The fifth annual SEIB Insurance Brokers Awards took place at Eton College Dorney Lake, Berkshire on the 6th July. Guests and award finalists were treated to a champagne reception before taking their seats and enjoying a welcome speech from the Benefact Group Chairman David Henderson. The exciting and elusively named ‘Once in a Lifetime’ award presentation followed and then the 150 guests enjoyed a delicious three course, luncheon in the striking boat house overlooking the venue of the rowing competition at the 2012 London Olympics.
SEIB would never have started, yet alone become the success story it is now without the winner of the first award of the day, the SEIB ‘Once in a Lifetime’ Award.
Barry Fehler was delighted to receive this surprise award following the recent announcement that he is stepping back in his duties at SEIB. A short video was played highlighting the pioneering way in which Barry has driven SEIB over the years, including personal messages from those Barry has worked with throughout his career. SEIB’s new Chief Executive Officer, Suzy Middleton, Bipin Thaker and Chairman of Benefact Group David Henderson presented Barry with a bespoke trophy to recognise his achievements. He remains a non-executive director at SEIB.
Barry Fehler said: “The award today was kept well hidden. I was caught out and lost for words. It was a relaxed afternoon that ran like clockwork. It was good to see such varied charities. It is promising for the future that no one was overlooked. The publicity for the smaller charities is wonderful. Hopefully they are now in a position to find out more about donations to small charities via the Movement for Good, and access it. People are getting the message about using the group for their insurance needs. At least if we make a return we can redistribute it again!
“The future of SEIB is bright, our business runs like a well-oiled machine. We will quietly grow acquiring more brokers with the same ethical standards. I went to Ecclesiastical – now the Benefact Group – when I decided to sell the business. They have provided a permanent home for both the business and the staff.
At SEIB we have a great, stable team with no changes at the top which is very important. We have found with many companies there is a big tendency to go online for cheaper policies but at the end of the day the cover maybe restricted or there is no support when things go wrong. We find our customers appreciate the personal touch and to have a human being on the phone. We still have a receptionist in the office. By encouraging customers to speak to us we can tailor their cover. Equally, it is very important to have someone on the telephone on the claims side, if you place your business directly then you really are left to broker your own claim. Our obligation is always to the customer.
“I now plan to put my feet up! At home we have plenty of gardens and enough land to keep me out of mischief. There are still a few horses here. They are coloured cobs out in the field but they need looking after and the land needs to be topped and harrowed.”
CHARITY AWARDS LIST
SEIB Giving
Oli Hilsdon Foundation and the Candlelighters Trust – £500 each.
Been There – £1,000 – Presented to – Tessa Peters and Rebecca Peters
Ruils Independent Living – £1,000 – Presented to – Cathy Maker and Carolyn Jones
The Maggie Oliver Foundation – £2,000 – Presented to – Maggie Oliver and Jennie Lucas
SeeSaw – £2,000 – Presented to – Judith Mulligan and Jane Elliott
Hope Rescue – £4,000 – Presented to – Emma Moore and Cheryl George
Barrow Farm RDA – £5,000 – Presented to – Anne Mitchell and Karen Lehner
Animal Free Research UK – £6,000 – Presented to – Carla Owen and Elise Flood
Mare & Foal Sanctuary – £7,000 – Presented to – Sarah Jane Williamson and Dawn Vincent
Highest placed small charity – The Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund – £11,000
Presented to – David O’Donnell and Claire O’Donnell
Highest placed charity – World Horse Welfare – £12,000
Presented to – Roly Owers
SEIB VALUES
Giving to others is embedded in the culture of SEIB. From supporting grass roots competition that gives opportunities to amateur riders that they could only otherwise dream about, right through to the company’s unwavering loyalty to promoting nationwide equine welfare, giving to charity and supporting the funeral industry, SEIB are leading the way within the markets they operate.
www.seib.co.uk #SEIBHere2Help #SEIBAwards
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