ARAG fighting for the winning spot

ARAG have just received some very exciting news and are proud to announce that they have been shortlisted as a finalist for ‘Insurance Provider of the Year’ at the 2012 Personal Injury Awards.

The awards go to individuals or companies who work in the personal Injury sector, and its aim is to “identify high standards of practice and to inspire others to emulate the achievements demonstrated by those who have been shortlisted”. The ceremony will be taking place on 14 November at The Riverbank Park Plaza Hotel in London; and is set to be a fantastic evening.

ARAG feel privileged to be shortlisted, as there were a number of high quality submissions this year. ARAG has proven itself to be a cutting edge legal expenses provider since its formation in 2006. The company was formed by six legal expenses professionals, and has now grown to over 55 staff, with an income approaching £40m. Their innovative approach to business, excellent client communication and positive client satisfaction, has led them to be a strong contender to win ‘Insurance Provider of the Year’.

With only seven weeks to go, the countdown to the event can now begin!

Broker feedback instigates BTE sales expansion and restructure

Expansion of our innovative product range, ever growing client base and beating sales targets year on year provides the perfect conditions for BTE sales to reshape the team structure. From a team of two five year ago, headed by Andy Talbot, today it  boasts eight field sales and office based personnel.

In March, Matt Warren was appointed Broker Business Manager.  He moved into the role five years after he joined ARAG as a Business Development Executive.

With a long history of experience in the legal expenses industry, including line management roles he accepted the challenge to drive the broker sales team forward over the coming years. Andy Talbot, Head of Sales comments: “Matt has been with the company practically from the start and has excelled in generating business from brokers in the South of England. His new role makes him additionally responsible for the UK-wide broker facing development team.”

More recently in August, ARAG further strengthened their sales team when Chris French joined the team, taking on the role of Broker Account Handler.

In this newly created position, Chris is responsible for supporting the Business Development Executives, providing office-based support for brokers, monitoring customer satisfaction and also be accountable for his own panel of brokers.

Broker Business Manager, Matt Warren comments, “At ARAG we respond quickly to customer feedback and the addition of Chris to the team proves our commitment to continually benchmarking our performance and strengthening where required, resulting in an enhanced service to our customers.”

It doesn’t stop there. We are positive that we have the relevant expertise, quality product offerings and high level of service required to continue to attract high calibre ‘household’ names. As such we are expanding our Corporate Sales function and expect further insurers and underwriting agencies to work with us in the near future.

To keep up to date with us and discuss your needs, please visit Andy Talbot, Matt Warren and Jon Layton on Thursday 13 September at EXPO South, Ascot - stand 7.

Mutually beneficial outcomes

While there is no definitive number of associations and similar organisations listed in the UK it is estimated that there is well over 300 that are fully staffed and up to a 1000 smaller associations in the UK. For you, the broker, this represents an excellent opportunity to maximise income.

Trade associations have several main functions for the companies that they serve; these include representation, providing economies of scale, supplying information and training. Alongside this associations must work hard to attract new members and retain existing, therefore a range of additional member benefits are offered.

Recently, ARAG has seen a surge of brokers working with associations to provide an insurance offering, including ARAG legal expenses insurance. This growing trend is mutually beneficial for all involved, members receive essential cover with their membership fee, associations can negotiate a competitive rate and for the broker and ARAG we maximise income and grow the business portfolio.

ARAG can provide legal expenses insurance on a commercial or personal basis and most importantly it can be tailored to the needs of industry depending on specific regulatory requirements. It may also be that there are specialist solicitors that the association recommend; ARAG may be able to work with them to provide the cover.

Alongside the legal expenses insurance, ARAG products also come with a range of professional services, such as a 24/7 legal advice helpline and an online document service, helping businesses to concentrate on what they do best.

So, whether you already work with associations or are looking to move into this market the opportunities are there to be taken and a partnership with ARAG means that it is likely to be a smooth and profitable journey!

To find out more either get in touch with your local ARAG Business Development Executive or email chris.french@arag.co.uk