People-first approach sees success for insurance firm

With new signage in Solihull, Shirley, Sheldon, and Hall Green branches showing Howden as the new name for A-Plan Insurance, the focus remains resolutely on the community in 2024.

Howden Insurance has a growing high street network built of over 200 local branches across the UK; and the branches in Solihull, Shirley, Sheldon, and Hall Green are unique in how close they are to one another.

Yet, rather than compete, the four branches are an integral part of their distinct communities and valued by clients for their exceptional customer service and personal approach.

Though insurance premiums have risen, the four local branch managers are staying committed to a people-centric insurance ethos, setting the tone for supporting their communities with a helpful cost-of-living focus this month.

Led by branch managers Eamon Doyle, Alexander Webb, Andrew Ellgood, and Daniel Cross with a focus on in-person communication and community support, the branches have remained a high street steadfast against a backdrop of change over the past two decades.

Eamon Doyle, branch manager at Howden Solihull, said: “I started at the counter, supporting clients with their insurance needs, before working my way to branch manager, just as my fellow managers in the area did. In fact, I still remember them coming for their interviews, over 10 years ago.

“Hiring locally is critical for our community, and has been a real success factor for our teams. We’ve built a close-knit team that understands the needs of our community. And we’re all enormously proud of our high retention rate, which is down to our company-wide focus on nurturing individual’s career journeys.”

Andrew Ellgood, branch manager at Howden Sheldon, said: “Our focus has always been about being a force for good.

“While other industries are closing branches in favour of an online approach and long queues, we continue to prioritise personalised service, building trust and reliability, in our branches with friendly, helpful insurance experts.”

Since Howden became the new name for A-Plan, the branches have been busy, holding regular business networking events, coffee mornings and giveaways to thank clients for their continuing support.

The branches threw themselves into the Christmas season, organising toy donation stations, Christmas movie mornings, and supported local school fayres.

Alexander Webb, divisional director based at Howden Shirley said: “It doesn’t matter which one of our branches you pop into, we’re all acutely aware of the difficulties faced by many when their car insurance renewal arrives at over 40 per cent more than the year before.

“But we’re here to support our communities – and spreading a little cheer where we can while we’re at it!”

“Our focus for next year remains supporting clients, so we’re rising to this challenge by being proactive, tailoring policies to suit clients’ specific circumstances, and finding innovative solutions to support them every step of the way.”

To learn more about Howden Insurance, simply give your local branch a ring, or visit in person and speak with a member of the team.

Pictured from left to right: Daniel Cross, Andrew Ellgood, Alexander Webb, Eamon Doyle