Purbeck Takes Top Claims Award for Proactive Support of SME Directors

Proactive claims model has helped 75% of financially distressed SMEs avoid making a claim

London, June 2026 — Purbeck Insurance Services, the UK’s only provider of personal guarantee insurance for SME directors, has won the MGA of the Year award at the Insurance Times Claims Excellence Awards 2026, one of the most competitive and prestigious events in the UK insurance calendar.

The awards, held on Friday 12th June at The Brewery in London, attracted an unprecedented volume of entries this year and recognised companies and individuals setting new standards in claims handling across the UK general insurance market. Twenty trophies were awarded across the sector, with each winner selected by an independent expert judging panel following a rigorous assessment process.

Purbeck was recognised for its proactive claims model — an approach that sets it apart from conventional insurance providers, by intervening at the first signs of financial difficulty rather than waiting for a business to fail and a claim to be made.

When a Purbeck insured business shows signs of financial distress, the company’s claims team steps in immediately, providing directors with structured guidance, access to specialist insolvency practitioners, creditor negotiation support and alternative funding options. The goal is simple: to help the business trade through difficulty and avoid the personal and financial devastation of a personal guarantee being called in by a lender.

Since launching in 2017, Purbeck has supported over 5,000 directors with more than £700 million of personal guarantee commitments. 75% of businesses supported in financial difficulty have successfully traded out, avoiding a claim entirely. Where a personal guarantee has been called in, Purbeck’s specialist debt negotiators — covered under the policy — have achieved an average settlement reduction of 30%.

Todd Davison, Managing Director of Purbeck Insurance Services, said: “Our claims philosophy is simple: do everything we can to help business owners avoid the worst-case outcome. By intervening early and combining empathy with expertise and robust governance, we deliver better outcomes for clients and a stronger, more sustainable claims model. Every business saved, every settlement reduced, and every director reassured reflects our mission to innovate with purpose. Winning this award is a tremendous recognition of the dedication and expertise of our entire team.”