Worcester’s leading owner owned insurance brokers, SJL Insurance Services, mark celebration of training their 25th Apprentice with the attendance of Robin Walker MP
Conservative Party politician attends SJL’s HQ as part of the UK Government’s National Apprentice Week 4-8th March 2019, as firm name Georgia Bates as their 25thApprentice
WORCESTER, UK, 8th MARCH 2019: Today, SJL Insurance Services, Worcester’s largest owner owned insurance broker, celebrated the UK Government’s National Apprentice Week by acknowledging the milestone of taking on their 25th apprentice. To honour the achievement, Robin Walker MP and Parliamentary Undersecretary of State at the Department for Exiting the EU, visited SJL Insurance Services, to recognise their continued success in helping local people get professional apprenticeships. 11 apprentices are still employed at the firm and five of those have been successfully trained by SJL Insurance Services to climb the ladder to a Team Leader position.
From humble beginnings in the bedroom of founder and CEO Simon Lancaster 18 years ago in 2001, SJL Insurance Services has achieved impressive growth in every year since and is now turning over in excess of £17.5 million. This progress has significantly intensified during the last three years, with the firm growing their revenue by over 65%. The company became an official Lloyd’s of London broker in 2017, which now enables them to trade around the world. This meant the firm had to expand and open up a third office in the City of London, with Bristol being it’s second office, although the headquarters are where the majority of staff remain in Worcester.
A team of 62 helpful, ambitious and friendly staff, have all had a part to play in building the company’s success. SJL were awarded the much-coveted Investor in People award three years ago on the 13th March 2016. The apprentices and staff enjoy regular fun staff events usually including trying to raise money for charitable causes in a fun way such as Christmas Jumper day, Wear Pink for cancer, Movember, Worcester 10K run, Football Shirt Friday, Macmillan coffee and cake morning and the London Marathon.
The 25th Apprentice is Georgia Bates, 18, from Worcester, who joined the firm ten months ago.
Simon Lancaster, founder and CEO, SJL Insurance Services said: “I started as a £40 per week apprentice myself back in 1996, so apprenticeship schemes are particularly close to my heart. Our continuous growth and expansion is built on our staff’s expertise, professionalism and drive. I have always believed that if you look after and progress staff to fulfil their potential, then you will both reap the rewards.”
He continued: “Due to the phenomenal team spirit, focus and collective intelligence, we can now insure any type of business in the UK and our expertise ranges from property and commercial risk, to kidnap and ransom.”
Robin Walker MP said: “SJL Insurance Services is one of Worcester’s leading examples of how successful apprenticeship schemes can help local people by creating local jobs. I visited SJL Insurance Services in December 2014 to award them with an Apprenticeship Award and it’s great to come back again during the Government’s National Apprenticeship Week to see their continued success in this area. I am delighted to see that the company has now taken on 25 apprentices in total. Simon started his own career as an apprentice, and this has undoubtedly contributed to his commitment to training up future generations.
The Government’s National Apprenticeship Week is designed to celebrate apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the local economy. I warmly welcome all of the hard work SJL Insurance Services has put into embracing apprenticeships and training a new generation of highly skilled workers in the local area.”
CONTACT:
Press enquiries for SJL Insurance Services
Kerry Hopkins, e: [email protected] t: 07900 981 751
Sjlins.co.uk
