Name: Oliver Burt

Business: Acer Insurance Services

Founded: 2000

➡️ What sparked the idea for your business?

Back in 2013, I was working for an insurance firm that acquired a small portfolio of showmen’s lorries - owned by the people who operate travelling fairs. Over the next few years, particularly around 2017 and 2018, my team began receiving more enquiries for commercial insurance linked to funfairs and the wider showmen community.

Seeing a clear opportunity, I approached the senior leadership with an idea to actively market to and support this niche sector. Unfortunately, the idea didn’t gain much traction internally.
Rather than let the opportunity pass by, I decided to take the leap myself. I pursued direct authorisation and set out to build a business dedicated to serving this unique and often overlooked community.

That decision became the spark that started my own company - born from experience, recognition of a growing need, and a desire to serve clients who weren’t being fully supported elsewhere.

➡️ How did you win your very first customers?

Winning our very first customers was anything but straightforward. We received our FCA authorisation at the exact moment the first national lockdown came into force, a spectacularly inconvenient time to launch a business whose clients rely on travelling, gathering crowds, and running events. Overnight, most of our target market had to shut down and simply ride out the storm.

But while the world pressed pause, I realised I had been given something rare: time. Instead of waiting for the world to restart, I threw myself into building momentum online. I launched a focused social media advertising campaign targeted at the showmen community - consistent, visible, and designed to keep Acer Insurance Services in front of the very people who would need us most once the country reopened.

Those campaigns ran throughout every lockdown. And something remarkable happened: by the time April 2021 arrived and restrictions were finally lifted, every showman who used social media already knew who we were. We’d become familiar before we’d even met.

When the fairs were allowed to roll out again, it was like opening the floodgates. Enquiries poured in. Phones rang nonstop. For a while, we could barely arrange cover fast enough, a whirlwind of quotes, conversations, and new customers who felt as though they’d been waiting specifically for us.

What started during the quietest period in modern business became the spark that ignited our growth. All because, when everything stopped, we chose not to.

➡️ What has been the toughest challenge you have faced as a business owner so far?

The toughest challenge I have faced as a business owner came right at the very beginning, when everything that could go wrong seemed determined to do so. We launched during lockdown, at a time when the world felt completely upside down. As a brand‑new business, we did not qualify for government support schemes, so while other companies had at least some form of safety net, we were essentially walking a tightrope without one.

Just as we were starting to find our footing, my business partner suffered a serious medical emergency and had to step away from the business for six to eight months. Overnight, the “we” became just “me,” and I was left juggling every responsibility, every client conversation, every administrative task, and every worry about keeping the lights on.

There were days that felt impossibly long and equally heavy. What got me through was the support network around me: people who offered advice, encouragement, and sometimes simply a much‑needed listening ear. Incredibly, our clients continued to choose us. They trusted us with their insurance needs even though we were a young company navigating a turbulent period with half the team suddenly missing.

Their loyalty, combined with determination and more late nights than I care to admit, kept the business going. The bills were paid, the phones kept ringing, and step by step, we made it through what could easily have been the end before the business had even begun.

Looking back, that period taught me resilience, grit, and just how much can be achieved when you refuse to give up, even when the circumstances seem entirely against you.

➡️ What moment has made you feel most proud of your business?

The business has continued to grow year after year, but there are a few moments that truly stand out. I remember the excitement of hitting our early milestones, especially when we passed £1 million in Gross Written Premium. It felt like a real turning point, a moment that confirmed all the long hours and difficult decisions were paying off.

But the moment that made me feel genuinely proud, the moment that made everything feel real, came a little later. By early 2022, we were arranging around £1.5 million in GWP and the workload had grown to a point where I could no longer manage everything on my own. That is when Steph joined us. She arrived with years of insurance experience and an enthusiasm that immediately lifted the business.

Bringing her into the team was far more than just hiring help. It meant I had become an employer for the first time. It meant the business had grown beyond “me” and had become a place where someone else could build their career, contribute, and feel part of something meaningful. Watching the company evolve from an idea I’d fought hard to bring to life, into a business capable of supporting others, was genuinely one of my proudest moments.

It was the point when I realised I hadn’t just built a business. I had built a team, a future, and something bigger than myself.

➡️ What do you enjoy most about running your own business day to day?

What I enjoy most about running my own business day to day is the feeling that I am constantly creating and shaping something new. No two days ever look the same, and that variety is something I genuinely thrive on. As the business has grown, our insurance book has become far more diverse than I ever expected, and I am continually surprised by the incredible range of businesses that exist. Every week brings a new trade, a niche profession, or a specialist service I have never encountered before.

There is something deeply rewarding about supporting people at every stage of their journey. I love helping brand‑new entrepreneurs who are just starting out, as well as seasoned business owners who have spent years building their expertise. Whether they are an architect, a housebuilder, a hairdresser, or someone working in a completely unexpected field, each one brings a new story, a new challenge, and a new opportunity to make a difference.

For me, that is where the joy lies: in the challenge, in the problem solving, and in the relationships I build along the way. I get to protect people’s livelihoods while continuing to grow something I am proud of. That sense of purpose, combined with the excitement of not knowing exactly what each day will bring, is exactly why I love what I do.

➡️ Have any mentors, role models, or other business owners influenced your journey?

Absolutely, I have been influenced by several people along the way, and each of them has played a meaningful role in shaping both me and the business.

