CoverMarque
CoverMarque is a UK specialist insurance broker arranging bespoke policies for temporary structure hire, events, mobile toilet, glamping, equine and bloodstock businesses. Founded in 2003 and acquired by Clear Insurance Management in October 2024, the Winchester-based firm serves small and mid-market clients across the UK events industry.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2003
- HeadquartersWinchester, United Kingdom
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What CoverMarque does
CoverMarque is a UK specialist insurance brokerage founded in 2003 by Nick Drew and focused exclusively on the temporary structure and events industry. The firm arranges bespoke insurance policies through established UK-based insurers (including Hiscox) for marquee and temporary structure hire companies, event organizers, mobile toilet and sanitation hirers, glamping operators, mobile caterers, playbus operators, and equine/bloodstock establishments. CoverMarque's portfolio spans 18 industry-specific specialisms and over 15 policy types — Public Liability, Employers Liability, Business Interruption, Motor Fleet, Professional Indemnity, Cyber Cover, Commercial Combined, Commercial Legal Expenses, and Directors and Officers among them. The company was acquired by Clear Insurance Management (Clear Group) in October/November 2024 and now operates as a trading style of the FCA-authorized (FCA number 307982) parent; the CoverMarque brand, team, and client relationships have been retained post-acquisition.
The firm has built two proprietary technology assets. TentPlanner is an interactive online event design tool that lets clients design tent layouts using equipment supplied by specific temporary structure hire companies and submit quote requests; it is free for the first year to CoverMarque insurance clients, then £250 + VAT per year, with non-client pricing on application. A Wind Gust Checker on the website provides safety information for marquee erection. Distribution is primarily direct — two published UK phone lines, dedicated account handlers, online quotation forms segmented by vertical, and an email-led renewal process — with a heavy event-led top-of-funnel including hosting the Temporary Structure Suppliers' Pavilion at The Showman's Show, premium sponsorship of MUTA Members' Day, and sponsorships at the Festival Supplier Awards, The Glamping Show, and The Leisure Suppliers Show.
CoverMarque generates revenue through insurance brokerage commissions on policies placed with UK insurers, supplemented by TentPlanner subscription fees. The team comprises approximately 10 members including the Managing Director, Account Executives, Insurance Consultants, and Account Handlers, several holding CII/ACII qualifications. The company is headquartered in Winchester, Hampshire, operates only in the United Kingdom, and is not venture-backed; its parent Clear Group is a strategic acquirer rather than a financial sponsor.
CoverMarque firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- CoverMarque
- Legal name
- CoverMarque Limited
- Website
- https://covermarque.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2003
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- CoverMarque is a UK specialist insurance broker arranging bespoke policies for temporary structure hire, events, mobile toilet, glamping, equine and bloodstock businesses. Founded in 2003 and acquired by Clear Insurance Management in October 2024, the Winchester-based firm serves small and mid-market clients across the UK events industry.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
CoverMarque industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Specialty Insurance Brokerage
- NAICS
- Agencies, Brokerages, and Other Insurance Related Activities (5242), Insurance Agencies and Brokerages (52421)
- SIC
- Insurance Agents, Brokers & Service (6411)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Event Cancellation & Contingency (FSAJAGAN)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Construction Specialty (Wrap-Ups/Builders Risk/Contractors) (FSAJAGAH)
Keywords
Where CoverMarque is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Winchester
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
CoverMarque business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Insurance Brokerage Commissions: CoverMarque acts as an insurance broker, arranging insurance policies for temporary structure hire companies and event businesses. Revenue is generated through commissions from established UK-based insurers. The company was acquired by Clear Insurance Management (Clear Group) in October 2024.
- TentPlanner Subscription: TentPlanner tool offered free for the first year to CoverMarque insurance clients. Thereafter, a small annual contribution of £250 + VAT is charged as long as they continue to arrange their insurance with CoverMarque. For non-Clients, pricing is available upon request via email.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | TentPlanner free for CoverMarque clients first year, then £250 + VAT annually |
| Subscription | Annual | Commercial Legal Expenses - less than £90 |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
CoverMarque product offering
Product offeringCore offering
CoverMarque is a specialist insurance brokerage arranging bespoke insurance policies for the temporary structure and events industry. The company acts as an intermediary between UK-based insurers and clients such as marquee hire companies, event organisers, mobile toilet hirers, glamping operators, mobile caterers, and equine establishments, providing industry-specific schemes plus standard commercial policy types such as Public Liability, Motor Fleet, Cyber, and Professional Indemnity. CoverMarque also offers TentPlanner, an online interactive event design tool for temporary structure hire companies.
