Profiles
50. LARK GROUP
ST CLARE HOUSE
30-33 MINORIES
LONDON EC3N 1PX
TEL: 020 7543 2800
FAX: 020 7543 2801
EMAIL: MAILBOX@LARKINSURANCE.CO.UK
WEBSITE: WWW.LARKINSURANCE.CO.UK + WWW.LARKINSURANCE.CO.UK
FEE AND COMMISSION INCOME (2004): £12.34m
PRE-TAX PROFIT: £1.93m
NUMBER OF UK EMPLOYEES: 170
CHIEF OFFICER: GRAHAM LARK, CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1948
HISTORY
The Lark business was founded in 1948 and initially placed a variety of small risks produced by a network of provincial brokers into the London market. As time progressed, the emphasis shifted from agency business to the extent that today the company deals almost exclusively with direct clients.
In 1970 Lark developed a relationship with Sedgwick that was to transform its business. Sedgwick became a corporate partner, in return initially transferring a small portfolio of private clients to the group and then increasing numbers of private clients, as well as small commercial cases.
This culminated in the transfer of Sedgwick's high net worth private clients to Lark in 1987, to form the basis of today's highly successful portfolio in that area.
The Sedgwick era came to an end in 2000 when it was acquired by Marsh. Since then Lark has been 100% owned by its directors.
In January 2002 Lark acquired the broking business of Investec Bank as part of its strategic objective to achieve greater critical mass, a presence in central London (the Investec business was located in the Minories where Lark now has its city office) and strengthen its management team.
Today the group comprises LIBG trading as Lark Insurance Broking Group, which deals with general insurance for both private and corporate clients, Lark Life & Pensions, which handles employee benefits, and Lark Capital Planning LLP.
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS
The group is owned by its directors.
MAIN LINES OF BUSINESS
Commercial lines, personal lines and financial services.
CHIEF OFFICER BIOGRAPHY
Graham Lark is a chartered accountant who trained with Price Waterhouse in London before joining Lark 20 years ago. He has had a number of roles in the business during this time and is now responsible for the group strategy, business development and the life and pensions business. Lark became a director in 1993. He is now managing director.
