Simply Business: Everything you need to know
Headquarters address | 6th Floor, 99 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7NG, United Kingdom |
|---|---|
Year established | 2005 |
| Size (employees) | 900+ |
| Global locations | (London) United Kingdom, (Boston) United States |
| Expertise | Business insurance and landlord insurance |
| Key people | David Summers (group CEO), Alan Thomas (UK CEO), Beatriz Montoya (chief operating officer), Scott Gregory (group chief financial officer), Dana Edwards (group chief technology officer), Hasani Jess (UK group chief technology officer), Julie Fisher (chief commercial officer), Joanne Theodoulou (general counsel), Deborah Holland (senior vice-president of US growth), Fiona McSwein (vice-president strategic programs), Yaelle Candolfi (people director), Laura Winter (director of insurance product) |
About Simply Business
Simply Business operates an online insurance brokerage which specialises in protecting the business its customers are building by simplifying the insurance-purchasing process for small businesses. Simply Business provides specialist small business insurance which is tailored to the requirements of the individual client and offers a variety of insurance covers from business insurance to product liability insurance and landlord insurance.
The business prides itself on being able to provide quotes from a broad range of insurers in minutes, allowing its customers to pick the core covers that they require with options for different risks.
Simply Business offers products online on behalf of a broad panel of carriers, including NIG, Chiswell Insurance, More Than, Hiscox, AXA, Zurich, AIG, Covea, and Churchill. The firm also has a UK-based team, which guides customers through each step of their cover, offering a variety of communication channels through which they can be contacted.
The history of Simply Business
Simply Business started operations in 2005 and has since developed to build a team of more than 900 staff members, operating in four offices, two in the UK and two in the US. Simply Business is now one of the UK’s largest business insurance brokers, with over 800,000 businesses and landlords protected by its tailored insurance solutions.
In 2017, Simply Business was acquired by US insurance giant Travelers for approximately £400.6 million, continuing to operate as a stand-alone business and partnering with its panel of carriers. At the time of the deal, the firm said: “Our shared values and commitment to innovation make this transaction a perfect fit.”
In 2018, Simply Business continued its growth spurt by announcing a long-term partnership with one of the leading price comparison websites in the UK. At the time of the deal Simply Business, CEO, David Summers said: “We’re constantly challenging ourselves to create something better for our customers – whether that’s through the innovative use of new technologies, harnessing the power of data, or building on our existing insurance expertise.”
In 2021, Simply Business’ expansion continued at pace after it struck a deal with a leading insurance provider and two of its brands, with the RSA and More Than brands joining its panel of insurance providers. The firm also began offering RSA Shop Insurance to help cater to the demands of small shop owners.
The team at Simply Business
Group CEO – David Summers: Summers implements the growth and innovation strategy of Simply Business. Prior to this role, Summers worked in a variety of roles at Simply Business including COO and director of operations and before joining the business, he worked as a management consultant at Accenture.
UK CEO – Alan Thomas: Thomas is tasked to oversee the growth and culture of the firm’s UK business by keeping the team focussed on our long-term vision and strategic priorities. He joined Simply Business in 2016, bringing with him more than two decades of experience, including stints at Hiscox and RSA. Before taking on the role of UK CEO, Thomas was the company’s chief commercial officer.
COO – Beatriz Montoya: Montoya’s role at Simply Business involves creating customer-centric marketing efforts, products and services and she works to build insurance products which can deliver the requirements of business owners and landlords. Prior to joining Simply Business, Montoya worked at Time Inc as consumer marketing director and as head of UK marketing at Euromoney.
Culture at Simply Business
“One of the best parts of working here is the ability to give something back,” according to Simply Business and this is encouraged through a broad range of initiatives from charity fundraising through annual events, to staff being encouraged to help the business tackle gender diversity in technology.
Between 2016 and 2020, Simply Business worked with Whizz-Kidz, a charity that aims to transform the lives of disabled children and help them to realise their full potential by providing equipment, support and life. The company has raised over £290,000 for this charity during the period and has used this money to purchase recreational mobility equipment, powered chairs and manual chairs for disabled children in Northamptonshire and London.
The business also supports England's Amputee Football Association, a registered charity which relies on the commitment of amateur players, volunteers and partners to promote amputee football throughout the UK and internationally.
In 2021, Simply Business kicked off its partnership with Mind, a leading mental health charity in the UK that works to make sure that everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect. Collaboration efforts were focussed on volunteering, fundraising and “sharing the incredible skills and honest lived experience of our people.”
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