From Zero Clients to a National Network — Built One Knock at a Time

Our Story: How It All Began

Every business has a beginning — but not every beginning becomes a story worth telling. This one does. Come with us to where it all started, and discover how a briefcase and a willingness to go out and earn every client face to face — turned into something trusted by businesses and brokers all over the UK today.

 

The Story Begins: No Clients. No Shortcuts. Just Drive.

In 1976, Michael Ratcliffe had just stepped out on his own, after years of working in the transport insurance industry since the 1960s. He didn’t have a big operation or a long list of prospects — but he had built trust. A small handful of loyal customers believed in the way he worked and chose to follow him into this new chapter. What he had was an idea, determination, a well-used briefcase — and the courage to get out there and build something from nothing.

But he didn’t wait for the phone to ring. He got up, went out, and started knocking on doors. Walking into haulage yards, he introduced himself, listened, asked questions, and offered help. One day, he arrived at a yard where someone gave him a chance — not just to quote, but to take charge of all their insurance needs. He spotted gaps in cover, asked the right questions, and sorted out their policies from top to bottom.

That business saw something in Michael from the start. As they later said, "From that moment, we knew he was the right man for the job. We were his first customer." according to Mr Gordon Glider of Gilders Transport Ltd.

They stayed with him for over 50 years. And now, the sons and daughters of that same company carry on that close business relationship their parents started in the 1970s.

For nearly 50 years, Ratcliffes has been trusted by thousands of UK transport businesses and more than 300 brokers and intermediaries nationwide. But the foundation hasn’t changed — every relationship is earned, one at a time.

 

Staying Personal, Staying Independent

We know insurance isn’t the highlight of anyone’s day. You’re out running jobs, managing vehicles, staying on schedule — and insurance is just one more thing to tick off the list. That’s exactly why we’ve built our business to be the kind that doesn’t slow you down, doesn’t confuse you, and doesn’t pass you around from one faceless department to the next.

At Ratcliffes, when you call us, you get a real person. Someone who knows who you are, remembers your business, and picks up the phone because they actually want to help. It’s not a script. It’s not an automated reply. It’s a conversation.

And when it comes to quotes, we don’t just fire off numbers and hope they stick. We ask questions. We learn how your operation works — whether it’s one truck, a growing mixed-use fleet, or something in between. Then we shape the cover to fit you, not the other way around.

At the same time, we know convenience matters too. That’s why we’re developing a fully self-service quote and buy system across our product range — designed to give clients more control and flexibility when they want it. But even there, we’re not stepping back. These systems are built to complement, not replace, our personal support — so when you need to talk to someone, you still can.

That personal, hands-on approach isn’t a marketing line. It’s how Michael started it — and it’s still how we do things, every single day.

 

Earning Industry Trust — The Right Way

As the company grew, so did the recognition. But not through gimmicks or noise. It came from showing up, solving problems, and doing the job properly.

That’s how Ratcliffes became the Official Insurance Scheme Provider for the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA)  — a badge that represents trust across the UK insurance sector. It’s how we became a member of the exclusive AVIVA 110 Club and earned Premier Partner status with AXA.

These aren’t hollow claims, but are gained through consistency, transparency, and doing right by our clients and broker partners.

Experience That Moves With the Times

Many of the people at Ratcliffes have been there for decades. They’ve grown with our clients — through good times and bad. They’ve been there when fleets expanded, and when the industry faced uncertainty. They’ve seen regulations shift, technologies change, risks evolve — and adapted right alongside the businesses they support. That kind of shared journey creates more than just experience. It builds understanding, loyalty, and trust you can’t manufacture.

But heritage doesn’t mean being stuck in the past. We are investing in smarter systems, faster processes, and better technology. Why? So our clients — whether direct or through our broker partners — get better outcomes, faster service, and less hassle.

Our teams are structured by fleet size and client type, with direct phone lines, so you’re not explaining your business from scratch every time. You’re speaking to someone who gets it.

Giving Back Isn’t a Slogan — It’s Who We Are

Michael’s belief in community involvement shaped Ratcliffes from day one. That’s why charity work isn’t just a side note — it’s part of who we are.

Over the years, we’ve helped to create charities like Caring for Communities and People(CCP), who support vulnerable families and young people, and the Isbourne Foundation, which promotes wellbeing through education. We’ve also established the ITSA Digital Trust, bridging the digital divide, and the Makhad Trust, which helps nomadic communities sustain their environment and culture.

We don’t do this for headlines. We do it because we believe business should be a force for good. It’s part of our story — and always will be.

Thinking About Renewal? Let’s Have a Straight Talk.

If you’re reviewing your cover — or your client’s — and want a second opinion, we are here.

No sales pressure. No catch. Just honest feedback and advice from a team that’s been earning trust since day one.

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