27. Colonnade Insurance Brokers

Fee and commission income (2000): £24.7m
Pre-tax profit (2000): £2m

Address:
Hebble Brook Business Park
Hays Lane
Halifax
HX2 8UL
Tel: 01422 243 333
Fax: 01422 243 222

History: Colonnade began trading in 1978, although it was only in the past ten years or so that it embarked upon becoming a major player in the insurance broking market. In its first ten years it acted primarily as a service company to customers of its parent company, Provident Financial. In those days it provided motor insurance to customers of its sister company, Provident Personal Credit.
The 1980s heralded a significant change in the direction of the company. The group-related business on which the company was established was removed and the decision taken to set up a high-street branch operation.

Fully computerised quotation and administration systems were installed in all branches at this stage. With sound financial controls in place it was possible for rapid expansion to take effect and the number of outlets quickly grew, reaching 50 towards the end of 1989.

In the early 1990s, the expansion continued at a rapid rate and a number of small chains were purchased along the way, notably Shiptons, Charminster and Autoplus. This last deal in 1992 brought the number of branches to more than 120.

The mid-1980s were a time of significant change and a major restructuring of the business followed.
Unprofitable outlets were closed, the company moved to a new head office on the outskirts of Halifax and February 1994 saw the formation of Colonnade Direct - a telebroking operation.
In April 1995, Colonnade acquired Expert Information Systems, a computer software company operating from Lurgan in Northern Ireland.

At present, Colonnade trades from 88 branches and its two call centres in Halifax and Lurgan.

Chief officer: John Thornton

Major shareholders: Provident Financial
Main lines of business: Personal lines (mainly motor and household).

Number of UK branches: 88 plus 2 call centres
Number of employees (average for 2000): 733

Greatest technological advance: In 2000, Colonnade Direct has developed in-house a new personal lines computer system, based on a Polaris rating engine. This system is extremely user-friendly, both for staff and customers. It has resulted in greater productivity, more accurate risk-based pricing and a much more robust platform for a fast-developing business.