A new independent brokerage, AMB Rural and Commercial Ltd, has launched, offering agricultural and commercial insurance to clients across the South West of England and beyond.
Founded by Alan Tate-Smith (pictured), the business is focused on delivering bespoke cover and in-person advice, with policies designed around the specific needs of rural and commercial operations rather than standardised products.
AMB Rural and Commercial specialises in agricultural, rural and commercial risks, working with farmers, landowners, contractors and small to medium-sized enterprises.
The brokerage’s model centres on building policies that reflect the day-to-day realities of clients’ operations, with an emphasis on practical, fit-for-purpose cover.
Tate-Smith brings more than two decades of experience in the rural sector. He grew up on a mixed farm near the North York Moors National Park and has worked across both insurance and land-based professions.
His early career included a role with NFU Mutual, followed by work as a rural and commercial surveyor in Yorkshire, where he was involved in farm and commercial valuations, agency, professional services and auctioneering, including running a livestock market.
He later returned to NFU Mutual as an agent in 2010 before relocating to Devon in 2018, where he has since worked as a specialist agricultural insurance broker.
Now based near Honiton, the brokerage has been established with a focus on long-term client relationships and direct engagement.
Clients work directly with an experienced broker, with site visits forming a core part of the advisory process where appropriate. The business aims to ensure that insurance programmes are built on a detailed understanding of each client’s people, assets and operations.
The firm said it operates on a set of core principles, including meeting clients face-to-face wherever possible, tailoring cover to individual needs and maintaining clear, consistent communication.
Advice is positioned as being driven by experience and understanding of the rural economy, rather than sales targets.
The launch comes as rural businesses across the UK continue to diversify, increasing demand for more flexible and specialist insurance solutions that extend beyond traditional farm cover.
AMB Rural and Commercial offers a range of products including farm and estate insurance, agricultural contracting cover, commercial combined policies, property owners’ insurance and protection for diversified rural enterprises.
Tate-Smith said the business was created to respond to evolving client expectations around service and expertise.
“After two decades working with rural and commercial businesses, it’s clear that clients want clear advice from someone who understands how their business works,” he said.
“AMB Rural and Commercial Ltd has been set up to provide straightforward, practical insurance and a level of service that allows clients to make informed decisions with confidence.”
With its headquarters in Devon, the brokerage is positioned to serve rural communities across the South West while maintaining relationships with insurers to place risks effectively.
The firm said its approach is centred on building long-term partnerships with both clients and insurers, allowing insurance arrangements to evolve alongside businesses as they grow and change.
