Founded in 1982, Alan Boswell Group has grown from a single office in Wroxham into one of East Anglia’s leading independent insurance brokers.
Today, it operates seven offices across the region and Lincolnshire, employing more than 450 staff.
It was named Large Business of the Year, sponsored by Ensors, part of Azets, at a ceremony at Norfolk Showground on November 27.
The group provides personal and commercial insurance alongside a suite of added-value services, including underwriting, claims handling, risk management, equipment inspection, and health and safety consultancy. Its client base includes prominent regional names such as Norwich City Football Club, Jarrolds and East Anglian Air Ambulance.
Renowned for customer service, the group has held Feefo’s Platinum Trusted Service award for seven consecutive years and maintains high ratings on Trustpilot from many of its 70,000 clients.
Recent growth has been driven by acquisitions and organic expansion, with recent additions including The Insurance Centre and Priory Insurance.
The judges said the firm has managed its success well, which “is reflected in their reputation and low staff turnover”.
They also applauded the Alan Boswell Group for its “commitment to remaining independent” as well as its continuing oversight by the firm’s original founder.
The judges emphasised that its charitable trust “goes well beyond normal corporate social responsibility” and represents a “significant benefit to the local community”.
“Alan Boswell clearly flies the flag for Norfolk and the wider East Anglia region and is an asset to the local business community,” they added.
The group’s founder and executive chairman, Alan Boswell, said the team is “chuffed to bits” to win.
Marketing director Lee Boswell said that “recognition in the local area is a huge thing for us”. Alongside the firm’s Insurance Broker of the Year win at the British Insurance Awards earlier this year, he said “to pick up an award locally in our local area means a huge amount.”
To find out more about all of the winners, click here.
To find out more about the EDP Business Awards, visit edpbusinessawards.co.uk
The finalists
Blakely Clothing
Blakely Clothing, founded in North Norfolk in 2012, has grown from creating T-shirt designs in a bedroom to a global fashion brand with international warehouses, listed as one of The Times 100 fastest-growing UK companies.
The judges applauded its “incredible growth” as well as the fact that it “hasn’t forgotten its roots and continues to give back to the local community”.
Mills & Reeve
Mills & Reeve, founded in Norwich in 1880, is a top 40 UK law firm with 1,450 staff and 185 partners. From seven offices nationwide, it advises across all major legal areas.
The judges praised its expansion, local roots and innovative use of technology. “With significant growth, Mills and Reeve is one of the leading names in the local and national legal sector,” they said.
Norfolk Passport
Norfolk Passport unites leading hospitality brands, offering free membership perks at venues including The Pigs, Byfords, The Assembly House, Ffolkes and Beachside. Members also receive weekly emails with top county activities.
The judges hailed it as a “jewel in Norfolk hospitality”, praising its “customer-first” approach and distinctive, value-driven experiences.
About the sponsor
Ensors, part of Azets, has been helping East Anglian businesses manage, protect and shape their financial future for more than 130 years.
Offering end-to-end accountancy services tailored to clients’ unique needs, the Ensors philosophy is backed by technical excellence and an award-winning approach.
The team has the correct expertise to cover a wide range of sectors – from education and charity to manufacturing, agriculture and tourism.
Ensors’ office in the heart of Norwich city centre, which opened last March, offers advice on audits, tax efficiency and structure, corporate finance and much more to businesses across Norfolk.
