A Legacy on Loyalty, Leadership, and Community

There are places where commerce and community are not separate entities operating in parallel lanes, but a single, interwoven tapestry. In the historic heart of North East Derbyshire - a region forever shaped by its proud coal-mining heritage - the town of Clowne holds a quiet, enduring strength. It is a place built by character - by people who understand that true leadership is measured not merely by balance sheets, but by the depth of one's roots and the measure of one’s word.

At the centre of this local fabric stands Antony "Tony" Buckingham. As the guiding force behind Buckingham Insurance, Tony has spent decades quietly redefining what it means to be a modern business leader. His story is one of unwavering loyalty, a fierce commitment to human connection, and a lifelong belief that commerce should serve the people who sustain it.

From Coal-Mining Roots to Commercial Insurance

Tony’s journey into the world of insurance began straight from the school gates of the former Boughton Lane School in Clowne. Taking his first professional steps on Carver Street in Sheffield, he joined Eagle Star, immersing himself predominantly in the intricacies of commercial insurance.

Yet, enterprise and hard work were already in his blood. Before stepping into the insurance sector, Tony’s father, John Buckingham, had worked as a coal miner - part of the formidable mining community that defined the social and economic backbone of North East Derbyshire. Transitioning from the coal face into the traditional world of industrial branch insurance, John navigated an era where representatives walked local streets to collect weekly insurance premiums that quietly fed modest savings policies for working families. From these humble, industrious foundations, John established his own independent insurance brokerage, eventually opening John Buckingham Insurance Brokers.

For John Buckingham, business was personal. It was about standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of his community. When he retired in December 1988, he sold the business to Swinton Insurance. Sadly, John passed away at the age of seventy-one, but not before enjoying nineteen well-earned years of retirement, leaving behind a profound legacy of professional grit and paternal example.

Tony initially remained with the acquiring company for a few months, but his entrepreneurial spirit and desire for independent client stewardship soon drew him elsewhere. In May 1989, he acquired Ripley Insurance Services, situated right next to the historic Regal Ballroom - famed as the very stage where Harry Webb made his concert debut under the stage name of Cliff Richard.

The Rebirth and National Reach of Buckingham Insurance

For three years, a non-compete clause bound Tony to the corporate structure of his previous employers. But as the clock ran down on that agreement, a familiar vision called him home. In December 1991, Buckingham Insurance was reborn right where it belonged: in the heart of Clowne.

Working alongside his sister and fellow director, Andrea, Tony rebuilt the business from the ground up, joined by a dedicated team that shared his ethos. While its heart and roots remain firmly anchored in North East Derbyshire, Buckingham Insurance has grown significantly over the decades. Today, the firm has expanded its footprint to secure business across a diverse variety of sectors within the insurance spectrum, serving clients in most parts of the United Kingdom to become a highly respected regional insurance broker.

That reputation is not the byproduct of corporate marketing campaigns; it is the direct reflection of Tony’s own values. Down-to-earth, decent, honest, and steadfastly loyal, he approaches business with a rare authenticity.

"People often complicate leadership by looking for corporate catchphrases or complex management models," Tony reflects. "For me, it has always been quite simple. You surround yourself with good people, you give them the space to grow, and you back them. If you empower individuals to take responsibility, they don't just meet expectations - they exceed them. My role isn't to micromanage; it’s simply to provide the guidance and the gentle nudge when the path gets steep."

This empowering style of leadership has cultivated a fiercely loyal workforce, many of whom have stood alongside the Buckinghams for decades, mirroring the loyalty the company extends to its policyholders nationwide.

A Life Lived in Service to Others

Step outside the Buckingham Insurance offices in the centre of Clowne on any given November, and you will witness the deep civic pride that defines the firm. Positioned immediately across the road from the local war memorial, the offices serve as a welcoming, natural focal point for the annual Remembrance Sunday parade - a solemn tradition that Tony and his team proudly support year after year.

Yet, civic duty for Tony extends far beyond ceremonial moments. Over the past sixteen years, he and Buckingham Insurance have stood as the principal sponsors of Elastic FM, a cornerstone community media organisation delivering local broadcasting, supporting worthwhile causes and grassroots community engagement across the region.

His philanthropic footprint stretches wide across the Midlands and beyond. The Weston Park Cancer Charity has long been a grateful beneficiary of the firm’s spirited fundraising endeavours, most notably through the bi-annual Tally Ho classic car rally. Bringing together classic car owners for a day of scenic driving across the Derbyshire countryside, the event has become a beloved fixture on the local calendar. Other vital institutions, including Ashgate Hospice and local firefighter benevolent funds, have likewise found a steadfast ally in Tony. Furthermore, his support has reached the professional and sporting arenas, stretching from sponsorship of the Sheffield Eagles rugby club to backing motorsport driver Aaron Taylor-Smith. Buckingham Insurance have also for many years been the title sponsor of the Central Midlands Alliance League Cup.

When away from the desk, Tony’s passions remain grounded in community and curiosity. A lifelong supporter of Manchester United, his local allegiance firmly belongs to Chesterfield Football Club. He shares a deep love of travel with his wife Faith, whom he married on the 20th of October 2023. Together, the couple explores diverse cultures across the globe, with the landscapes of Kenya and various corners of Asia holding a special place in their hearts.

A holder of the prestigious Certificate Of Company Direction obtained via the Institute of Directors, Tony’s professional excellence has been recognised through numerous community and industry accolades. Yet, awards rarely turn his head. His focus remains fixed on the human element of enterprise. Always in the pursuit of knowledge, he is currently engaged in study to become a Certified AI Practitioner.

Embracing the Horizon

Asked to share one of his defining observations on life and business, Tony pauses, his perspective shaped by decades of navigating shifting economic tides.

"Never be afraid of change," he says quietly. "Change is not something to be feared; it is the natural state of things. It is inevitable. The people and the businesses that truly thrive are those that embrace change, adapt to it, and use it as fuel. If you can master adaptation in both your personal life and your professional life, you are well on your way to achieving your own unique version of success."

In an era where modern commerce often feels increasingly remote and transactional, Antony Buckingham stands as a reminder of an older, richer tradition - one where business is built on trust, leadership is rooted in empowerment, and a good name is earned one honest handshake at a time.