Winsover Howden

COMPANY PROFILE The formation of the Company is the result of the merger of two companies, Francis Howden Limited and Winsover Insurance Services Limited. Francis Howden was formed in 1974 predominantly to service personal and business clients in London and the South East. Winsover Insurance Services was formed in 1994 to service personal and business clients north of Watford. Francis Howden and Winsover Insurance merged in 1997 and the name of both companies was changed to Winsover Howden (Insurance Brokers) Limited to reflect the wider spread of the company. In 1999 T.H. Watts was purchased giving us a presence in Rutland and the central regions, and in 2002 the general insurance business of Beard Pipe and Benbow (known as Beard Pipe and Benbow (GIB) Limited) was purchased, greatly expanding our London operation. Within our extensive client portfolio, we have clients in the following dominant sectors: · Property Owners, Managers and Developers · Printing and Paper Products · Banks · European and Global Multinational Organisations · Motor Fleet and Transportation · Photographic Organisations – we are in fact the recommended provider of insurances to organizations in the Photographic Industry. However our resources are not limited to the above industries and it is normally possibly to obtain quotations for almost any requirement.

	The Team
	I am Anthony Wood, son of Chris and Jennie and came into the insurance business through a natural interest in the family business. Initially I worked in the Personal Lines Department handling general motor and household but my interest was always in the premier properties which has resulted in my now heading up James & Co. This division of Winsover Howden which deals with all of the clients who are insured through either Chubb, Norwich Union Tapestry or Home and Legacy and I am now able to also offer motor insurance for vehicles with a retail price in excess of £30,000.00. Outside of work I enjoy ten pin bowling and play in a league, golf and cars.

	My name is Hannah Jackson and I work in the Professional Photography Department along with Chris and Jennie. I first started working for Winsover Howden on a part time basis when I was attending College and then moved into a full time position when my studies ended. If you are a Professional Photographer, or an amateur one, you will have probably spoken to me at some time. Out of work I am really enjoying working with my Fiance on our new home and I like cooking which is not surprising as my Father is a professional chef.

	My name is Alan Gamble, I have been involved with the general insurance business for over 30 years and was originally with Beard Pipe and Benbow Insurance Brokers at their Edgware office. I am pleased to say that my association with many of my clients now spans over two decades. I am mainly involved with Commercial Property, Liability, Professional Indemnity, Motor Fleets and Contractors insurance but still assist in home and motor insurances when called upon. I have four children, two have now flown the nest but my two youngest are still with myself and my wife, they must like the easy life!!. Outside of work I enjoy visiting places of historic interest, photography, walking and fair-weather cycling but in the main do-it-yourself home projects.

	Hello I’m Paul, I joined Winsover Howden in February 2002, as a Commercial Account Executive. I have been in the industry now for over 15 years starting my career at a local broker in Peterborough. After a couple of years in the personal lines division, i moved into commercial insurance. I have previously worked for a multi national insurance broker dealing with a large corporate client base. I can obtain quotations for all types of commercial risks and specialise in liability and fleet based insurance, especially for companies in the haulage industry. Since joining Winsover Howden I have built up an extensive client base covering London and the Eastern region. I also oversee the running of the Commercial Department based in our Spalding office. I am a keen cyclist and enjoy off road mountain biking. When not speculating on the rise and fall of the stock market I try and scrape enough money together for my favourite holiday destination…. Las Vegas!

	Hi my name is David Busveides and I work in the accounts department of Winsover Howden. I have been here just over a year and before that I worked for one of the largest Brokers in the country. In a previous life I used to be in the Merchant Navy and spent 20 odd happy years travelling all over the world. I still enjoy travelling and my current favourite destination is Spain. My main duties revolve around the payment of client’s money over to the various insurance companies we deal with. This involves reconciling all the insurer statements we receive, checking that premiums are correct and properly funded before paying the insurers. The same procedures also apply for client refunds. Banking client’s receipts and reconciling the bank account is also my responsibility.

	Hello I am Lindsey Taylor. I started here in July 2001 working in the claims department, and from there I progressed to working in personal lines . I have recently passed my Modern Apprenticeship and Insurance Foundation Certificate 1 & 2 and am proud to say that I was the first in the Country to reach these standards at my age. Taking those exams and gaining more advanced insurance knowledge has enabled me to advance into the Commercial Department where I deal with all types of policies, including liability, shops, property owners and offices. I enjoy studying and will therefore continue to develop my knowledge to become, hopefully, a fully fledged Account Executive in due course. Out of work, I enjoy Latin dancing and like to relax with yoga or reading a good book.

	Hello, I am Sue and I have been employed as Receptionist for Winsover Howden since moving to Lincolnshire from Kent. My first position when leaving school was as a receptionist and I have always worked within this area including secretarial duties. I am married with two children and another one on the way. Unfortunately this does not leave me with very much spare time for hobbies or interests, however if I do get the time I enjoy escaping into the latest novel. I also enjoy spending as much time as possible with my family, which usually this consists of swimming, playing barbie dolls and caring for our menagerie of animals. When I return to work after the birth of my third and should be last baby I will be working within the Accounts Department helping David, or at least trying to.

	I’m Jennifer Wood, preferring to be called Jennie, and I am the Managing Director and founder of Winsover Howden. On a day to day basis I handle the administration side of the Company and take care of the training and management of the staff. On the whole I really enjoy running the Company although, as with most insurance brokers these days, find that the market changes, constant changes in regulation and underwriter apathy do sometimes make it very stressful. I also take care of the Company advertising, so those advertisements that you hear on Classic Gold and Hereward Radio you can blame me for! Still, at least I avoided any annoying ‘jingles’. Out of work, we have three dogs who basically take up almost all of our time but I do enjoy golf (terrible player though) and ten pin bowling, where Chris and I won our league last year.


	My name is Trudi Putman I have worked in the Accounts Department of Winsover Howden Insurance Brokers Ltd for three years. My duties are mainly involved with the running of the office account, reconciling the bank statement, producing end of month accounts and reports and general administration within the Department. Before joining the Company I worked for several years in the Finance Department of a Local Authority. In my spare time I enjoy swimming, spending time with my family and property renovation/home improvement projects and assisting my Husband in the running of his own painting and decorating business.

	I am Christopher Wood, Chief Executive Officer for the Company. I have been involved in the insurance industry for over 30 years and am currently responsible for overseeing the Commercial and Photographic Departments. I have long been an avid Star Trek fan and can happily discuss Tribbles with the best of them!