Not too long ago, remote working was something of a luxury enjoyed by relatively few individuals whose employers had the flexibility to enable them to work away from their offices.
However, the pandemic and the continued emergence of technology have meant that it is now a generally accepted part of employment practice which is even enshrined in legislation.
Whilst remote working is convenient for staff, it also has consequences which might not necessarily be acceptable for all customers.
Despite changes to how, where and when companies work, we can’t escape the fact that many people simply prefer doing business face-to-face instead of by ‘phone or in an online meeting.
The idea of providing a personal service has been a cornerstone of how Broadway has operated since launching four years ago.
We have placed a premium not only on understanding the insurance market – developing ever closer relationships, for instance, with underwriters to benefit our clients – but those who rely upon it.
To deliver the kind of effective ’round-the-clock concierge service which has seen us build a roster of private and commercial clients, it is essential to have a physical proximity to those who count on our advice.
That is why we opened our first office at Ashley Hall, in Cheshire.
We were convinced that a thriving North West community was not served as well as it could be.
Our confidence in this region is not merely a perspective. It is a matter of fact.
Take the sort of data produced in a report published by the House of Commons’ Library in May.
It found that the North West saw more growth in business numbers last year than any other part of the UK.
We also know very well of the differences which exist within the region and our willingness to cater to those subtleties has driven the next stage of Broadway’s evolution.
To those unfamiliar with the city, Liverpool may just boast the sort of architecture which underlines a proud history shared between Mop Tops and maritime might.
Nevertheless, the greater Merseyside area – stretching from Wirral to West Lancashire – has a very vibrant commercial scene.
Far from being moribund, Liverpool ranked third behind Birmingham and Manchester for new business starts outside of London and the South East in 2022.
I was born in Liverpool, attended university in the city and have spent my entire insurance career here.
I am well aware of the value of local knowledge and how much personal dealings are appreciated by corporate and private clients.
That is very much part of the Broadway way, if you will, and why our opening an office in the heart of Liverpool’s Business District is a natural progression.
It is no small undertaking but demonstrates our commitment to support our clients as closely as possible.
The notion of having a serviced office or staff who only hot-desk is certainly not for us.
We believe in investing time and effort to understand our clients’ needs and the local context or circumstances in which they are set.
That provides for more relevant solutions which have a positive impact, instead of off-the-peg, arm’s length suggestions which don’t really reflect what people need.
Likewise, we feel that just as there is immense business talent across the Merseyside region, there are very capable insurance professionals wanting to do their best for clients.
In the coming months, we hope to add some of those individuals to our operations here.
Wherever and however we work, Broadway is determined to offer tailored risk management advice.
For that reason, we will not be paying lip service to Liverpool.
Written by Louisa Roberts, Managing Partner, Liverpool Office