Bollington is committed to the national standard for good practice in developing its people and has been recognised as an "Investor in People" since 2000. In 2004 we were profiled against our peers in the financial services industry and our results were outstanding.
Bollington is frequently asked to provide case studies of its people development strategy for both local and national business support agencies such as Business Link and Learning and Skills Councils.
Bollington has grown from humble beginnings into one of the UK's most successful insurance brokers. Founded in 1973 in a one-room office, the company now has over
200 staff working at its head quarters in Macclesfield and in offices across the country.
Originally selling personal insurance, the company has gradually expanded its portfolio and now also specialises in
commercial and Motor Trade insurance as well as financial planning advice.
Success has come rapidly to Bollington - the company was recognised in 2003 as the 45th fastest growing company in the
UK in the Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100,
and the company has evolved still further since, with
the acquistion over the last two years of Wallwork
Jensen in Preston, MG Smithies in Wigan, FM Green in
Witney and Greystone Insurance Services in Altrincham.
Philip Jones, Operations Director at Bollington, says that the sudden increase in employees meant that they had to take a good look at the company structure.
"We had grown at an impressive rate, evolving from a regional broker to a national player. Our management systems and human resource programmes obviously had to match this growth. We have found Investors in People to be the perfect vehicle to help facilitate this"
Philip is convinced turning to Investors in People has helped give the company a rigid framework for training and feedback of staff. "By adopting the IiP standard, we introduced a formal system of regular performance reviews that identified training needs. The reaction from staff has been excellent."
Besides formalising its training offering, Bollington now has a staff intranet and handbook briefing employees on development policies. Both of these were suggested by Investors in People and have been a great success.
Philip Jones is sure that concentrating on employee development has had a knock-on effect on the business.
"Work rates and productivity are improving at even faster rates now and credit must be given to the structures put in place by the Investors in People model. Everyone is highly motivated, aiming for and achieving ambitious targets. We are now seeing the results in hard figures. With Investors in People behind us we know we'll continue to improve and expand at ever increasing rate."
Source: Manchester Evening News IiP Advertorial March 2004
Bollington
Insurance Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
