Clear Group, the independent insurance intermediary, has announced the acquisition of Shire Insurance Services Limited (“SIS”), a specialist insurance broker serving the UK veterinary sector. The deal marks Clear Group’s first acquisition of 2026 and further strengthens its UK Retail pillar through the addition of a high quality specialist capability.
Established in 1981, Shire Insurance Services is a well-respected specialist broker within the veterinary market. The business is based in Alcester, employs 15 colleagues and places circa £7 million of gross written premium (GWP). Shire is owned by majority shareholder Keith Dickinson.
Following the acquisition, Keith and the wider team will remain with the business to ensure continuity for clients, insurer partners and colleagues.
The acquisition adds another specialist proposition to Clear Group’s growing portfolio, enhancing its expertise in the veterinary sector through a strong veterinary surgery scheme placed with Ecclesiastical, alongside complementary capabilities in the employee benefits (EB) space. Shire also provides a wide range of other specialist insurance solutions for veterinary practices and is well positioned to capture future growth driven by the resurgence of independent veterinary practices and corporate carve outs.
Mike Edgeley, Group CEO of Clear Group, said: “Shire Insurance Services is a highly regarded specialist business with deep expertise in the veterinary sector. This acquisition aligns perfectly with our strategy of building leading specialist propositions within our UK Retail pillar. We are delighted to welcome Keith, and the entire Shire team to Clear as we begin 2026 with another high quality addition to the Group.”
Keith Dickinson, Managing Director of Shire Insurance Services, added: “Clear Group shares our values, commitment to specialist advice and ambition for growth. Joining Clear provides Shire with the scale, resources and support to continue investing in our people and enhancing the services we deliver to veterinary clients across the UK, while preserving the specialist focus that has defined our business for decades.”
