John Elliott has launched Elliott & Associates Risk Management, an independent construction insurance brokerage based in East Grinstead, West Sussex. The new business operates through the Coversure Network, combining Elliott’s 25 years of commercial insurance experience with access to established insurer relationships, trading infrastructure and specialist market support.
Key takeaways
- Elliott & Associates Risk Management will focus on construction and contractor risks.
- Founder John Elliott has worked in commercial insurance for 25 years.
- The brokerage is trading under its own identity through the Coversure Network.
- Elliott is entering a market facing insolvencies, regulatory pressure and changing professional indemnity conditions.
The launch gives Elliott an independent platform while providing the operational backing of Coversure, part of the Jensten Group. Jensten is among the UK’s largest independent brokers, placing more than £650 million in gross written premium.
Experience behind the new venture
Elliott began his career as an account handler at Marsh before moving into senior positions at Clear Group and Konsileo, Amicus and Plan Insurance Brokers. He was head of commercial at Plan, building experience across commercial insurance and developing a particular understanding of construction and contractor exposures.
That background is central to the new brokerage’s proposition. Elliott is launching into a sector where clients often require highly tailored advice on contract works, liability, professional indemnity and the financial strength of supply-chain partners.
Construction risks remain challenging
The construction sector continues to face significant financial pressure. In the 12 months to July 2026, construction recorded 3,841 company insolvencies in England and Wales, the highest absolute total of any industry sector and 17% of cases where an industry was identified.
Failures among specialist contractors and subcontractors can have consequences well beyond the affected business. A company collapsing during a project may create gaps in a risk-transfer arrangement, lead to contract works claims or result in performance bonds being called unexpectedly. These issues make financial due diligence and policy design increasingly important for brokers and their clients.
Regulation adds to the advice burden
The Building Safety Regulator’s status as an independent body from January 2026 adds another layer of compliance for businesses working on higher-risk buildings. Contractors operating under the Gateway regime may need insurance advice that reflects obligations throughout a project, rather than only at the point of placement.
For a specialist brokerage, understanding how regulatory requirements interact with construction contracts and insurance wordings could be an important differentiator.
Opportunity in a softer professional indemnity market
Construction professional indemnity rates are expected to soften during 2026, with well-managed risks potentially seeing reductions of up to 20%. However, lower premiums do not necessarily mean broader protection.
Competitive underwriting can make differences between policies less obvious, particularly around collateral warranties, design-and-build responsibilities and fire-safety exclusions. Residential developments, higher-rise projects and risks involving fire-safety exposure may still face selective underwriting.
Through Coversure, Elliott & Associates Risk Management has access to insurer panels and market relationships from launch. That support may help the new brokerage compete while allowing Elliott to concentrate on specialist advice for construction businesses navigating a complex insurance environment.
Sources
- Construction specialist launches brokerage via Coversure network, Insurance Business.
- Construction specialist launches brokerage via Coversure network, Insurance Business.
