A brief history of Backhouse by Shirley Backhouse – Chairman 1974 to date
The Backhouse family have been in the insurance industry for over 80 years. John Backhouse opened his first office in Manchester and expanded to several offices throughout the UK.
Steve Backhouse, John’s Son, followed on in the business and eventually took over one of the small companies that John Backhouse had acquired called W J Mercer & Co situated in Burnley. Steve at this time was also a Director of Backhouse for Bonds, a Bond Surety company that had been set up within the framework of John Backhouse & Co. This was a “field” of insurance that Steve came to specialise in.
In 1956 Steve & I were married, and within a few years, family permitting, I was also working in the business at Stockport office.
In 1963 John Backhouse sold his business to the Stenhouse Group, but Steve retained the Burnley office.
Steve & his small team of loyal staff worked tirelessly and the business thrived, eventually opening offices in Stockport and Manchester.
The Backhouse’s always believed that the key to their success is their personal service. Our Client relationships have been built up over many years and there is trust on both sides. At Backhouse, regardless of size, no one is ever treated as a just a number. We guarantee you a personal service tailored to your needs.
Tragically, in 1974 Steve was killed in a plane crash. Supported at that time by a very loyal staff, I took over as Chairman and the name of the company was changed to ‘The Steven Backhouse Group of Companies Ltd’ (SBG).
In 1976 Bill Backhouse, our Son, joined the company and although no longer actively working for the Group, he retains a family interest.
Over the years the business has evolved and although we now operate from a single office, the Group is split into 4 companies – Backhouse Insurance Brokers Limited (General Insurance); Backhouse Construction Insurance Brokers Limited (Construction Insurance & Bonds); Backhouse Independent Financial Services (Financial Services) & Backhouse CoverLine (Personal Insurance). The Backhouse name is very well know and respected throughout the insurance industry.
In the year 2000 we moved from Burnley into a newly built office just off the M65 in Nelson. Here we have around 30 people and the latest technology. Some of the team have been with me for over 25 years.
The personal service is still of paramount importance and we all strive to give the best service and support we can to all of our clients.
Thank you for taking the time to visit our website. If you have any questions about our services please get in touch.
Shirley Backhouse, Chairman, Backhouse Insurance.
