Press Releases
YORK MAN REWARDED FOR LONG SERVICE!
Local York man David Stamp knows the value of loyalty, as his was rewarded by a year’s free insurance from his broker, One Business Insurance Solutions (OBIS). more…
ONE BUSINESS CELEBRATES 5 YEARS OF SUCCESS
One Business Insurance Solutions (OBIS) of Southampton celebrates its 5th birthday on Bonfire Night with a staff party to launch its brand new look. more…
Businesses burn the midnight oil in search of insurance
Small businesses are so busy during working hours that jobs such as searching online for their insurance are being lined up for early mornings, evenings and weekends. more…
Major Contract with More Th>n
LOCAL COMPANY ONE BUSINESS INSURANCE SOLUTIONS WINS MAJOR CONTRACT WITH MORE TH>N BUSINESS more…
UK INSURANCE GROUP MAKES FIRST ACQUISITION OF LOCAL BROKER
One Business Insurance Solutions, part of the Group Direct group of companies, and based in Southampton, has made its first acquisition with the purchase of the general insurance business of Manchester broker Christian Douglass Risk Solutions LLP on 1st June 2007. more…
Smokefree on four wheels
The introduction of the new smokefree Law and how it affects company Fleet vehicles more…
One Business Insurance Solutions warns of insurance hikes on the way for drivers who flout ban on mobile phones
Motorists flouting the mobile phone ban in cars are risking more than a fine and points on their licence – they will also be facing higher insurance costs in the future. more…
Insurance – simple and easy for tradesmen with One Business Insurance Solutions
Southampton insurance broker One Business Insurance Solutions is forging ahead with plans to cater for small business insurance demands with the launch of a dedicated on-line system for busy tradesmen and women. more…
One Business Insurance Solutions snaps up National Windscreen contract
Leading insurance broker One Business Insurance Solutions is looking to make a clear statement after signing up National Mobile Windscreens as a client. more…
One Business Insurance Solutions: Appointments
Business Insurance Solutions is part of the Group Direct group of companies. Expansion of the company has led to the following appointments. more…
YORK MAN REWARDED FOR LONG SERVICE!
Martyn Holman, managing director of the Group’s UK Retail Division, says:
“From a standing start in 2002, OBIS has grown rapidly to become a leading broker in the commercial insurance marketplace and we’re celebrating our 5th birthday with a brand new look. We don’t ever forget that the customer is paramount and since David first took out cover with us in November 2002 we’re delighted to recognise his position as our longest serving customer”.
David was presented with his free cover and a bottle of bubbly by OBIS’ Manchester sales director, Tony Rollins, and added:
“It’s good to know that some companies still appreciate their customers. OBIS has always looked after me and I’m happy to raise my glass and say ‘cheers’ to their continuing success!’
ONE BUSINESS CELEBRATES 5 YEARS OF SUCCESS
From a standing start in 2002, OBIS has grown rapidly to become a leading broker in the commercial insurance marketplace, looking after the needs of businesses from one man operations to multi-national companies.
Martyn Holman, head of UK retail for the Group, says:
“We offer quality, cost-effective insurance solutions but our success more than anything reflects the excellence of our staff, who pride themselves on being professional, knowledgeable and very approachable.
“Our 5th birthday and the launch of our re-brand falls on 5th November so it’s the perfect time to reward all their hard work with a few drinks and a few fireworks!”
Businesses burn the midnight oil in search of insurance
Website data from One Business Insurance reveals that the peak for online enquiries is between 9pm -2am on a weekday closely followed by between 5-7pm on a Sunday,
In one month alone 62 per cent of those enquiring about business insurance did so outside normal working hours.
“These figures really do highlight the fact that those running small businesses are never off duty,’’ said One Business Insurance Solutions operations director Darren Box.
“We always knew that there would be a high proportion of businesses sorting out issues such as insurance at a time to suit them but we were surprised by the actual numbers who are logging on late at night or at the weekend which reinforce the importance of having a comprehensive online operation.’’
He said enquiries ranged from shop owners looking at dedicated retail insurance through to those wanting to know more about van insurance, public liability and, since the floods, business interruption insurance.
“The website statistics enable us to see hour by hour what people are looking for, how events such as the floods affect their buying patterns and reinforces our philosophy of being able to cater for their needs around the clock.’’
Research highlights:
•62 per cent of online requests for insurance were made outside normal working hours
•46 per cent of these out of hours requests were at weekends
•The peak time for out of hours requests was between 9pm and 2am on a weekday
Major Contract with More Th>n
One Business Insurance Solutions, part of Group Direct and based in Southampton, has announced a partnership with MORE TH>N BUSINESS, part of Royal & SunAlliance, to handle all its small business referrals.
