Our Approach

Our vast experience obtained through previous career posts, market cycles and client requirements dictates clients require a niche or bespoke level of service, which is not seen in the current market. All too often the national and multi-national brokers will restrict client visits and services provided based upon their self-imposed economic requirements. This however is in stark contrast to what we understand clients have an actual requirement of. They genuinely have a need to have a superior level of service at a time that is convenient to them.

Therefore, we initiated a philosophy of providing an all-encompassing, core level of service to each client, by way of a Service Agreement, outlining those activities we undertake. Over time, we identified that the client needs change, requiring the provision of service outside of normal working hours.

We have found that client needs have again shifted in that they now seek not only service but advice as to how they should manage the insurance programme. Over the last few years, this has become more and more prominent leading us to adopt more of a role as an Advisor and Broker as opposed to the role a traditional Broker plays.

There are however restrictions – due to legal and regulatory restrictions for example there are some matters that we simply cannot provide comment upon, and it is becoming apparent that this will continue and likely increase in the future. However, we pride ourselves on the fact that we are able to work within these parameters constantly seeking to find new ways to provide client solutions.

Aims and Working Practices

Firstly, we provide direct access to either 1 or 2 Directors at all times (except during the few times we allow them holiday!). For all clients, a Lead Director will be involved in the day-to-day running of a client account, relating to all areas of the client’s programme – Claims, Broking etc. However, discussions are held on a daily basis on any client issues that arise so that at any time both are fully aware of the client’s needs and the steps we intend to take to deal with the enquiry.

We aim to effectively run the insurance on behalf of the client. Whilst this can be viewed as somewhat costly by others within the sector, we find that establishing this level of trust and actively engaging with the client provides for an excellent understanding of the client which we are then able to relay to Underwriters on the client’s behalf. This then allows us to determine the approach to insurance and establish both short and long terms aims for the programme.

The introduction of the Insurance Act 2015 has placed considerable emphasis on the part of the client to ensure that all necessary information is provided to their Broker to make a fair presentation of the risk to the insurer(s). This has been our approach for the last 20 years and as we remain well ahead of the sector and have seen very little difference for our existing client base in this respect. Taking such steps has allowed us to maintain excellent relationships with insurers on behalf of our client base, resulting in little exposure to market rate fluctuations, and longevity of both insurer and client relationships.

Where necessary, and required by law or by specific request, for those clients with overseas locations we will utilise the services of a third-party broker/advisor provided they are known to us. We regularly refuse to deal with overseas brokers where we are unsure of their ability to provide the service we require for the client in a certain territory, or if there is no legal obligation to have a broker in the territory.

In the UK, there are occasions where it is necessary to gain access to an underwriter via another broker, for a specific reason, i.e. a Lloyds agent. This does not cause any concern for us as we restrict the use of such arrangements to an absolute necessity with specific Broker partners.

Our experience allows us to establish fairly quickly if a client will be suited to our philosophy for their programme. We then commence the process of establishing the client aims for the programme, and once agreed we are then able to detail and agree the core services and Service Agreement together with any applicable Fee structure for the coming year.