Stuart Wilson’s journey into the insurance world began in 1988 through a youth training scheme that offered him an office job and a path forward. “I wasn’t particularly interested in insurance at the time,” Stuart admits, “but I wanted to work in an office, and this gave me a foot in the door.”
Stuart remained with the brokerage where he trained from the age of 16 until 24, when the owners retired. Recognising the opportunity, he purchased the business in 1996. For the next eight years, Stuart ran his independent brokerage, facing an increasingly competitive market shaped by the rise of direct insurers and online platforms.
I realised I couldn’t compete with Direct Line and the internet as a small independent broker. I didn’t have the backing to grow on my own. That’s when I started looking for support.
Stuart Wilson, Managing Director at Coversure Colne
The Coversure chapter
Stuart’s introduction to the Coversure network, now part of Jensten Network, came through a member of his team. After learning more about what Coversure had to offer, Stuart made the decision to join the network and rebrand his existing business.
“The proposition was spot on with the products, accounting and compliance support. Plus, I liked that I could rebrand to Coversure – I wanted a fresh start while still working for myself.”
Thanks to the support from Coversure, many traditional staffing pressures are eased. “I don’t need a big team because a lot of roles are handled by the Coversure back-office. It saves on recruitment and overheads.” By joining Coversure, Stuart gained access to a full suite of services and a supportive community of brokers, without compromising his independence.
Celebrating milestones
Now trading as Coversure Colne, Stuart recently celebrated his brokerage’s best month on record in March 2025 – a significant achievement after four decades in business. Stuart is also exploring PR opportunities to mark his upcoming milestone of 30 years running the brokerage.
“The business is growing and our clients trust us,” he says. “After all these years, we’re still here, still building and still delivering.”
Running a business alone can feel isolating but being part of a network with so much support eliminates that. Coversure gives you the best of both worlds – you’re your own boss, but you’re never alone.
Stuart Wilson, Managing Director at Coversure Colne
Joining Jensten Network
Whether you’re an insurance professional looking to launch your first brokerage or an established broker ready to scale, Jensten Network offers three routes to success.
