On this week’s episode of ScaleUp Radio I’m speaking to Duncan Sutcliffe from Sutcliffe & Co Insurance Brokers.

 

The clue is in the name - it’s a family business that started in the 1980’s and insurance has been in the family well before that. In fact, Duncan is the fourth generation of Sutcliffe’s who work in insurance.

 

The company has experienced some growth since Duncan took over, and even managed to grow during the pandemic. All of this is countered by the fact that the company itself - the people within it, the head count - has shrunk.

 

As you’ll hear Duncan works hard to break the company, and the culture, out of the stereotype of what an Insurance Brokers should be - whilst still striving for excellence for their clients.

 

It really was a wide-ranging conversation, with lots of value for you no matter what level of business owner you are. We discussed:

 

 - The power of becoming a virtual team member for many clients, rather than a generic supplier or service provider

 - The challenge of moving communication from just ‘top to bottom’ within the company, to ‘multi-directional’; wanting the team to have a say in the culture and the direction of the business.

 - The benefit that an operations director can bring to any business, freeing up you - as the business owner - to make sure that your energies are focused in the right direction. 

 

What’s was also noticeable during our conversation is that Duncan is passionate about making sure that the company gives a good, personal level of services to their clients - rather than *just* providing insurance.

 

 

Duncan can be found here:

 

linkedin.com/in/duncan-sutcliffe-b815664

 

https://www.sutcliffeinsurance.co.uk/

 

[email protected]

 

Who Moved My Cheese? By Dr Spencer Johnson - https://www.waterstones.com/book/who-moved-my-cheese/dr-spencer-johnson/9780091816971

 

Winning Minds by Simon Lancaster - https://www.waterstones.com/book/winning-minds/simon-lancaster/9781137465924

 

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.   You can get in touch with Kevin here: [email protected]