Having worked at independent insurance brokers since 2005, Carolyn Bridges joined the C&C family mid-2021 to head up our team providing commercial and motor trade insurance. It’s easy to forget, but back then we were still living with covid restrictions, so getting out for an interview after months of being inside was a big thing. So much so, Carolyn said her interview with Malc discussing commercial and motor trade insurance felt like a day trip out! (How’s that for being passionate about insurance?!)
Although aware of C&C for our reputation within the haulage sector, Carolyn admits she didn’t have too much knowledge about the culture of the company. However, she quickly came to feel that the C&C culture is one of its superpowers.
“Everyone says that C&C has a family feel – and it really does. But what’s different is that C&C are very open to listening to people’s ideas and experience and evolving processes and systems, to improve staff and client experience. Too many family-feel companies stick to old, outdated ways of working and impose them on their teams. C&C is very empowering in that respect, it’s prepared to try new ways.”
Carolyn says that even new joiners pick up on this quickly. The company still feels small and personal, even though our headcount is now over 130.
There are 19 people in the commercial department, living across the northwest with many working on a hybrid basis. This has enabled us to recruit from further afield. We also manage a monthly face-to-face meeting, which given the team size, is quite an achievement. The monthly gathering isn’t just an opportunity for a status update across commercial insurance though; it’s often preceded by training provided by an insurer or a chance to hear what their current appetites are. It’s also often followed by most of the team spending some time together having lunch which helps the team bond further. As everyone knows, hybrid working can have its pros and cons, so having the chance to share time with colleagues is a real plus.
Although Carolyn does have a number of her own clients, her attention is largely focused on the team, which is what she enjoys most. At any given time, she could find herself involved in recruitment, onboarding, training, appraisals, offering advice on day-to-day issues or acting as a sounding board for handlers and execs to bounce ideas off. Her job title is ‘Technical Broking Director’, so offering advice, contributing to problem-solving or becoming involved in insurer conversations, is a key part of her role.
So as the team ‘fixer’ what does she enjoy the most?
“What’s really important to me is helping the team develop and progress, working with them to expand their experience across different client and case types – and encouraging them to take opportunities within C&C to further their careers.”
So, what’s next for the C & MT division? Well, again it’s all about applying the skills and client-centric culture inherent in the team to ensure that our clients are as protected as possible. Rebuild costs are grabbing the headlines but many clients still don’t fully understand the consequences of being underinsured so there’s a big education task going on at renewal times. Likewise, cyber insurance is becoming increasingly important in an ever-volatile and unpredictable world. Only by having strong relationships and rapport with our clients can the commercial team truly provide the protection customers need.
Clearly, the team’s ethos of being client-focussed is appreciated, with one recently saying:
“I’ve been dealing with C&C for many years in all matters relating to insurance and can vouch for their hard-working attitude, attention to detail, professional knowledge and readiness to assist at any time and in any possible way.”
With superpowers like that, Carolyn and the team had better start Googling ‘capes’!
Image: Carolyn with some of the Commercial & Motor Trade team
