New commercial insurance broker firm launched

An independent commercial insurance brand, HI Commercial, has branched out of Hull and East Yorkshire-based insurance broker – Hedon Insurance.

The new company is headed by Richard Medforth and newly appointed Director Luke Byron. The brand aims to give the commercial team room to expand outside the core business of Hedon Insurance, which has traditionally been concentrated on personal insurances.

Byron, 27, was employed by Hedon Insurance in 2012 and has been instrumental in the success of its commercial insurance division. He, fellow Director Medforth and their team manage an established base of commercial clients, as well as generating new enquiries from local business owners.

Anne Walters, Managing Director of Hedon Insurance, said: “We are delighted to launch HI Commercial and feel proud to appoint Luke to the board of our new company. As a rising star since joining us seven years ago, the natural progression is for him to become a Director.

“Richard has been a valuable member of our team since 1990 and the pair have worked hard to build significant growth in our commercial client base. The time is now right to separate the two businesses so Richard and Luke can focus on our new style commercial insurance firm, HI Commercial Limited.

“Hedon Insurance can continue to do what we have been doing for 50 years – providing excellent customer service – but with a focus on personal insurances.

“Luke played a significant role in the development of HI Commercial, managing the rebrand, working with current clients and raising awareness of our business as an active member of the local business networks.”

With 50 years’ experience in business behind it, HI Commercial’s team will be supporting thousands of local business owners from a range of commercial organisations.

Byron said: “Prior to setting up HI Commercial, we researched the market to find out how we can differentiate ourselves from other firms.

“All too often the insurance market is going down the call centre route and clients become nothing but a number. The consequence of this is that commercial organisations chase the lowest price for insurance rather than the most suitable cover. That’s great until disaster strikes and a claim is rejected or the business finds out they were under-insured.

“HI Commercial is operating in the digital age but we are also client-facing. It is important to get to know our clients and their business by meeting them in person.

“The Humber Region is a great place to set up our new company. I am part of the local business networking community and feel well supported by people who refer business to us but also those who supply services to us.

“Our new brand was created by Jenko Marketing and Design. We wanted it to set us apart from traditional commercial insurers and feel they have interpreted our ideas very well. Our website has been developed by Nic Johnson at It’seeze Hull, again we have been very impressed with the way their team has portrayed our company.

“We feel our brand helps to promote our experienced advisors who work to protect organisations that have been built up with the time, money and personal sacrifice of the owners. Our clients are of utmost importance to us so if disaster strikes, we’ll be at their service and at their side to provide commercial insurance with a personal touch.”

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