Our History.
1930
During the August Bank Holiday of 1930, our original founder George Hinks decides to go into business as an insurance broker. On Tuesday August 5th, he sets up an office at his home (complete with an old-style telephone number 209Y3) and opens his order book. Following considerable hard work, George A. Hinks & Co begins to prosper.
1931
Unbeknown to George, he has chosen a favourable time to start his business as on January 1st 1931, it becomes compulsory for all motor vehicles on the road to require a certificate of insurance, in line with the original Road Traffic Act 1930.
George A. Hinks & Co make the most of the opportunity and start to ensure all 12,500 vehicles registered in Hull have been issued with a valid certificate before the legislation begins.
1934
Significant growth forces the business to move out of George’s home and into offices in Hull City Centre, situated at Midland Street Corner, on of the city’s oldest streets.
1939
The outbreak of World War II forces George A. Hinks & Co to take a break, like many other local businesses. George volunteers to fight in the war and spends the next five years away from home.
1945
It’s the end of the war and due to significant bomb damage to commercial property in the city centre, George struggles to find suitable premises. An appropriate office is eventually found on Princess Dock side and the business is re-established.
1956
Following further development, the business moves to more suitable accommodation at 58 Jameson Street. Later that year, John Hinks - the son of George Hinks – joins the company after serving an apprenticeship with a national insurance company.
1970
Following the success of the father and son partnership, the business relocates to 16 Wright Street in Hull city centre, where we remained for the next 53 years.
1985
Although we were initially a Personal Insurance broker, changes in the industry and the increasing popularity of over-the-phone insurance quotes prompts a switch in focus towards Commercial Insurance for the first ever time. To this day, it remains our speciality.
1990
Current Managing Director Jonathan Hinks, grandson of founder George Hinks, and son of John Hinks, joins the business following a spell working in the City of London. With his arrival, he becomes the third generation of the Hinks family to work for the business.
1995
Customer service becomes the top priority as we strive to become the best independent insurance broker in Hull, placing more focus on our Commercial Insurance services due to the commoditisation of Motor and Home insurance via major High Street brands.
1999
The business highlights its commitment to growth with the creation of its first dedicated Sales & Marketing department with current Managing Director Julie Thurlow appointed as the first member of the new division.
2000
We are delighted to achieve ‘Investors in People’ accreditation, a standard which recognises us as a great employer by providing a welcoming place to work and an ongoing commitment to sustainability.
2001
We officially join the Broker Network – the UK’s largest network of independent insurance brokers. This move allows us to remain independent, whilst gaining significant buying power with insurance companies and additional resources to help advise our clients.
2005
All of the insurance services we offer are now subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), ensuring that general insurance intermediaries and individual insurers can be held accountable.
2015
Following 16 successful years with the business, Julie Thurlow is appointed as Director to assist Managing Director Jonathan Hinks. Her role as Operations Director is to oversee all business activities to ensure the company achieves its business objectives.
2015
To highlight our commitment to investing in training and development, we launch an Apprenticeship scheme and welcome the first intake to our team.
2018
Our team are honoured to take part in a 15KM walk for Sands Awareness Month, helping to raise vital funds to support the Stillbirth and Neonatal charity.
2022
We embark on a customer-first strategy designed to showcase the personal one-to-one service we provide and attract new clients.
2024
Having celebrated her 25-year work anniversary, Julie Thurlow is promoted from Operations Director to Managing Director with Jonathan Hinks moving to the role of Chairman in a management restructure designed to drive the company forward.
June 2024
To embrace our ongoing growth, we wave goodbye to our Wright Street office after 53 incredible years in Hull city centre.
From Monday June 17, we say hello to a whole new era by moving into a lovely new HQ at Waterside Business Park, on Livingstone Road in Hessle.
To mark the historic move, John Hinks Snr - the son of our original founder George - conducted the official opening in front of current chairman Jonathan Hinks and Managing Director Julie Thurlow.