Case Studies
Searchlight has greatly assisted us with the successful launch of our financial lines product. They delivered a combination of preparatory work, training support and industry expertise.
They worked collaboratively with us on the design and implementation of our training and development programme to the benefit of our business. The trainers were approachable and supportive as well as technically proficient and engaging in their delivery. The materials have been well designed and delivered, and the subsequent feedback has been positive.
Alan Dickson – Technical Director, Aon Risk Solutions
UNITAS Training Academy required a regular and 'bespoke' Sales Course that was able to satisfy the varying needs of our membership, that was not 'off the peg' and that delivered a consistent outcome in improved sales skills.
Having put this out to tender and interview, Searchlight / Broker Academy offered the best solution. They were able to provide a trainer with vast sales experience in both the insurer and broker marketplace and who worked with us in the design of our required course. The course is now a regular offering for the UNITAS Academy, receives high commendation from delegates, and is continuously 'fine-tuned' in liaison with Searchlight following both trainer and delegate feedback.
Ian Crawford, People Development and Compliance Manager
The Insurance Partnership (TIP) is a successful independent general insurance broker with a head office situated in Hull. It was established in September 1993 and in now the City's largest Insurance Broker and has aspirations to "become one of the most profitable and professional commercial insurance brokers in the Region and indeed the UK by being totally client and insurer focused." It currently employs approximately 140 general insurance staff across four locations (Hull, York, Lichfield and Sutton Coldfield), as well as a number of Financial Services and Commercial Finance employees.
In 2007, the organisation began a comprehensive review of its training and competence responsibilities. This was as a result of the organisational development challenges associated with significant growth and the need to meet regulatory obligations imposed upon FSA authorised companies.
Searchlight Insurance Training was appointed to undertake a comprehensive analysis of training needs and to deliver a planned and structured programme of HR initiatives. This began in 2008 with a major corporate training needs analysis exercise, and the scoping of a project that would encompass all aspects of performance management, as well as additional HR initiatives.
The coming months saw the design and initial implementation of a tailored competency framework, crafted for TIP and supported by a bespoke job family, appraisal and recruitment and selection system. 2009 will see the first full roll out of the new process, following a pilot in the autumn of 2008.
At every stage, Searchlight has recognised TIP's major priority to meet the aspirations of a highly successful and growing company whilst capturing the FSA's T&C and SYSC requirements in every people management initiative. The focus has – and continues to be – the use of integrated and value for money initiatives that will assist the company in meeting its strategic objectives and provide longevity for years after completion of the project.
TIP Group Operations Director Mark Green said "Searchlight has assisted us significantly by delivering a combination of consultancy, support and industry expertise. Through the use of a committed partnership approach, we have designed and begun to roll out a programme of HR and people development initiatives which will underpin the future strategy and success of the company."
NFU Mutual Insurance Society is a major national insurer which conducts its business through a network of over 300 local agencies across the UK. Whilst its roots are within the farming industry, today it continues to grow and broaden its horizons in the wider rural community.
NFU Mutual has developed its underwriting strategy particularly towards commercial insurances to underpin its controlled growth strategy. The targeting of a number of defined trades and sectors that had not previously been a key source of business is contributing to this. This change in approach called for improvement in risk awareness, underwriting and rating judgement.
Searchlight Insurance Training began work in July 2007 to contribute to the development of a programme of integrated and bespoke training workshops that would meet the specific requirements of NFU Mutual's underwriting strategy.
The process involved meeting underwriting and surveying staff from NFU Mutual and interpreting their roles and function within the context of their strategy. Searchlight designed and delivered bespoke case studies and other technical training material which has contributed to the success of the programme.
The post course workshop evaluation and analysis has provided consistently positive feedback, contributing to the continuous and ongoing development of the training materials.
Martin Johnson of NFU Mutual said "Over the last 18 months, Searchlight has helped us provide technical training solutions for our commercial underwriters. The focus has been on particular trade sectors and their inherent hazards, rather than specific products or covers.
Their support has involved the design and delivery of bespoke training material which has either been in the form of case studies to supplement technical training delivered by our surveyors or to meet a specific technical training requirement.
The materials have been well designed and delivered, and the subsequent feedback has been positive. We look forward to building on the success of these initiatives in the future."
Searchlight has greatly assisted us with the successful launch of our enhanced annuity product. They delivered a combination of consultancy, support and industry expertise and took a goal focused and value for money approach.
Their collaborative approach to the design and implementation of our blended training and development programme has significantly benefited our organisation.
The consultants were approachable and supportive. They had a team ethos and together we made considerable progress with successfully launching our new flagship product.
Lorraine Prideaux, Learning & Development Consultant
