INSURANCE
Erimus Insurance Brokers ’ managing director Lee Elgie ( right ) and apprentice
Stephen Georgiou-Thompson
Tech-ing on the future
PICTURE : TOM BANKS
Insurance brokers unveil IT upgrade and apprenticeship programme
Stockton-based Erimus Insurance Brokers is building for the future with the launch of a new IT platform and an apprenticeship scheme .
Following the appointment of Lee Elgie as managing director , Erimus - one of the region ’ s largest independent insurance brokers - has provided significant investment in a new IT infrastructure to keep it ahead of the competition .
The new IT platform , which launched last month , will transform the way Erimus processes and transacts business , ensuring the tech is always working for Erimus and not the other way round .
It will also maintain Erimus ’ customerfocused approach and “ future proof ” the business , giving staff more time to focus on their clients .
Established in 1986 and based in Stockton , Erimus has grown to become a Top 100 independent insurance broker , with a client base ranging from ownermanaged SMEs to £ 200m-plus turnover companies .
Mr Elgie said : “ We are a young , ambitious team of directors and we are really excited about the future of our thriving business . To enhance our already fantastic service proposition , we needed to invest in our IT infrastructure .
“ But we are a people business and that will never change . You will still be talking to somebody based here in Teesside and we will continue to provide your business with a personal service .
“ There is a real buzz about Teesside and ‘ tech ’ and it was great being part of the Tees Tech Awards earlier this year .
“ With the right investments and partnerships , technology can propel businesses forward . We felt really inspired by all of the shortlisted businesses , and we hope to see that same success .”
And Erimus hasn ’ t stopped there , with the appointment of a wave of new apprentices .
“ With the right investments and partnerships , technology can propel businesses forward .
Lee added : “ We are fortunate to have a wealth of experience at Erimus , with an average length of service of 14 years across the team , so we are well placed to train up the next generation of insurance professionals .
“ Moving on to a new IT platform created the perfect opportunity to bring in an apprentice to bolster the team .”
The latest apprentice , Stephen Georgiou-Thompson , joined the business in September and has already had a positive impact with his colleagues , working on the new platform .
He said : “ It has been really exciting learning all about the new system and helping the senior brokers use it . It has given me hands-on experience of broking and some real responsibility .
“ It ’ s an amazing opportunity and I feel the apprenticeship will set me up for a future career within the industry .”
The apprenticeship scheme is backed by Aviva and provides a unique opportunity for the apprentices to network with one of the UK ’ s leading insurance providers , and meet a select cohort from across the country .
Lee said : “ The apprenticeship programme is a fantastic opportunity for young people in our area . Financial services is a brilliant career pathway - it gives you the opportunity to gain qualifications as you work , as well as networking with a diverse range of people and businesses .
“ We are extremely proud to have the backing of a company like Aviva . They are renowned for the quality training and development , and our apprentices will directly benefit from this throughout and ultimately have a full-time job , in a robust industry , at the end of their programme .
“ We have also invested in our digital marketing offering , with the appointment of Charlotte Grayson . We appreciate that the way people buy insurance is changing , Charlotte is making sure we are prepared for the next generation of clients .”
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