Paid for contentShetland insurance broker expands to mark 30th anniversary
The only independent insurance broker in Shetland is expanding ahead of celebrating three decades in business this month.
TL Dallas opened its Lerwick office in April 1993 and has a long-standing reputation for its considered, professional advice and excellent client care.
By coincidence, one of TL Dallas’s most valued customers, local marine engineering firm Ocean Kinetics, is also celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
And office manager Ruth Newbold has worked with Ocean Kinetics’ director John Henderson for 30 years.
Ruth said: “It’s a real privilege to have worked with John and the team at Ocean Kinetics for so many years, going right back to the time I headed up the general insurance side at Irvine Insurance & Financial Services based at 22 Commercial Road.
“As John’s business grew, his insurance requirements also grew, and I made sure that all the necessary covers were put in place to meet his needs.
“Our Shetland office opened 30 years ago this April, and Joanne Goudie and I joined the company in 1999. We feel very proud to have supported Ocean Kinetics as it has grown and expanded over the years.”
The family-owned TL Dallas group employs 150 people across 11 other offices in the UK, and is also a founding member of UNA – the National Alliance of Independent Brokers.
Ruth said: “We have recently expanded our team to six dedicated insurance brokers, with the appointment of Liam Peterson, and five of us have over 100 years’ of combined experience between us!
“It’s so important for us to have an office here in Shetland. At a time when many insurance brokers are centralising and using call centres, as well as reducing the number of regional offices, it’s heart-warming to be part of a broker that understands the importance of a local presence.
“Many of our clients have worked with us for decades, and at every renewal we seek to get the best possible outcome for our clients.
“What sets us apart from other brokers is we work especially hard to understand our clients’ businesses so we can add value when it comes to managing and insuring their key risk exposures adequately and cost effectively.”
Ocean Kinetics director and company founder John Henderson said: “Our long-standing relationships with more than 20 harbours throughout the UK and our Scottish exporter of the year award win are both highlights for our business, as is our relationship with TL Dallas.
“As you can imagine, in our business there’s lots of risk and it’s essential we have a broker that thoroughly understands our business.
Ruth, Joanne and the team at TL Dallas provide us with a wide portfolio of cover, but where they add value is in the ability to provide a local service with regular face to face meetings, as well as adapting our covers to suit our sometimes very challenging requirements.”
TL Dallas in Shetland works for clients across all sectors but has particular expertise in the contracting, marine engineering, farming/agriculture and the oil and gas industry as well as all types of marine insurance including small craft, commercial vessels, marinas and boating clubs.
Another long-standing client of TL Dallas is Lerwick fishing agent LHD. Company director Gary Spence said: “We have dealt with TL Dallas for many years and have always found the staff to be very helpful and professional in all that they do.
“They provide specialist knowledge and a bespoke service tailored to our specific needs, and the fact that they are based on Shetland is a huge positive for us.
In addition to representing many Shetland based businesses and individuals, TL Dallas is also a huge supporter of the local community. The company has raised thousands for local charities and also provide sponsorship for community sport groups.
TL Dallas’ managing director Polly Staveley added: “When many companies are consolidating offices into central call centres, we understand the true value of having a local presence and are fully committed to serving the people and businesses of the Shetland Isles.
“Ruth, Lynne, Joanne, Rory, Fiona and Liam really care about their clients, and this shows through the number of clients who remain with us year after year, as well as the new client wins achieved this year.
“As the office continues to grow, we hope to create more local job opportunities for people in the Shetland Isles and look forward to many more years helping businesses and individuals with their insurance needs as well as supporting the local community.”
As part of their ongoing fund raising efforts TL Dallas is hosting a gospel concert in the Cunningsburgh hall on 5 May featuring Sandyburn and Bigton Singers, Sarah and Stu, senior young musician of the year Victoria Byrne-McCombie, David, Jamie, Janis and Jenna and the North Ness Boys.
All monies raised will be split between Cancer Research, Alzheimer Scotland, Mind Your Head and the Teenage Cancer Trust. Tickets are available from the office at 64 Burgh Road, Mackenzie’s Farm Shop, Sandwick Baking Company and Mainlands Mini Market in Dunrossness.
For more information please visit https://www.tldallas.com/
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