Customers who visit the MORE TH>N BUSINESS web site or telephone the company with a new business enquiry outside of their range will be offered the chance to transfer to One Business Insurance Solutions for fulfilment of their quotation. The system will operate in respect of general commercial risks such as liabilities, shops and offices, traders’ combined and professional indemnity. Additional referral business for commercial vehicles and business cars will pass to other companies in the Group, Commercial Vehicle Direct and Motor and Home Direct.
Martyn Holman, Managing Director of the Group’s commercial division, says: “This partnership represents a significant step forward for us and we put every effort into taking our existing good relationship with MORE TH>N BUSINESS onto this higher level. Pitching against some of the significant players in the UK market, we are delighted that they recognised our commitment and capability to provide a service to complement their own.?
Mike Bowman, head of MORE TH>N BUSINESS added: “We’re absolutely committed to customer service and were impressed not just by the efficiency and versatility of Group Direct’s operation but especially their ethos of putting people – including their staff and customers – first. We have every confidence in the success of this venture.?
UK INSURANCE GROUP MAKES FIRST ACQUISITION OF LOCAL BROKER
Christian Douglass’ insurance broking arm was set up only twelve months ago to service a robust book of accountancy and financial services clients and grew rapidly to include PLC companies, sole traders and professional sports people. The company’s previous manager Tony Rollins has been appointed sales director of the new operation. Still just 27, Tony has over 10 years experience in the business and was last year winner of the industry’s prestigious British Insurance Brokers Association Young Broker of the Year Award.
Martyn Holman, managing director of Group Direct’s commercial division, says:
“Having developed a strong and influential presence in the south, we were looking to expand and give One Business Insurance Solutions a ‘face’ in the North of England. We are delighted to do this with the acquisition of a highly respected and forward-thinking business and have every confidence in Tony’s ability to grow our representation in the UK.?
Smokefree on four wheels
Sunday July 1 sees the introduction of the new smokefree law, designed to protect employees and the public from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.
Considered a serious health hazard, medical and scientific evidence shows that exposure to secondhand smoke increases the risk of serious medical conditions such as lung cancer and heart disease. With 85% of secondhand smoke invisible and odourless, the new law has been created to help save lives, prevent serious disease and create cleaner and healthier enclosed environments.
While the implications for locations such as restaurants and bars are well noted, the new law applies to both premises and vehicles, with many businesses in the South needing to review their procedures for company fleet vehicles.
Martyn Holman, managing director of One Business Insurance Solutions in Southampton, experts in company fleet business insurance, commented;
“The new law will require vehicles to be smokefree at all times if they are used to transport members of the public or in the course of paid or voluntary work by more than one person – regardless of whether they are in the vehicle at the same time.
Smokefree vehicles will need to display a no-smoking sign in each compartment of the vehicle in which people can be carried. This must show the international no-smoking symbol no smaller than 70mm in diameter. Failure to display the appropriate signage can result in a fixed penalty notice of £200.
We’ve been advising many of our clients on the implications of the new smokefree laws, particularly with regard to their business insurance responsibilities so that they’re primed and ready for when the law takes effect?.
With local councils responsible for enforcing the new law, with the legal power to enter premises or board vehicles to determine if the law is being upheld, it’s up to every local business to adhere to the new rules. Comprehensive advice is available on the www.smokefreeengland.co.uk website, plus ‘No smoking’ signs for vehicles can be downloaded, printed or ordered from smokefreeengland.co.uk/resources.
One Business Insurance Solutions warns of insurance hikes on the way for drivers who flout ban on mobile phones
Motorists flouting the mobile phone ban in cars are risking more than a fine and points on their licence – they will also be facing higher insurance costs in the future.
Southampton based One Business Insurance Solutions is gearing itself up for a raft of renewals from drivers who have fallen foul of the new penalties and managing director Martyn Holman is warning that premiums could rise by up to 40 per cent.
In the past the penalty for using a mobile phone while driving has been a fine but under the new penalties introduced last month, drivers risk a fixed penalty of £60 or, if the case goes to court, a maximum £2,500 fine, plus three points on their driving licence which could have insurance implications.
Martyn says that long term costs could be much higher than the initial fine and penalty points and that drivers need to be aware of how much they are risking.
"Using a mobile phone while driving is dangerous, and not just from a safety point of view with business drivers and those who are self employed facing the greatest risks"? he said.
"Those who reach 12 points in three years face disqualification which puts their livelihood in jeopardy and will mean higher insurance costs in the future while companies have a responsibility to ensure fleet drivers comply with legislation."?
He said specialists at the Southampton company are now urging local businesses to ensure that they have clear mobile phone use policies in place to minimise future premiums and for the self-employed to seriously consider their phone use while behind the wheel.
"We deal with companies large and small and urge them to take these new penalties extremely seriously if they are to ensure that drivers stay on the road and that they don’t face rising insurance costs in the future."?
