resulting in an increase of our staff levels to more than 50 at our Headquarters adjacent to St. James' Park.

We have also expanded organically as our client base has grown through references from satisfied clients, coupled with the growth of those successful clients Bishop Skinner has grown to become one of the largest insurance brokers in the North East.

In an insurance market which is in a constant state of dynamic change and which has seen many established independent brokers taken over by national companies, we believe our independence allows us the freedom to react more speedily and more efficiently to our clients' requirements.

Our position has been established through the integrity of our staff and the quality of our service. Our structure gives us the ability to forge personal, successful working relationships with clients. 

We are focused on ensuring the policies we arrange with the respected panel of insurers react quickly and fully in the event of a claim. We aim to be proactive in claims handling, ensuring the relevant specialist skills are applied in every stage of the claim process and keeping all parties informed as the claim progresses.

Whether we are dealing with an established business (we have retained the business of many clients for more than a decade and, indeed, some business dates back to the formation of the company) or a new start-up company, we provide tailor-made solutions to your industry's needs and the demands of your particular business.

Our goal is to provide you with a dedicated team headed by a Company Director who understands your business and cultivates a relationship where your people get to know ours to facilitate the smooth running of your insurance and risk management requirements.

There are an increasing number of European, US and Asian insurance companies underwriting a diverse range of insurance products in the UK as well as established UK insurers and Lloyd's of London. Bishop Skinner has facilities with the majority of these sources and exclusively arrangements with some. The relationship we establish with insurers enables us to deliver tangible benefits to our clients in terms of the scope of policy cover and reduced premiums.

We operate the latest IT systems to enable us to submit reports and documentation to clients in the format of their choice, whether by traditional or electronic means.

In the modern world of call centres with call queuing delays and lack of personal relationships, we understand the importance of communication. To enable our clients to be looked after properly they all have direct points of contact for fast, clear communication channels.

Throughout our company history Bishop Skinner has donated generously to a variety of charities and has supported many good causes in the North East. Whilst many local causes have benefited, we have particularly supported charitable organisations such as Lord's Taverners and the Sunshine Fund which aim to enhance the lives of local, disabled children and their families.

Our plans for the future include more of the same, developing our business through personal contacts of clients and their associates, and giving people the opportunity to get to know us so they can trust us to deliver quality insurance broking services.