UK Franchise Opportunities and Business Opportunities For Sale
UK Franchise Opportunities and Business Opportunities For Sale
1st March 2024
Concept Claim Solutions are thrilled to celebrate Colin's ten-year milestone as a Concept franchise partner. His dedication to customer service and passion for helping people have made him an inspiration to many.
In this interview, we will delve into Colin's story and learn about why being a Concept franchise partner has been such a personally fulfilling career for him.
Colin: Of course. I began my career as an apprentice diamond setter in Hatton Garden until I was 20. After that, I worked as a double-glazing salesman, going door-to-door. Following that, I moved to Spain in 1989 to sell timeshares, which was an emotionally-driven type of sale.
Upon returning to the UK, I met my wife Sophie, and we’ve been together for 33 years. We have two daughters who are both in their 30’s. I resumed my career in the window business in the early 1990’s and worked for a rapidly growing UK company. I was promoted to Marketing Director in 1996, where I managed a team of over 500 people.
Colin: Later on, I started an IT training business that provided online and in-person training. In 2006, I met Bernie, who has over 40 years of experience in the trades. Together, we set up a successful business called We Buy Gold. We knew it wouldn’t last forever, so we started looking at franchises.
Colin: We looked at many other franchises, but Concept was an ideal match for Bernie’s building experience and my marketing expertise. In early 2013, I went to the Head Office and met with Mike, Andy, and David from the Concept support team, who are still there today.
I’ve learned a lot from my varied experiences, and it’s helped me to adapt and be flexible in different situations. It’s also given me a unique perspective on business and customer service, which has been invaluable in my career.
Colin: The role involves presenting building insurance claims, negotiating with insurers, and project managing the property repairs. We believe in going above and beyond to make a difference in people’s lives.
A recent example of a claim we have worked on is for a lady in her 80’s who had experienced severe water damage throughout her home. Her insurance company only offered £10,000, which was not enough to cover the cost of repairs. We estimated that the total cost would be higher and were confident in our ability to negotiate. After several meetings with the insurer, we were able to secure a settlement of £45,000 plus VAT, which allowed us to restore her home to a high standard.
In another case, the insurer offered only £3,000, but we were able to negotiate a settlement of £13,000. These are common situations that we deal with every day.
Colin: I derive immense satisfaction from helping my customers in their fight against insurance companies to ensure that they receive the rightful compensation for their claims. This enables us to effectively restore their residential or commercial property to its original state. Currently, I am handling a claim worth £180,000 and have observed that loss adjusters tend to be more accommodating with claims exceeding £100,000. However, when it comes to the smaller claims, insurers often fight over every single penny.
Colin: I have my work schedule down to a fine art, which gives me flexibility. On Mondays, I am usually occupied with calls, emails, and scheduling meetings. On Tuesdays, I visit policyholders, inspect the progress of new claims, organise files, and get updates on claims. On Wednesdays, I wake up at 4 am to attend BNI networking events. I have been going for 10 years, built great relationships, and met many great professionals. This leaves me feeling exhausted, so when I get back home, I have an easier afternoon.
Thursdays and Fridays are for dealing with whatever tasks come up. However, I do try on these days to take my wife shopping and out for lunch or I play a game of golf. I have managed to schedule my work this way over the years with the help of Bernie. Sometimes, you have to decline work requests.
I don’t find the business to be particularly challenging, but it requires a strategic approach as if you were playing a game of chess with insurers, moving pieces to achieve your goals. I can’t say anything is difficult, but I don’t particularly enjoy drafting out the schedules of work.
Colin: To effectively defend your customer's rights, it is imperative to possess a combination of empathy and determination. Demonstrating a deep understanding of your customer's needs and concerns while also exhibiting an unyielding resolve to fight for their cause is the key to success.
Colin: I currently have enough work to keep me busy for the next 5 months and have no plans to retire anytime soon.
At my age (mid-60s), I am fortunate to have enough leisure time to pursue my hobbies, which include playing golf and being a part of the Free Mason community. I also enjoy spending time with my family and feel content with my current work-life balance and income. I will only retire if it becomes necessary due to my health.
Colin: Yes, I would recommend the Concept franchise due to its excellent support team. Even though I don’t need much support, the benefits I receive from the fees are still worth it. If you have the necessary drive to help your customers, I highly recommend joining the Concept franchise.
Concept Claim Solutions is Leading the Way20th September 2024
Concept Claim Solutions is taking the insurance claims industry by storm this summer, recently winning two awards!
Concept Claim Solutions Franchise Partner of the Quarter Award!26th June 2024
Steven Nuttall from Concept Claim Solutions (Hertford) has been awarded Franchise Partner of the Quarter for his outstanding service and support to fellow franchise partners…
Concept Claim Solutions Finalist in Three Categories of the Quality Franchise Association (QFA) Virtual Awards.19th June 2024
Concept Claims Solutions has been named a finalist for three awards "Franchisor of the Year," "Best Franchisee Support," and "Best Adaptation to Change".
Concept Claim Solutions Finalist for 'Loss Assessor of the Year' at the British Claims Awards 20241st June 2024
The awards celebrate the outstanding performance of individuals and organisations in the insurance claims industry.
Finalist in 'Franchisee Trailblazer' Category at the HSBC British Franchise Awards 202331st January 2024
Gary Dimond, the franchise partner of Concept Claim Solutions in Belfast, was a finalist in the highly competitive "Franchisee Trailblazer" category.
Concept Claim Solutions' Supports The Insurance Institute of Preston and Blackpool's Annual Dinner26th January 2024
The highly-anticipated event brings together successful business leaders, policymakers, and distinguished thought leaders.
Meet Concept’s FCA Authorisation & New Compliance Officer: Rhys Thomas26th January 2024
Concept have received direct authorisation and regulation from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Outstanding Concept Franchise Partner - Autumn Quarter12th December 2023
Franchisee Pierre expanded his team by adding a full-time project manager and admin role. This has enabled him to manage 34 claims worth approximately £900,000!
I have been with Concept for over six years in which time I have seen my business grow into a substantial organization.Mark Usher South Mersey
I would recommend to anyone who is looking to create a business in the insurance claims and restoration market to take a close look at the Concept franchise – It really worked for me!
Concept provide full training and support so whatever your background and experience we will ensure that you are equipped with the knowledge and assistance you need to make your business a success.
Concept are the only truly national insurance claims franchise network. This brings the benefits of trading under a well known and respected brand.
Concept have many business development schemes including Broker Solutions, Agent Solutions and Remedial Solutions all of which give you the opportunity generate additional business for franchise.
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