First and foremost, I have to acknowledge Julian Weekes, my business coach. People often say that running a business is hard, but until you are in the thick of it, you don’t quite appreciate just how true that is. Julian has been the person who keeps me grounded, focused, and on top of the numbers. Without his guidance, I suspect I would have drifted off course more than once, especially in those early stages when everything felt overwhelming and every decision carried weight.

I also want to recognise Ann Dewis and the entire team at Broker Network. Their support has been unwavering, and they have championed Acer Insurance Services from the very beginning. Knowing that there is a group of experienced professionals behind you, ready to offer advice, reassurance, and perspective, makes the journey far less lonely. Their belief in the business has often reinforced my own belief during challenging times.

And finally, there is John Lowe, my business partner. Every business owner needs someone who can provide balance, someone who can remind you to keep your feet on the ground when your head starts drifting off into the clouds. John has been that steadying influence for me. He is the person who brings clarity when things get complicated and who keeps us aligned with the bigger picture.

Together, these individuals have shaped my journey more than they probably realise. Their support, wisdom, and encouragement have not only helped me grow the business, but have helped me grow as a business owner, and for that, I am truly grateful.

➡️ If you were starting your business again today, what would you do differently?

If I were starting my business again today, I think the biggest thing I would do differently is allow myself to think much bigger from the very beginning. When I first set out, I was focused on simply getting the business off the ground and surviving those early challenges. Looking back now, with the benefit of experience, I can see that I could have been bolder with my vision and more confident in what the business was capable of becoming.

The journey has certainly had its fair share of trials and tribulations, yet each hurdle ultimately helped shape a strong and successful company. And while I am incredibly proud of what has been built, I cannot help but smile at the thought that, in hindsight, I would have started all of this ten years earlier if I had known then what I know now.

Starting sooner, dreaming bigger, and backing myself more wholeheartedly from day one would be the changes I would make. But every challenge, late night, and hard‑won lesson has played a part in getting the business to where it is today, and for that, I would not change the journey itself.

➡️ What advice would you give to someone in Kent who is thinking about starting their own business?

If someone in Kent is thinking about starting their own business, my biggest piece of advice would be this: get support, make a plan, and then take the leap. Having a good business coach can make a tremendous difference. A coach helps you stay focused, challenges your assumptions, and keeps you accountable when things get tough. Starting out on your own can feel overwhelming, so having someone in your corner who understands the journey is invaluable.

Next, take the time to plan. Think about your market, your finances, your strengths, and your gaps. Planning does not mean waiting for the perfect moment; it simply gives you a clear direction so you know what you are jumping into rather than just jumping.

And finally, take that first step. No business has ever succeeded without someone being brave enough to start it. You can spend months thinking, researching, worrying, and preparing, but nothing truly happens until you decide to move. Kent has a fantastic entrepreneurial spirit, and there is room here for new ideas, new energy, and new businesses. Believe in yours and go for it.

The first step may feel the scariest, but it is also the one that makes everything else possible.

➡️ Where do you want your business to be in five years' time?

In five years’ time, I want the business to be operating with a level of confidence, capability, and maturity that reflects everything we have worked so hard to build. My vision is to have a company that runs smoothly, consistently, and professionally, with a team that is not only skilled but truly adaptable to the ever‑changing demands of the commercial insurance world.

A major part of this future is the development of a specialist team who can handle increasingly complex risks while still delivering the kind of personal service our clients value. I want us to be recognised as a trusted partner with a strong and sustainable referral network that continues to expand our reach. This network will give us the ability to manage greater volumes and more intricate enquiries without compromising the care and attention that set us apart.

Another essential element of where I see us in five years is the evolution of our internal structure. I want a fully empowered Operations Manager in place who oversees the day‑to‑day running of the business, ensuring everything operates efficiently and consistently. With that leadership firmly in place, the directors can shift their focus toward long‑term strategy, bigger opportunities, and the kind of high‑level decision‑making that drives meaningful growth.

Ultimately, my goal is to build a business that is resilient, scalable, and future‑ready. I want us to be a company where the team thrives, clients feel supported, and the leadership has the freedom to steer the business toward even greater heights. In five years, I want Acer Insurance Services to stand as a strong, confident, and forward‑looking organisation with a clear identity and an exciting road ahead.

➡️ What is your favourite place in Kent to grab a coffee, take a break, or find inspiration?

Kent has no shortage of wonderful places to unwind, especially in the west of the county, where hospitality is genuinely at its best. I love dipping into the cafés, restaurants, and independent spots around Tonbridge and the neighbouring villages. There is something special about grabbing a great coffee, enjoying good food, and sharing a laugh with friends in a place that feels both familiar and full of character.

But when I really need inspiration, I always find myself drawn back to the Kent countryside. Nothing compares to stepping into the fresh air, surrounded by wide‑open views and that peaceful stillness you can only get in nature. It is the perfect environment to clear your head, reset your thoughts, and let new ideas find their way in. Whether it is a quiet walk, a moment on a hillside, or simply taking in the landscape, the countryside has a way of giving you space to think creatively and breathe a little deeper.

For me, that blend is what makes Kent truly special: vibrant places to relax and connect, and vast, beautiful landscapes that spark clarity and inspiration whenever I need it most.

➡️You can contact Oliver and the Acer Insurance team here:

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