ICIB Brokerweb Group is celebrating its 50th anniversary as part of New Zealand’s insurance broking and risk advisory sector.
Originating in 1975 as Industrial and Commercial Insurance Brokers Ltd, the firm has evolved through mergers and acquisitions to become a nationwide brokerage with a team of over 320 staff across 18 offices.
The business was initially formed by Colin Evans and James Crisp Ltd. Today, it ranks among the country’s largest locally owned insurance brokers.
Managing director Grant Milne said the business remains under employee ownership, which continues to shape its client engagement strategy.
“We are not only extremely proud of our Kiwi heritage over the last 50 years, but the fact that our business is still managed by employee shareholders. Having acquired three small broking firms this year alone, we look forward to our continued growth while still maintaining our focus on building valued client relationships and providing excellent risk and insurance advice to our clients,” he said.
The group has expanded further in 2025 through three separate acquisitions aimed at strengthening its sector expertise and broadening its insurance offerings.
In February, Christchurch-based advisory Connect and Grow Ltd was incorporated into the group.
Founder Kerstin Bain, who has worked in the insurance industry for more than 30 years, now serves as employee benefits growth and development manager.
Bain said the move has helped unify services across life, health, and business insurance.
“Our clients are now able to be helped by a great team of people from the employee benefits team, to personal, and business insurance advisers. In addition, clients can access the expertise of the general insurance team providing a more streamline service,” she said.
A second acquisition occurred in March when Canterbury firm The Southern Group joined ICIB Brokerweb.
Founded by financial adviser and former defence force member Ryan Beswick, the firm specialises in small business risk strategies.
“Joining the ICIB Brokerweb team gives me the opportunity to do what I love, which is helping SMEs with shareholder protection and key person insurance programmes,” Beswick said, noting that many small businesses are businesses are particularly vulnerable in their early years, so it is important they have protections in place for key personnel.
In conjunction with its 50th year, the group has launched a fundraising initiative to support three national charities:
Contributions are being collected via the firm’s Givealittle page.
