C&C Insurance Brokers unveils employee benefits division

C&C Employee Benefits Ltd has launched, replacing C&C Healthcare (Leeds) Ltd, as part of a move to strengthen how businesses support their employees’ health, protection and wellbeing. 

The business will still be led by co-founder Andrew Middleton, who set it up seven years ago.

Middleton said: “Health insurance remains at the heart of everything we do, but the workplace has changed dramatically since 2020. Including Employee Benefits in our name better captures who we are and what we offer. 

“Hybrid working has become the norm, and employers are using enhanced benefits to retain and attract talent. 

“Protecting the wellbeing of employees now goes beyond insurance; it’s about looking after employees in every sense, whether through health assessments, employee assistance programmes or mental health support.”

Research found organisations with a stand-alone wellbeing strategy rose from 44% in 2020 to 57% in 2025. 

Average sickness absence went up from 5.8 days per employee in 2022 to 9.4 days in 2025. 

NHS waiting lists almost doubled since 2020, making employer-funded solutions like private medical insurance, cash plans and private GP appointments more attractive.

Middleton added: “Demand for health and protection insurance, such as Group Life Assurance, Group Income Protection and Critical Illness cover is growing at the fastest rate I’ve seen in my 27 years in the industry. 

“Providers have adapted, products are more competitive, and even simple cash plans can offer great value for businesses as small as 3 employees. I can only see this trend continuing.”

Malcolm Cooke, managing director of C&C Insurance Brokers and co-founder of C&C Employee Benefits, said: “Andrew has done a brilliant job growing the business under the Healthcare banner, but our offering has evolved hugely since 2018. 

“The new name aligns perfectly with where the market and our clients are heading. 

“We remain fiercely and proudly independent, with full market access and a client-first ethos, but C&C Employee Benefits is better positioned than ever to meet growing demand.”