RYAN INSURANCE GROUP CELEBRATES 35 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

Employees from Ryan Insurance celebrating 35 years in business with a 70s day

August 2010


One of the region’s leading independent insurance brokers is celebrating reaching its 35th year in business this month. Ryan Insurance, which has an offices in Ipswich, Colchester and Norwich established as a family business by Colin Ryan in 1975. As part of the celebrations, staff at the Ipswich office were invited to come to work in 70s clothing, and bring with them their 70s memorabilia. They were served 70s food and played games of ‘guess who’ using photographs from the 70s.
“It’s testament to the dedication of our team to giving great customer service that we have grown and maintained our success over 35 years” said Tim Ryan, Managing Director. “It is a family business in every sense of the word and we strive to preserve those values which are important to us and our clients.”
Local Building and Civil Engineering Merchants Collier and Catchpole have been a client of the Ryan Insurance Group since the beginning. Chris Cook from the firm said: “Ryan Insurance is a family-run business and has the same values as Collier and Catchpole. If we went elsewhere we could probably save money, but for us, nothing beats the personal service and the complete package that you get from Ryan Insurance.”
Associate Director John Girling, who is the group’s longest serving employee said: “I can remember that we used to offer a Third Party Fire & Theft policy to a 17 year old driving a Group 1 vehicle (Mini, Ford Fiesta etc) for £100! Nowadays we would be lucky to achieve a premium for the same risk of under £1,000! I can also remember selling comprehensive moped policies for as little as £12.50!”
Director Robin Belsom, who was also one of the first employees to join the business added: “I was attracted by the fact that it was a young dynamic business, which was small but growing fast.
“My first job was to sell car insurance over the counter as this was the time before telephone and internet sales. I loved meeting the public and helping them, either by saving them money or sorting out a claim. It was great fun and we got to know many of the customers really well. Some of them I speak to now, some 30 years later!
“I recall one day the great Sir Bobby Robson called, as he wanted to bring in two new signings so we could arrange their motor insurance. Bobby turned up later with Frans Thyssen and Arnold Muhren. We had paper folders at the time and I am proud to say that we had colour pictures of both on their files!
“There are many special qualities about the Ryan Group. The personal and friendly approach of Colin Ryan helped shape the development of the early Ryan's team, and I am pleased to say that Tim Ryan has the same approach but with a sharper commercial edge. Tim has always displayed a great deal of drive and energy and continues to lead the business successfully in to the future.”
All money raised through dressing up and a ‘Win a day off work’ competition will go the EACH Treehouse Appeal.