Set up in 2002, One Business Insurance Solutions has more than 60 staff in Southampton. The company, which started with just four employees, specialises in all forms of commercial insurance from motor fleet and manufacturing to construction and distribution.
Clients range from sole traders through to large plc organisations and the expertise and experience of One Business Insurance Solutions has led to the growth.
Insurance – simple and easy for tradesmen with One Business Insurance Solutions
Southampton insurance broker One Business Insurance Solutions is forging ahead with plans to cater for small business insurance demands with the launch of a dedicated on-line system for busy tradesmen and women.
Martyn Holman who heads up One Business Insurance Solutions in Southampton said that research among this market had revealed that some businesses were avoiding insurance altogether believing it to be a lengthy and complicated process.
"The feedback we have been given is that small businesses feel that arranging suitable insurance is time consuming, complicated and has to be completed in working hours."? said Martyn.
"We have taken these concerns and created a dedicated package which is quick, easy to use and can be completed day or night. Customers can literally fill in their details, receive an accurate quote and pay for insurance – all easily completed online, without the need for telephone calls or lengthy meetings with sales people"?
The launch of e-tradesman and e-goods in transit creates a bespoke product for this market and the quick on-line option is set to revolutionise the insurance market for small businesses and sole traders.
"This service is not designed for large corporations who have complicated insurance requirements but those who need to insure for liability or goods in transit."?
Once a proposal has been completed payment is made online – customers can change details during the life of a policy and an on-line renewal service ensures that insurance is kept up to date.
Plans are now in hand for the company to launch further online services throughout Spring/Summer 2007 for other industry sectors including Shop Keepers, Business property owners, those working from home and motor traders.
The e-commercial range of products underwritten by Norwich Union Insurance is the latest initiative for One Business Insurance Solutions which employs more than 60 people in its Southampton office.
The firm moved into new city centre offices late last year to cater for increasing demand in the business insurance market and is looking forward to 2007 as a new era in working with businesses of all sizes.
For details of the new service log onto www.etradesmaninsurance.co.uk and www.egoodsintransitinsurance.co.uk
One Business Insurance Solutions snaps up National Windscreen contract
Leading insurance broker One Business Insurance Solutions is looking to make a clear statement after signing up National Mobile Windscreens as a client.
The Southampton-based insurance broker is one of the fastest growing in the region and managing director Martyn Holman said this new contract illustrates the size and quality of its client base.
"We work with companies large and small and are delighted that our expertise and insurance offerings are appealing to such high profile organisations"? said Martyn. He continued "It is a true business partnership as we introduce our clients to National Mobile Windscreens in the event of a glass claim, knowing that their service standards are the best in the market"?.
Handling the National Mobile Windscreens account is Steve Hartley who said this contract was one of the largest to date for One Business Insurance Solutions as it looks to expand in the local and national market.
"National Mobile Windscreens are the UK’s largest independent vehicle glass replacement company with over 100 branches across the UK. We have worked closely with them in recent years and are now delighted to have secured such a large contact with a national name"? said Steve.
The insurance contract includes coverage for all National Mobile Windscreens branches, staff and fleet of vehicles.
Set up in 2002, One Business Insurance Solutions has more than 60 staff in Southampton and has just moved into new, larger offices in the city.
The company, which started with just four employees, specialises in all forms of commercial insurance from motor fleet and manufacturing to construction and distribution. Clients range from sole traders through to large plc organisations. The expertise and experience of One Business Insurance Solutions has led to substantial growth with turnover in 2006 reaching £14m.
One Business Insurance Solutions: Appointments
One Business Insurance Solutions is part of the Group Direct group of companies. Expansion of the company has led to the following appointments:
Mark Game has become managing director of the recently launched City Underwriting Bureau (CUB), which will develop the company’s taxi and fleet portfolio. Mark originally joined Group Direct as Development Director and has been instrumental in integrating activities within the group and bringing the Group to the market.
Mark Lagden has joined CUB as motor underwriting manager, to support Mark Game. Mark brings extensive experience of fleet underwriting from his previous posts with KGM and Equity Red Star.
Darren Box becomes operations director for One Business Insurance Solutions. Darren joined the company in 2003 and was previously operations manager; in his new role he now assumes complete control of the Southampton-based operation.
Managing director of One Business Insurance Solutions is Martyn Holman, he says: "From a cold start, One Business Insurance Solutions has become a leading player in the commercial insurance market. Part of our thinking has always been to employ insurance people who know their business and these appointments reflect both our ongoing growth and our commitment to that successful strategy"?.
One Business Insurance Solutions was established in 2002 to offer a specialist broking service to commercial operations ranging from individual sole traders to multi-risk corporations. Based in Southampton, it is now one of the leading players in the UK commercial insurance marketplace, looking after the needs of its customers through a panel of over 20 insurers. It is part of the Group Direct group of companies.