NEWS
WORDS : DAVE ROBSON PICTURE : STUART BOULTON
Supporters – Jonathan Willett and Emma Simkins at Middlesbrough RUFC .
GOING FOR GOLD
Night with Sir Steve shows insurance broker ’ s community ethos
For a firm which always aims to offer gold standard service , Attis Insurance Brokers ’ latest community venture could barely have been more appropriate .
When Sir Steve Redgrave enthralled the audience at Yarm ’ s Princess Alexandra Auditorium with stories of his glittering , multi-gold medal career , Attis was heavily involved .
For not only was the Middlesbroughbased firm the main sponsor of ‘ An Audience with Sir Steve Redgrave ’, several Attis clients attended the night , which was organised by Ben O ’ Connor ’ s Elite Events .
And according to Attis directors Jonathan Willett and his sister Emma Simkins , backing such events is a natural ‘ fit ’.
Jonathan said : “ Firstly , it was about being associated with a winner . He ’ s the standout performer in his sector , having won gold medals at five consecutive Olympics , but it ’ s all about his focus and determination too .
“ It was motivational and inspiring – a great evening for everyone in a brilliant venue .”
Emma added : “ It ’ s also lovely to take clients to such events who are on a similar growth journey with their own businesses – like-minded people enjoying a nice evening and doing a bit of business networking in a relaxed social environment .”
Indeed , whether it ’ s sponsoring sports teams or supporting high-profile events , Attis Insurance Brokers sees its purpose as much more than collecting premiums and arranging claims settlements .
It sponsors Middlesbrough RUFC , backs women ’ s events such as the North-East Ladies Day , supports The Teesside Charity events and is a corporate sponsor of
Olympian – Attis Insurance Brokers sponsored An Audience with Sir Steve Redgrave at Yarm ’ s Princess Alexandra Auditorium .
Teesside Golf Club .
Emma is also a trustee of the Russ Devereux Headlight Project , which supports children and families who have suffered traumatic bereavement .
Emma explained : “ It ’ s not just about ‘ business ’ for us . We don ’ t just want to sell you a policy , take the premium , deal with the claim and that ’ s it – there ’ s a whole journey to a relationship with Attis Insurance Brokers .”
Owner managed , part of the Attis Group ( which controls £ 80m of insurance premium ) and a local growing workforce , Attis are making big strides , despite only being established in 2021 .
And siblings Emma and Jonathan – both experienced in the insurance field – remain committed to continuing with the same community ethos their father , Mike Willett , had when growing his own business for decades until his retirement in 2005 .
Emma said : “ We don ’ t like to be just a faceless person on the end of the phone .
We always introduce the team – a client will have an account executive , a claims handler and a dedicated day-to-day point of contact on the broking . We always try to make sure the client has met the face at the end of the phone .”
And whether it ’ s an annual corporate golf day at Wynyard , a charity occasion or a high-profile event Attis is involved in , its whole team is invited to join in and meet clients .
Jonathan said : “ It ’ s all about supporting the local community and our clients – and if out of that , it provides a networking opportunity , that ’ s great too .”
As for the firm ’ s growth , Emma and Jonathan admit they could barely be happier so far .
Emma said : “ We ’ re exceeding all expectations of what we dreamt the business would get to by this stage .
“ We have also taken on another trainee so we ’ ll be a team of 20 by the end of the calendar year – and we ’ re on the lookout for more . We ’ re always looking for talented development , broking and claims staff with insurance experience and the right attitude .
“ If anyone is keen to join a business that cares about its clients and staff , we ’ d love to hear from them .”
And even the current economic crisis isn ’ t hitting Attis too hard .
Jonathan said : “ I think it helps that we ’ re not reliant on one particular industry – we ’ re very diverse .
“ Also , clients can contact us 24 / 7 , 365 days a year . I think that ’ s why it works so well – people know that whenever they ring us , we ’ re available and it will get sorted .”
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