Our History

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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!

2008
1st Central launched 

Business writes its first policy and founding team hire 62 colleagues

2009 to 2018
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

2019
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

2020
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

2021
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

2022
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

2023
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

2024
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