Our Story
County Insurance Services Ltd has been creating a culture built on successful relationships for over 35 years, conducting business with integrity and efficiency while keeping their customers at the heart of everything they do.
The business was founded by Malcolm Sydenham in 1984, from modest beginnings – a garden shed in Woodstock, Oxfordshire to be exact! Initially, the focus was life insurance, but Malcolm quickly found that his clients wanted more protection, for personal vehicles, homes and their travel. Following client demand, we then expanded to provide business insurance policies.
In 1989 we provided our first thatched policy, then in 1992 launched our first farm insurance policy and developed close ties with the Oxford Farming Group (now known as the Orion Farming Group). Even today, the business continues to expand its portfolio, acquiring IQ Insurance in 2015 and most recently, Heritage Insurance in 2021.
County is now one of the top rural brokers in the UK.
Our mission is to be a strong and leading insurance advocate for specialist businesses and rural clients, using a friendly, knowledgeable approach to their needs.
Tim Sydenham, Managing Director
Despite enjoying quick expansion and growth, County has maintained its family roots. The business welcomed Malcolm’s son Tim to the team in 1992, and he then became a business partner in 2000. Malcolm’s late son Jon joined the business in 2004 and became integral to the expansion of the household schemes department, as well as leading the design and implementation of our IT strategy.
The overall team now stands at 30 (with over 60% having more than 10 years’ service), operating out of County House, in Kidlington, Oxfordshire.
January 2023 saw the recognition of County’s continued commitment to employee wellbeing by achieving living wage accreditation.
Our Story
From humble roots to one of the top rural insurance brokers in the UK.
-
1984
County founded by Malcolm Sydenham -
1989
First thatched policy provided -
1992
First farm policy launched -
1994
Malcolm’s son, Tim, joined the business -
2000
Tim made company partner -
2004
Malcolm’s (late) son, Jon, joined County -
2008
Moved to County House -
2009
County celebrated 25th anniversary -
2013
County became a limited company -
2015
Acquired IQ Insurance -
2021
Acquired Heritage Insurance -
2023
Achieved living wage accreditation
Our Story
From humble roots to one of the top rural insurance brokers in the UK.
-
1984
County founded by Malcolm Sydenham -
1989
First thatched policy provided -
1992
First farm policy launched -
1994
Malcolm’s son, Tim, joined the business -
2000
Tim made company partner -
2004
Malcolm’s (late) son, Jon, joined County -
2008
Moved to County House -
2009
County celebrated 25th anniversary -
2013
County became a limited company -
2015
Acquired IQ Insurance -
2021
Acquired Heritage Insurance -
2023
Achieved living wage accreditation