A Risk Worth Taking.
How Tom Taylor Launched Foxhall Risk Management with Momentum.
After nearly two decades in the insurance industry, Tom Taylor decided it was time to create his own path.
In September 2022, he launched Foxhall Risk Management in Suffolk. He was driven by a quiet ambition to build something truly his own, but also carried a fair dose of apprehension. Like many experienced account executives, Tom had long played a pivotal role in client relationships. However, stepping out as an independent broker was an altogether different prospect.
“It wasn’t that I was unhappy,” Tom reflects. “But when my former colleagues sold the business for the second time, it really made me think. They’d built something and realised the rewards. Why couldn’t I do the same?”
“They’d built something and realised the rewards. Why couldn’t I do the same?”
Tom Taylor
MD Foxhall Risk Management
From Comfortable to Courageous.
Tom had spent 19 years working his way from claims handling into commercial broking. He was deeply embedded in the business and regarded his team as more than just colleagues.
“It was hard to leave, not because I doubted my ability, but because of the emotional connection. There’s also this ingrained security in employment that’s hard to shake.”
The challenge was not just logistical. Tom had a six month notice period and covenant restrictions that prevented him from approaching past clients. This meant entering his first year with a limited ability to leverage long standing relationships. “That was tough. You go from knowing exactly who your next client might be to having to start from scratch.”
Coupled with financial uncertainty and the fear of failure, the mental load was significant. “I experienced real imposter syndrome. Even with all the experience I had, I questioned whether I could really do it on my own.”
A Timely Conversation.
The turning point came when Tom attended a confidential Q&A hosted by Momentum Broker Solutions, a session designed for brokers quietly exploring the idea of going it alone.
“It was incredibly reassuring,” he says. “I got to hear from people who had taken the same steps, and I realised I wasn’t alone. It wasn’t about Momentum trying to sell anything. It was about helping me ask the right questions.”
“What stood out about Tom was his honesty,” says Alistair Body, Business Development Director at Momentum. “He didn’t just want to start a business. He wanted to do it properly. Our role is to give brokers the confidence and tools from day one, but the ambition has to come from them. With Tom, it clearly did.”
Behind the Scenes.
Tom chose Momentum as his Principal to handle the regulatory, operational and broking support needed to get started. It was a decision that allowed him to focus on what he does best: building relationships and winning business.
“The Momentum team took care of all the back office essentials: compliance, systems, insurer agencies. Without that, I’d have lost weeks just trying to get going.”
The broking desk became an extension of his business. With a focus on commercial SME risks, including construction and manufacturing, Tom regularly needed access to a broad market and technical input on complex cases.
“Tom asked a lot of our Broking Team, and that’s exactly the kind of challenge we welcome,” says Matt Brunton, Broking Director. “He came to us with difficult placements, but he also had a clear idea of what his clients needed. We worked with him, not just for him. That partnership approach made all the difference.”
Independent, Not Alone.
While Foxhall is fully independent, Tom never felt like he was going it alone. Momentum’s network of brokers became an invaluable support system.
“Having that sounding board, whether it was Alistair, the broking desk, or other ARs, helped massively. You can’t underestimate the impact of having people to lean on when you’re making big decisions in those first few months.”
There were challenges, particularly in adjusting to a more self-directed routine. “The nine to five mentality doesn’t apply anymore. You’re constantly thinking about the business, where the next lead is coming from, what to improve. But you also have more flexibility. My work life balance is probably better now than it’s ever been.”
“If I could change one thing, I’d have done it sooner. The fear held me back, but with the right support, it’s entirely achievable. The sense of ownership, the pride – it’s hard to describe until you’ve done it.”
Looking Back and Ahead.
Today, Foxhall Risk Management continues to grow steadily, with Tom’s local reputation and personal service offering winning over clients in a competitive market. He is still building, but the foundations are strong, and the confidence that once wavered has grown with every new win.
“If I could change one thing,” Tom says, “I’d have done it sooner. The fear held me back, but with the right support, it’s entirely achievable. The sense of ownership, the pride, it’s hard to describe until you’ve done it.”
Tom’s advice for others considering change?
Simple. Back yourself.
Ready to talk? Let’s make a start.
If, like Tom, you’re thinking about starting your own brokerage, let’s talk. We see our broker partners as true partners – your success is our success, and we’re committed to helping you succeed.
