PoloWorks in Bishop's Cleeve has been crowned one of the leading large organisations in the 2024 UK’s Best Workplaces in Financial Services & Insurance list.
SoGlos chats to Richard Lawson, CEO of Polo Commercial Insurance Services, an arm of PoloWorks, to discover some of the secrets behind the firm's thriving success and finds out why a culture based on empowerment, collaboration and respect, where everyone's voice is heard and valued, matters so much.
Could
you share the pivotal moments in your journey that led you into the insurance
industry and shaped your career?
My path into the insurance sector began in 1984 when I left The Crypt School with little idea on what career I wanted to follow. At that time there was an influx of insurance companies into Gloucester and Cheltenham, so that seemed a good direction after having attended numerous career events. So, to be honest, I fell into the insurance industry as did so many people!
My early experiences opened my eyes to the incredible career opportunities the insurance industry could offer. The world was my oyster and the training and investment into people was always there. Our sector has always been ahead of most other industries on benefits and treating staff well, so, once you’re in, it’s a tough decision to leave.
The early 1990s was tough for insurance companies with many going to the wall, and at this point I worked for English and American. The insolvency and breakup of the E&A group was an experience that provided me with invaluable insight as the entire management structure above me disappeared.
I, along with six others, were left holding the reins. With very little experience, and all in our twenties, we found ourselves running an insurance services company, managing billion dollar portfolios, building teams and running huge IT programmes. You take decades learning what we learnt in a few years, in particular when it comes to people management.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with some truly phenomenal people. From inspirational mentors to brilliant colleagues, each one has played a role in shaping my approach to the industry. The key lessons given to me have been:
- Always surround yourself with people who are better than you, I never want to be the smartest person in the room, otherwise we are in trouble.
- Never find yourself in a role where you cannot progress, ensure you have a successor that enables you to pursue the next opportunity.
- Always put yourself in your client's shoes, never see things purely from your own perspective. Too many people fall in love with their own ideas.
- Ultimately, any success I have achieved has been down to the people around me.
What does being at the helm as CEO personally represent for you?
Being the CEO of Polo Commercial Insurance Services, an arm of PoloWorks, is an enjoyable challenge. We have a tremendous opportunity right now; the industry is in another pivotal stage of growth and we have come from nowhere to be at the front of that growth phase.
Leading the Polo team is about ensuring everyone understands the incredible opportunity we have, to lead with purpose and make a real difference.
It's about setting a vision that inspires our colleagues to work together and achieve something extraordinary.
I take immense pride in the fact that 12 months ago, no one really knew who we were. We have invested significantly in our staff, we have invested in infrastructure, as well as our buildings and technology.
We are proud to have been awarded 'Great Places to Work' status and in particular accreditation as a 'Best Workplace for Women'.
What excites you the most about being part of PoloWorks?
PoloWorks is an aspirational business and what truly excites me is the energy and potential the staff have.
Everyone here shares a deep passion for client service and takes pride in their technical capabilities that are unsurpassed in the industry.
I'm particularly thrilled how we have moved our culture to 'can do' and how we have generated such enthusiasm for making things better.
We have had a very strong 2024 and there is nothing like winning to get all parties aligned to the strategy, everyone wants to be on the winning team.
What vision do you have for the future growth of PoloWorks?
For the future of PoloWorks, my vision is clear: we will continue to build on our strengths while seizing new opportunities for growth.
I see us expanding the depth and capabilities of our teams, expanding our range of services and then expand overseas, solidifying our position as leaders in creating insurance platforms and third-party servicing. Constantly innovating in areas of creating new entrants into the insurance industry.
A key part of this growth strategy will involve retaining and attracting top talent.
We'll also make sure to stay ahead of the curve by empowering the next levels of leadership to take ownership. Throughout this growth, two things will remain constant: our commitment to employee wellbeing and social responsibility.
How do you incorporate employee wellbeing and corporate social responsibility into PoloWorks' growth strategy?
At PoloWorks, we believe happy and healthy employees are the foundation of a successful and
sustainable company. We constantly monitor and review our policies on wellbeing
and often adopt good ideas when we see them.
We prioritise employee wellbeing with a
comprehensive benefits package that includes flexible work options, private
medical insurance, enhanced paid time off, and access to Employee Assistance
Programs for mental, legal, and financial support.
Our self-service Zest Benefits portal allows employees to tailor and manage their benefits; and these offerings, alongside flexible working and counselling services, are helping us attract top talent, confirming we are on the right track.
Importantly, when it comes to social responsibility, we're encouraging support for local charities and allow staff to take time out to get involved. By integrating these values into everything we do, we create a company culture that fosters both personal and professional growth for our team, while also making a positive impact on the world around us.
What sets PoloWorks apart as a great place to work and why should people join the team?
There are many aspects that make PoloWorks a fantastic place to work. We are building a strong brand and culture that our people want to be part of.
The culture we're building is based on empowerment, collaboration and respect, where everyone's voice is heard and valued.
We believe in empowering our team members by providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to develop their skills through on-the-job training, vocational and professional studies.
As I have already mentioned, we were incredibly proud to be recognised as a certified Great Place to Work and a Best Workplace for Women this year. These accolades are a testament to our dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive environment.
