39. Carole Nash Insurance Consultants

Fee and commission income (2002): £15.1m

Pre-tax profit (2002): £1.2m

Address:
Trafalgar House
110 Manchester Road
Altrincham
Cheshire WA15 0AU

Tel: 0161 927 2424

Fax: 0161 927 2404

Email: bikes@carolenash.com

Websites:
www.carolenash.com

www.insidebikes.com

Year established: 1985

History: Carole Nash Insurance Consultants Ltd was established in November 1985. Carole Nash was employed by the insurance company Sentry, where her duties involved running the motorcycle department. During this time, she had become increasingly involved with a small classic motorcycle scheme, but when Sentry decided to shut its northern office, and relocate to Milton Keynes, Nash took over the running of the classic bike scheme from home.

During 1988, the business flourished and by the end of the year Nash's son Malcolm joined the business along with one further part-time employee. She also began receiving invitations from motorcycle enthusiasts to club organised events. To date, the company still maintains a high profile at motorcycle shows, from small club organised events right through to the NEC International Motorcycle Show in Birmingham.

By 1991 Nash had relocated into office accommodation, computerised all the records, taken on several full-time employees and turned her operation into a professional outfit. By the end of 1991, the business had become an incorporated company with a staff of 20.

With Carole Nash Insurance Consultants Ltd. continuing to expand it was time to consider relocation. More modern premises were required to house the latest computer and office technology, not to mention additional staff. Trafalgar House was finally chosen which increased the square footage from 3,500 to 7,000 sq ft. The management team was also strengthened by the recruitment of a managing director, Damian Keeling, a chartered accountant by profession. Nash herself is now executive chairman.

The period from 1995 to 2003 has seen the company become the largest motorcycle insurance intermediaries in the UK, grossing over £50m premium income. There is currently a team of approximately 400 staff who continue to maintain the high level of service offered to all 220,000 customers.

On the back of this success the company sought premises in the centre of Dublin to service their Irish policyholders. Officially opened by Ronan Keating

(a Carole Nash policyholder) in February 1999, the office is situated in Corn Exchange Place near the O'Connell Bridge.

Carole Nash Insurance is built on a foundation of enthusiasm, personal attention to detail and professional, efficient service. It is this passion and commitment, which is evident throughout the company, that has fuelled one of the most inspiring and impressive business stories of the last decade.

Major shareholders: Carole Nash, Damian Keeling, Malcolm Nash

Main lines of business: Motorcycle, classic car

Number of UK branches: 1

Number of UK employees (average for 2002): 310

Chief officer: Damian Keeling