Our History
We've come a long way since we sold our first insurance policy in 2008.
From first listing on price comparison websites to becoming an award-winning employer, we’ve got a lot to shout about!
1st Central launched
Business writes its first policy and founding team hire 62 colleagues
Key capabilities and early achievements
- Three million policies sold
- Development of our in-house technology platform
- Guernsey Employer of the Year in 2015
- In-house premium finance capability built
- 5-star Defaqto rating achieved
Leadership renewal and partnerships
- Michael Lee appointed CEO; followed by appointments of Gareth Howell as Chief Underwriting Officer and Ben Tomasetti as Chief Commercial Officer
- Launch of 1st Central Legal
- Formation of RAC partnership
- Four million policies sold
- Development of market-leading point-of-quote counter-fraud capabilities
Product innovation and five million policies
- Zuzanna Clarke promoted to Programme Director (now Chief Transformation Officer) and Richard Marino appointed as Chief Governance Officer
- Launch of peril pricing
- Launch of Multicar product and new customer portal
- Launch of 1st Central Value
- Five million policies sold
Workforce expansion and awards
- MoneyAge Insurance Provider of the Year for fifth year running
- Jo McGowan promoted to Chief People Officer
- 1,000 full time employees reached
- Six million policies sold and one million policies in force
Operational streamlining and new offerings
- Closure of internal reinsurer and property companies to simplify Group structure and operations
- Launch of Telematics
- Launch of RAC breakdown cover partnership
- Launch of new Heads of damage peril model
- Seven million policies sold
Strategy implementation and digital launch
- Rollout of Repair Optimisation Strategy
- Launch of 1st Central Online
- Will Verrill promoted to Group Strategy Director
- Eight million policies sold
Market expansion and recognition
- Launch of 1st Central Home
- Skyfire Insurance rebranded to 1st Central Underwriting
- Voted Best Large Insurance Employer at the British Insurance Awards
- Transfer of 1st Central Law's business to Carpenters
- Gareth Howell appointed Chief Financial Officer
- Ten million policies sold