Building Readhunt on Relationships, Trust and Doing Right by Clients
Some businesses are built around products. Others are built around people.
For Mike Huntington, founder of Readhunt and now Consultant and Account Director, it’s always been the latter.
After nearly four decades in the insurance industry and more than 20 years building Readhunt into a respected independent brokerage, Mike still believes the fundamentals of good insurance advice haven’t changed.
People buy from people.
Building Readhunt
Mike’s insurance career began in 1986, straight from school, at East Mills Insurance – a fitting starting point, with offices directly opposite the building that would later become home to Readhunt.
Reflecting on his journey, Mike says:
“There’s a nice symmetry to my career. I started out in 1986, straight from school, at a broker whose office sat directly across the road from where Readhunt would later have its home. I had no idea then that I’d one day build my own firm on the very same street. It’s a reminder that you don’t always need to go far to build something of your own – you just need to do it properly.”
Over the following 16 years, Mike gained experience with both insurers and brokers, including Eagle Star and Ward Evans, developing a deep understanding of commercial insurance, client service and business development.
By 2002, he felt there was a better way.
“I’d spent years seeing how different brokers operated and believed I could do it better – and, more importantly, better for the client.”
That belief led to the creation of Readhunt.
Over the next 22 years, Mike built the business around long-term relationships, honest advice and exceptional client service. In October 2024, Readhunt became part of SRT & Partners, with Mike remaining as Account Director to continue supporting clients and helping shape the next chapter of the business.
“I still love what I do.”
Relationships Come First
Ask Mike what success looks like and the answer isn’t turnover or growth targets.
It’s clients who stay with Readhunt for years because they trust the advice they receive.
It’s being the first phone call when something changes.
And it’s recommendations that come naturally because clients know they’ll be looked after.
“If we continue winning good new business and looking after the clients we’ve already got, the growth takes care of itself.”
Experience That Makes a Difference
With almost 40 years in the industry, Mike’s greatest strength isn’t simply his technical knowledge.
It’s building genuine, long-lasting relationships where clients always know where they stand.
That philosophy continues to shape the culture at Readhunt today.
Looking Ahead
Mike believes the future of Readhunt will continue to be defined by the same values that built the business in the first place.
“The client is always the priority. If clients trust us, everything else follows.”
It’s a simple philosophy – but one that has stood the test of time.
Outside of work, Mike enjoys travelling and spending time with his five-year-old son, who, in his own words, “certainly keeps me on my toes.” More recently, he’s also installed a home gym and admits he’s now “trying to justify its existence!” It’s another reflection of Mike’s practical approach – whether in business or outside it, if something’s worth doing, it’s worth committing to.