McGill and Partners, the specialist, boutique (re)insurance broker, is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the Kings Cross Steelers and the East London Vixens rugby union teams.

The Kings Cross Steelers was founded in 1995 as the world’s first gay-inclusive rugby union club. The club strives to tackle homophobia, promote and increase visibility of LGBT+ athletes in sport, as well as contributing back to communities. This includes a partnership with Harlequins, Monash University and Sport England to develop a pilot education programme in grass roots rugby to address homophobic and racist language in rugby.

The East London Vixens are a women’s rugby team that, since being founded in 2011, have enjoyed three league wins and two promotions. In November 2020, the Kings Cross Steelers and the East London Vixens formed a partnership which will see the Steelers’ successful ‘Pathway to Rugby’ programme opened to all genders.

McGill and Partners’ sponsorship of the two teams highlights the broker’s commitment to doing things differently and supporting diversity. Since being founded in May 2019, the firm has endeavoured to be different by design, focusing on creating bespoke (re)insurance solutions for larger clients and/or clients with complex and/or challenging needs. McGill and Partners growth has been driven through successful talent acquisition which has reaped dividends with the headcount growing to over 360 and revenues to date in excess of US$100m.

McGill and Partners is committed to building diversity, equality, and inclusion into the fabric of the business which makes it a natural partner for the Kings Cross Steelers and East London Vixens. McGill and Partners has also partnered with The Brokerage, a social mobility charity based in The City of London, that works with both young people and employers to drive positive change in the workplace.

The two-year sponsorship of the Steelers and Vixens will include McGill and Partners’ appearing on both team’s jerseys as well as the opportunity to work closely with the teams on events, talks and community projects.

Steve McGill, CEO of McGill and Partners comments: “Since founding McGill and Partners, we have committed to being a catalyst for change in the industry and making bold decisions which create a real impact on diversity and inclusion. The opportunity to sponsor the Kings Cross Steelers and the East London Vixens aligns with our commitment to partner with purpose and support firms that are making tangible strides in combatting discrimination and promoting inclusion. We are very excited about this partnership with both teams and look forward to supporting them through the upcoming seasons.”

Matt Webb, Chair of Kings Cross Steelers RFC comments: “We are delighted to have secured support from McGill and Partners. We see it as an endorsement of our work and culture and a vote of confidence in our mission. We look forward to working with McGill and Partners during this 2-year sponsorship and highlight the value of a diverse and inclusive sport club in the national and international sports’ arena.”