Malago Insurance Brokers is marking 10 years since its founding on January 22, 2016, having grown from a one-person operation into a multi-member team serving businesses across Bristol and the South West.
Managing director Mathew Rowles launched the company from his kitchen table with limited resources.
“I was buzzing. It was an exciting opportunity,” he said. “Looking back, of course, the reality was I didn’t have any money. And it took me 18 months to build a business where I could actually draw some money.”
The broker, named after the River Malago which runs through South Bristol, was established in response to market consolidation that Rowles felt was eroding personal service in insurance brokerage.
“When I started Malago, it was about getting back to what insurance should be,” he said. “Real advice, proper conversations, and actually going out to see clients.”
Based in BS14, the firm has built its client base largely through recommendations.
“The biggest achievement for me is getting a call from a new potential customer and they say, ‘your existing customer, Joe, has recommended you’,” Rowles said. “Word of mouth is where we’ve got a lot of our business.”
One of the company’s first clients was a local window company run by someone Rowles attended school with, according to the firm.
Key developments include hiring the first employee in 2021, subsequent team expansion, and the acquisition of Mulberry Insurance Brokers in January 2024. The business operates as an Appointed Representative of Momentum Broker Solutions.
Howard Pepper, managing director at Momentum Broker Solutions, said: “I have known Mathew for many years and first worked with him more than 20 years ago. His accomplishments are remarkable, building from scratch a business to be proud of.”
Malago has contributed about £5,000 to community initiatives through its Community Fund and sponsorship activity, supporting food banks, schools, care homes, grassroots sports clubs, and families across South Bristol.
“We are based in South Bristol, a place I grew up and live in, so I thought, why not support my local area,” Rowles said. “With the Community Fund, it’s not about spending lots of money or making a big noise. Small things, done consistently, can make a real difference to people locally.”
Rowles said personal connection remains central to the firm’s approach.
“I always say that if you’re good at what you do, you get on with people, and you work hard, you’re going to do well,” he said. “Insurance isn’t that interesting either, so if people can deal with someone they get on with, it all comes down to personal connection.”
The company said it plans to continue focusing on sustainable growth and community impact.
