22. Boncaster

Fee and commission income (2002): £28.7m

Pre-tax profit (2002): £4.1m

Address:
Library House,
New Road,
Brentwood,
Essex CM14 4GD

Tel: 01277 200111

Fax: 01277 206283

Email: info@cox.co.uk

Website: www.cox.co.uk

Year established: 1931

History: Boncaster is the broking arm of Cox Insurance and a prominent player in the UK personal lines market. The business has grown significantly through major acquisitions, broker transfers and expansions of links with the affinity market. Its own direct brand, insure, has continued to grow since its launch in 2000. Along with its success in personal lines, either direct or through its panel of insurers, Boncaster also serves a number of schemes and affinity groups. Clients include Volkswagen, Audi, Age Concern, Royal British Legion, Freeserve, Triumph and Harley-Davidson.

Major shareholders: Hainault Securities Ltd (100%) - ultimately Cox Insurance Holdings plc.

Main lines of business: Personal lines, motor (53%), travel and vehicle breakdown cover (35%), home (7%) and motorcycle (5%).

Number of UK branches: 3

Number of UK employees (2002): 300

Chief officer: Nick Potts, managing director

Biography: Nick Potts joined Cox Insurance Holdings in April 1999 and became managing director of the direct division in January 2001. He was previously head of commercial operations at Privilege Insurance Company Ltd where he headed the project to define and launch the Barclays car insurance scheme and subsequently managed the post-launch activities and relationship with Barclays Insurance Services. Prior to his role at Privilege, Potts was operations director for Colonnade Insurance Brokers having responsibility for the direct telebroking operation and a network of 100 branches. Before joining Colonnade he spent 14 years with Midland Bank Group in various roles.