From employee to entrepreneur
After nearly two decades in the insurance industry, Danny Valentine wanted more than just another role. He wanted to build something of his own. Having worked across major insurers, brokers and specialist insurance businesses, Danny had built a successful career. But the decision to become a business owner was influenced by something much more personal. When Danny’s father was given devastating news about his health, it changed his perspective.
My dad always played life cautiously and never really took risks. It made me realise that life is short. I felt like I owed it to him, and to myself, to take hold of the opportunity and back myself.
Danny Valentine, Managing Director of Wilson Rose & Partners
That mindset ultimately led Danny to launch his own brokerage and create a business that reflects his values: honest advice, specialist expertise and long-term client relationships.
Today, Danny is the Managing Director of Wilson Rose & Partners, an advice-led insurance brokerage specialising in Professional Indemnity, Construction, General Commercial and Private Client insurance. The business was built around the belief that good insurance broking is about more than finding the cheapest premium. Danny focuses on building lasting relationships with clients, understanding their risks and providing the advice and support they need when it matters most.
Backing ambition, not just businesses
Before joining Coversure, Danny explored several network options and was close to choosing elsewhere.
What made the difference was the people.
Danny says the support from Jensten’s Martin Swann and Chris Britton, as well as the wider Coversure team, gave him confidence that he wasn’t simply joining a network, but partnering with people who would help him achieve his ambitions.
The leadership team are approachable, supportive and genuinely want you to succeed. Everything they said they would do, they’ve done.
Danny Valentine, Managing Director of Wilson Rose & Partners
An onboarding experience built around support
Launching a new brokerage comes with plenty of moving parts, particularly when you’re building your own brand. For Danny, however, the onboarding experience exceeded expectations: “Loved it, absolutely brilliant.”
While establishing Wilson Rose & Partners meant introducing some agency relationships and processes that were new to Coversure, Danny found the team approachable and willing to find solutions when challenges arose.
He credits several people with helping him get the business off the ground, including Steve Hill, who acts as a trusted sounding board, Charlotte Sainsbury, whose strategic guidance has helped shape the business, and Frankie Tabor, whose marketing expertise has supported the development of the Wilson Rose & Partners brand.
As Danny puts it, the people behind the business have been just as important as the proposition itself.
I genuinely believe the guys at Coversure have my back and I sleep well at night knowing that. If any issues arose, they’d look after me and find a solution. I’ve never had a negative conversation and I have no regrets about joining Coversure.
Danny Valentine, Managing Director of Wilson Rose & Partners
Building the Wilson Rose & Partners brand
When many people think about becoming an Appointed Representative, they assume they’ll need to operate under an existing brand. For Danny, creating and growing his own brand was always a key part of the plan. Wilson Rose & Partners wasn’t just a business name. It represented the future he wanted to create for himself and his family: “I wanted something independent, professional and trustworthy that was my own. I wanted clients to recognise our brand and what we stand for.”
The flexibility to create his own identity while benefiting from the support, expertise, compliance framework and insurer access of an established insurance network gave him the confidence to move forward.
For brokers looking to launch an insurance brokerage, Danny believes this combination of independence and support is invaluable.
Early successes and proud moments
Since launching Wilson Rose & Partners in December 2025, Danny has achieved several milestones that have reinforced his decision to become a business owner.
These include:
- Winning and retaining new clients
- Supporting customers through claims and challenging situations
- Establishing a strong online presence
- Moving into dedicated office space
- Achieving significant monthly income targets
- Hiring Rosie, a 16-year-old student, to work in the business during her summer holidays
Of all his early achievements, giving someone their first opportunity in business stands out as one of his proudest moments: “Being able to support Rosie and give her an opportunity has been a real highlight.”
Looking to the future
Danny’s long-term goal is to grow Wilson Rose & Partners into a respected specialist brokerage, eventually creating career opportunities for others and exploring future acquisition opportunities that align with his values. However, success isn’t solely measured by growth.
A husband, father and youth football coach, Danny values the flexibility that business ownership has given him. Most importantly, he hopes his children see the example he is setting.
I want my girls to know it’s okay to back yourself. If you’ve built success for someone else, there’s no reason you can’t do it for yourself.
Danny Valentine, Managing Director of Wilson Rose & Partners
His advice to brokers considering taking the plunge?
“Trust your gut. Have a plan. Believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to get things wrong. Success is earned.”
Thinking about starting your own brokerage?
If you’re looking to start an insurance brokerage, become an Appointed Representative, or explore an insurance franchise model that combines independence with support, Coversure can help you turn your ambitions into reality.
And if you already have an established brokerage with trading history and infrastructure in place, but want access to markets, placement facilities, compliance support and network benefits, Jensten Broker Network may be the better fit for your business.
Whether you’re building a new brand from scratch or growing an existing brokerage, there’s a Jensten Network solution designed to support your next chapter.
