What led you to be a director at Williamson Carson?
Having worked in a City insurance company for the best part of a decade, the time had come to do something different. I wasn’t one for climbing the corporate ladder, which was the direction my career seemed to be heading.
As an underwriter, I saw a lot of good brokers, but perhaps more bad ones. The way I saw it, there was opportunity in the industry.
I’d known Tom Carson and worked with Williamson Carson as an underwriter for many years. Tom helped me set up my own company as a broker in 2015 and whether by luck or judgement the clients flowed in.
A few years later it made sense for us to formally join forces which we did and the company has gone from strength to strength, despite the pandemic.
What have you learnt along the way?
That it’s not easy running your own business!
Being responsible not only for yourself, but also for your employees is something I take very seriously. I need to ensure the business is successful enough for everyone to pay their bills, and thrive.
I’ve also learnt that you shouldn’t say yes to every opportunity. Be selective and choose the opportunities that are right for you and your business. You cannot be all things to all clients. Sticking to what we know gets the best results for us, but more importantly, the best results for our clients.
What does Williamson Carson do differently that other insurance companies don’t?
We really do know our stuff in our specialist areas of media, technology and finance. When you speak to the same types of businesses every day, you become part of their industry as well as your own.
It’s also making sure we do the simple things right; no hold music, we answer the phone quickly and get things done for clients as quickly as humanly possible. We understand that taking our insurance and filing a claim can be stressful – we want to make the process as easy and painless as possible for our clients.
What does good customer service mean?
Doing what you promised
What are you most proud of?
Whilst I haven’t been at Williamson Carson the whole time, working for a company that has been trading for 35 years is something I’m very proud of. We still have clients from 35 years ago!
Can you tell us some stand out stories?
I’m not sure there are any I can share without breaching confidentiality with clients! But I can say that on numerous occasions policies we have organised for clients have not only saved their businesses but in some cases prevented business owners losing their own home!
What’s the strangest request you’ve had?
There’s often weird and wonderful requests when you provide film insurance. A while back we insured a scene where a stunt person was effectively being burnt alive!
What’s next for you and the business?
We would like to become the go-to insurance company for media and technology businesses.
How do you juggle being a company director and a father?
Probably quite badly!
Top tips for photographers staying safe on a small budget?
Never lapse your liability insurance. You know the value you would be out of pocket if you lost a camera, you cannot predict how much you would be out of pocket if someone was injured on a shoot and you didn’t have insurance!
Williamson Carson are experts in insurance and passionate about supporting the creative industries. Discover how we can help protect you from risk, with bespoke cover for your industry. Contact us now. Read more insights and interviews by Williamson Carson.