Product overview
CoverMarque is an insurance brokerage specializing in temporary structure and event industry insurance. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of 18 industry-specific specialisms covering marquee/temporary structure hire companies, glamping sites, mobile toilet/shower services, catering, equine establishments, and bloodstock insurance. They also provide 15+ policy types including Public Liability, Employers Liability, Business Interruption, Professional Indemnity, Commercial Combined, Motor Fleet, and Cyber Cover. Their main technology product is TentPlanner, an online event design tool. The company was acquired by Clear Group in October/November 2024. Founded in 2003, CoverMarque operates as a specialist broker using established UK-based insurers.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- TentPlanner: An online interactive design tool allowing clients to design their perfect event in a tent. A marketing tool developed for use by CoverMarque's Temporary Structure Hire clients to put on their websites.
Products and services
- Marquee Hire Companies Insurance Bespoke insurance scheme for temporary structure hire companies covering hired-in property, liabilities during events, storm damage, theft, and transit for various marquee and tent types. Designed for UK marquee and tent hire businesses.
- Event Insurance Insurance covering one-off parties, weddings, and annual festivals including coverage for hired-in property, event liabilities, and event cancellation. Targets event organisers and individual event hosts.
- Mobile Toilet, Shower & Refrigerated Trailer Hire Insurance Bespoke insurance scheme covering mobile toilet, shower, and refrigerated trailer hirers with site and transit cover. Designed for mobile sanitation hire businesses.
- Glamping Insurance Insurance for permanent and pop-up glamping site operators covering temporary structures, liability for guests, and protection for pop-up operations.
- Bell Tent and Garden Igloo Hire Insurance Comprehensive insurance for bell tent, garden igloo, and garden dome hire companies operating in the outdoor events sector.
- Yurt Hire Companies Insurance Specialist insurance for yurt hire companies providing bespoke policy protection for equipment, liabilities, and hired-in property.
- Tipi Hire Companies Insurance Specialist insurance for tipi/teepee hire companies with tailored coverage for structure types and associated equipment.
- Playbus Operators Insurance Insurance covering playbuses including the bus, play equipment, and business operations for mobile children's play providers.
- Mobile Caterers Insurance Bespoke insurance policies for mobile bars, street food caterers, and festival or wedding catering services including public liability, stock cover, and equipment coverage.
- Equine Establishments Insurance Insurance coverage for private and commercial studs, racehorse training yards, competition and livery yards, and riding schools.
- Bloodstock Insurance Tailored insurance for high-value horse owners and breeders, typically racehorses and competition horses, covering mortality, theft, and comprehensive bloodstock protection.
- Inflatables and Play Equipment Hire Companies Insurance Specialist insurance for inflatables and play equipment hire businesses operating in the events and leisure sector.
- Showmen Insurance Insurance coverage for showmen and traveling entertainment businesses providing fairground and amusement services.
- Large Properties and Historic Building Insurance Insurance for large blocks of flats, schools, care homes, and Grade II listed buildings covering commercial property owners and managers.
- High Value Household Insurance Insurance coverage for high-value residential properties, offered alongside commercial specialisms.
- Renewables Insurance Insurance for renewable energy installations and equipment serving rural and commercial operators.
- Rural Insurance Insurance coverage for rural businesses, estates, and properties.
- Public Liability & Employers Liability Insurance Coverage protecting businesses against legal liability for third-party property damage and injury, and against employee injury claims.
- Business Interruption Insurance Protection against financial losses arising from inability to trade following property damage.
- Commercial Combined Insurance Comprehensive commercial insurance combining multiple coverage types for businesses into a single policy.
- Commercial Property Owners Insurance Insurance for commercial property owners covering buildings and contents.
- Commercial Vehicle Insurance Insurance coverage for commercial vehicles used in business operations.
- Motor Fleet Insurance Insurance for business vehicle fleets with multiple vehicles.
- Commercial Legal Expenses Insurance Coverage for legal costs arising from commercial disputes including contract, employment, and property protection matters.
- Professional Indemnity Insurance Protection against claims for professional mistakes, errors in advice, and associated legal costs.
- Directors and Officers Insurance Liability coverage for company directors and officers for decisions made on behalf of the company.
- Cyber Cover Insurance protection against cyber threats and data breaches.
- Environmental Liability Insurance Coverage for environmental incidents and pollution liability.
- Horsebox Insurance Insurance for horseboxes used in equine transportation.
- Trailer Insurance Insurance for various trailer types including box and flatbed trailers, covering material damage and goods in transit.
- Money Cover Insurance coverage for business money and cash handling risks.
- Airside Liability Insurance Liability coverage for operations near airports or aircraft movement areas.
- TentPlanner Online interactive design tool allowing temporary structure hire companies to design event layouts using available equipment and submit quote requests. Offered free for the first year to CoverMarque insurance clients, then £250/year + VAT.
Quantifiable outcome
- 1,641 visitors attended the CoverMarque pavilion at The Showman's Show 2019, representing 870 companies
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use CoverMarque
Customer profileNamed customers22 records
Segments8 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
CoverMarque technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
CoverMarque partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Clear Insurance Management (Clear Group)coreCoverMarque was acquired by Clear Insurance Management in October/November 2024 and now forms part of the Clear Group. Outwardly, there will be no change to the brand. The CoverMarque team will continue to look after insurance needs, with Clear Group working behind the scenes to enhance processes, operations and capabilities to deliver a faster, broader and more efficient service.
