Footman James and Firebond Join Forces

Footman James’ position as the clear market leader in specialist vehicle insurance received a further boost this week when it joined forces with Firebond.

Owners of the Midlands-based, classics specialists, Aon Limited, acquired specialist brokers Firebond earlier this week. As a result the company now boasts in excess of 200,000 customers, covering more than a quarter of a million vehicles across the UK.

Paul Matthews, managing director of Footman James, welcomed the acquisition and underlined its benefits. He said, “Like Footman James Firebond is known in the classics arena for its specialist knowledge and exceptional customer service.

“Now, with our backing, Firebond customers will also benefit from the buying power, resources and infrastructure that only a market leader can offer.”

David and Gillian Hinks, former owners of Firebond, also reiterated the partnership’s benefits for Firebond customers, “There are great synergies between the two businesses. Like us, Footman James is committed to customer focus, innovation and high performance.”

Footman James supports hundreds of enthusiasts’ clubs and dozens of classic shows and is the lead sponsor of the Classic Motor Show which takes place at the NEC, Birmingham from 4th – 6th November 2007.

Footman James was named Insurance Broker of the Year in the UK Broker Awards 2006 in recognition of the quality of service and product provided to the classic vehicle market.

The following items show Firebond industry recognition over the years:-

Chartered Insurance Institute presentation

The President of the Chartered Insurance Institute,
Mr Richard O Hudson, Bsc( Econ) Hons, FCII, MBA, Chartered Insurer

presenting the ’Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute’ qualification to :

Director Firebond plc
Dr Gillian Hinks Bsc( Joint 1st class Hons), PhD (Cantab), ACII, Chartered Insurance Practitioner

December 2003

Firebond Re-Recognised as Investors In People

In a continuation of their commitment to the Investors In People scheme, after further assesment Firebond was re-affirmed to be worthy of the prestigous Investors In People award!

Febuary 2003

The Insurance Age Awards : Firebond: Highly Commended Use of E-Business

Firebond was highly commended on its use of E-business at this prestigious award ceremony. "This modern age requires a modern method of selling, and Firebond have achieved this."

Judges concluded that Firebond’s use of E-business was well-thought-out and designed in such a way as to provide maximum service to its customers.

September 2002

ISO 9001 :2000 Quality Award

The ISO 9002 standard was superceeded to ISO 9001:2000. The Firebond records were updated to the current format.

December 2000

Investors in People Award

"The recognition panel agreed that the assessors had conducted a rigorous and competent assessment and presented evidence to confirm that all indicators of the National Standard had been met."

April 2000

ISO 9002 Quality Award

Following an assessment by an independent body, Firebond Insurance Specialists has been awarded the ISO 9002 Certificate.

1999
Picture: Christine Colbert (Town Mayor of St. Neots) & David Hinks

 

The Max Power Awards : Firebond: Innovation Runner Up: Wheels Insurance

"Insuring wheels under a separate policy was recognised as a need in the marketplace and worthy winners of this award."

1998

The Max Power Awards : Firebond: Runners Up Best Insurance Package

1998

The Insurance Age Broker of the Year Awards : Firebond: Best Use of Training Runner Up

Specialist training was recognised in the Insurance Age Broker of the Year awards. Out of the whole of the UK insurance broking industry, Firebond were runners up.

1998 Presentation

The Max Power Awards : Firebond: Best Insurance Package

Judged by a team of readers of Max Power magazine, Firebond scored an amazing 80% - that was 20% higher than our nearest rival!
Pictured is Firebond’s managing director Dave Hinks receiving the award from the editor of Max Power Emma Bradshaw.
July 1997

 

The Max Power Awards: Firebond: Best Innovation Award

At the inaugural Max Power Awards held in 1996 the Best Innovation Award was won by Firebond Plc for their In Car Equipment Insurance
product.

The awards ceremony was held on 12th November at the London Palais and pictured right is Firebond’s managing director Dave Hinks (centre) being presented with the award by Sam Cole (left) and Lee Hurst from TV’s They Think It’s All Over.

July 1996