The History
TEn insurance services was incorporated during 2004 and launched in February 2005.
Founded and developed by three insurance professionals and one technologist, who combined between them over 125 years of market experience... even back then.
The initial targets for TEn were as follows:-
- to establish itself with 10 ARs in 2005
- to increase to 20+ by 2007
- to add 12+ pa thereafter
- and not to stop there!
TEn grows its core business organically but rapidly; and with an underlying philosophy that for small businesses to prosper and survive, it takes a bigger business to care for them.
Whilst the analogy may be a red-rag to a bull in certain quarters, the comparison of TEn to a French Farmers Co-operative, would not be entirely out of place.
If this idea does not appeal, then perhaps we can all unite around the concept of a French Wine Growers Co-operative. In other words, something that is universally regarded as ‘a good thing’ and of benefit to its membership and humanity as a whole!
According to TEn director, James Sharp:-
“As a group of people, we have all had successful careers - one way or another - by starting out at grassroots level and building up. We find it now rather depressing that our industry makes that process so difficult for small businesses.
If we were to admit to a Mission Statement, it would have to be that we seek to enable the next generation of entrepreneurs to build-up broking businesses, as people did 25 years ago. The model has been tweaked a little to reflect the fact that the world has changed.
Our point has always been; the world may have changed, but the essence of what motivates people to succeed has not... given half a chance”.
And so it has proved! Today we have grown our network membership to around 60.
The Directors
David Pearce (non-executive)
TEn is fortunate to have David as its non executive Chairman, given his 40 years of experience in the industry. David’s career highlights include:-
- Managing Director of Premium Search
- CEO of Peoples Choice
Gordon Coles (non-executive)
Gordon has over 40 years experience in the London Market, many of them at Senior Broker and/or Divisional Director level with a variety of Lloyds brokers.
Malcolm Lee
Malcolm joined Eagle Star as an Inspector in 1970, becoming a Senior Inspector in 1976. He moved to Sceptre in 1982, subsequently rising to the position of Director and Shareholder.
Malcolm was appointed an IIBRC Councillor in 2000 and remained as such until January 2005, when the FSA assumed regulatory responsibilities.
James Sharp
James joined software house Sectornet in 1986 and progressed to become General Manager until his departure in 2003. James was the originator of the market’s first ASP service in 1994 and the subsequent development of various ‘network centric’ services.
Robert Benson
Robert started out in general insurance from leaving school. In 1987, aged 21, he joined Glover Insurance Services as Managing Director and in 1998, Robert set up his own brokerage, Krest Insurance Services, which he sold prior to joining TEn.
Elliot Arnold
Elliot started his career in 1991 in a commercial underwriting and sales roles for major insurers, before gaining experience running a corporate broking team, prior to joining TEn.
Now in role of Broking Director, Elliot is responsible for TEn’s broking strategy and key insurer relationships.
John Rusby
In 1973 John joined the Provincial. By 1989 he had progressed to become a branch manager in North London, the City and in Reading; ultimately working for Axa. Prior to TEn, John worked in a business development role for Aascent Premium Finance.