- MUTA (Made Up Textiles Association)coreCoverMarque is a very active member of MUTA and Nick Drew, Director, has provided several talks and advice on industry insurance related issues. MUTA works closely with members promoting networking, advice, and information sharing, and implementing highest standards and regulations.
- Various exhibitor partners at The Showman's Show PavilionminorAnnual pavilion features partner exhibitors including: J&J Carter (temporary structures), TentPlanner, MUTA, Bluestar Leasing, Richard Paul Russell Ltd, Watkins Hire Events, Oasis Event Doors, YSLV, Marquee Carpets, Marquee Tech, Imaginators, Grist Environmental, C.Scope International, GroundsCare Products, and others. CoverMarque hosts the pavilion as a marketing and networking hub.
- HiscoxminorOne of the established UK-based insurers that CoverMarque works with. Nomadic Washrooms Ltd specifically mentioned being insured with Hiscox through CoverMarque.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves4 records
Expansion highlights5 records
CoverMarque competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Markel UK: UK specialty insurer and broker with strong positions in leisure, events, hospitality, and entertainment. Comparable in targeting the same event and leisure commercial customer base with bespoke liability and property wordings.
- Aston Lark: UK specialty insurance broker built via roll-up of regional and niche brokers. Comparable in business model — aggregating specialist commercial lines under a wider broker platform — and a relevant peer for assessing post-acquisition scaling of niche trading styles.
- Towergate Insurance: Major UK commercial insurance broker offering commercial combined, motor fleet, liability, and event-adjacent covers. Comparable as a UK broker serving small and mid-market commercial customers with multiple specialist desks.
- Clear Group (parent): Owner of CoverMarque since October 2024 and a UK specialty insurance broker managing diverse commercial and personal lines. Direct comparability as a UK broker platform that has acquired specialist trading styles and runs them under preserved brands.
- NFU Mutual: Large UK mutual insurer and broker focused on farming, rural, and commercial countryside customers. Overlaps with CoverMarque on equine, rural, and event-side commercial lines and competes for the same small-business UK customer profile.
- Howden UK: Large UK specialty insurance broker with strong event, leisure, and entertainment practice. Comparable in serving UK events and leisure operators with bespoke commercial packages, but at materially larger scale and broader product range.
Emerging players
- Jensten Group: UK commercial insurance broker built through acquisition of regional specialists, including entertainment and leisure practices. Comparable in combining multiple niche UK broker trading styles under a consolidated platform.
- Ethos Broking: UK specialty commercial insurance broker network serving SME and mid-market risks across multiple niche verticals. Comparable in distribution model — independent broker partners delivering specialist commercial wordings to UK niche customer segments.
Direct peers
- Lycetts: UK specialist insurance broker with deep focus on rural, equine, and high-value household risks. Highly comparable to CoverMarque in operating as a niche UK broker serving specialist commercial and lifestyle segments with bespoke wordings and dedicated account handlers.
Others
- Hiscox UK: UK specialty insurer that underwrites cover placed through CoverMarque (Nomadic Washrooms specifically cited). Functions as an upstream capacity provider and competitor for direct small-commercial business written in the same event/leisure class.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
CoverMarque social profiles
Digital presenceCoverMarque financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
CoverMarque leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
CoverMarque funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
CoverMarque M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about CoverMarque
What does CoverMarque do?
CoverMarque is a specialist insurance brokerage arranging bespoke insurance policies for the temporary structure and events industry. The company acts as an intermediary between UK-based insurers and clients such as marquee hire companies, event organisers, mobile toilet hirers, glamping operators, mobile caterers, and equine establishments, providing industry-specific schemes plus standard commercial policy types such as Public Liability, Motor Fleet, Cyber, and Professional Indemnity. CoverMarque also offers TentPlanner, an online interactive event design tool for temporary structure hire companies.
Is CoverMarque a public or private company?
CoverMarque is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was CoverMarque founded?
CoverMarque was founded in 2003. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is CoverMarque based?
CoverMarque is headquartered in Winchester, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does CoverMarque make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Insurance Brokerage Commissions are the primary driver. The others are tentPlanner Subscription.
Who are CoverMarque's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Markel UK, Aston Lark, Towergate Insurance, Clear Group (parent), NFU Mutual and Howden UK. Emerging players are Jensten Group and Ethos Broking. Lycetts is listed as a direct peer. Hiscox UK is listed as an others.
Does CoverMarque have an API?
No public API is recorded for CoverMarque.
What industry is CoverMarque in?
CoverMarque's product category is Specialty Insurance Brokerage. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSAJAGAN, Event Cancellation & Contingency, with a secondary code of FSAJAGAH, Construction Specialty (Wrap-Ups/Builders Risk/Contractors). Its NAICS code is 5242 and its SIC code is 6411.