Insurance broker comes out on top at Scottish Financial Services Awards

The company, founded in Perth over 50 years ago, was recognised for “bucking the trend towards centralisation and achieving outstanding growth, by delivering a local and personalised customer experience through a Scotland-wide branch network and strong client relationships”.

Run by Scottish Financial Enterprise (SFE) and sponsored by professional services giant EY, the annual awards recognise organisations and individuals for excellence in financial services in Scotland.

Presenting the award at last night’s SFE annual dinner held at the Doubletree by Hilton Glasgow Central hotel, Sue Dawe, EY Partner and head of financial services in Scotland, said: “Our industry is led by those with an innovative and entrepreneurial vision of best-in-class service and being distinct in the market is imperative to success.

“Clark Thomson has been bold and held their nerve to resist the trend of centralisation and has excelled as a result. Their extensive geographical footprint with branches across Scotland coupled with their attentiveness to customers has proved to be an important, differentiating approach which has led to significant growth.

“Congratulations to the winner and the other finalists, all are examples of the very best our industry has to offer.”

Clark Thomson has expanded throughout Scotland over the past half century and now has offices in Kirkwall, Thurso, Elgin, Nairn, Dundee, Perth, Glasgow and Oban.

Receiving the award, managing director Ben Bailey said: “I am delighted to accept this Award on behalf of the whole Clark Thomson team. The mark of a great business is to constantly re-invent and develop its proposition for all stakeholders, at the same time remaining true to the tried and trusted fundamentals that underpin success. Whilst delighted with the progress we have made over recent years, the potential for continued profitable growth in market share and new services is huge and we have plans to ensure Clark Thomson is positioned to benefit from this over many years to come.”

“To receive this accolade from the wider Financial Services sector in Scotland, after consideration against some fabulous companies and finalists, is a fantastic achievement and encouragement for our teams across Scotland.”

SFE Chairman Jim Pettigrew said: “Clark Thomson is a company which has put serving the customer firmly at the centre of its business. Whether the client is a large business, or an individual, they are dedicated to building strong relationships with their customers and delivering the best insurance solutions appropriate to their needs. I am delighted we have been able to recognise a company which is showing excellent growth, while remaining truly customer-focussed. Congratulations to everyone at Clark Thomson and to all our finalists.”

The other finalists were:

CYBG: for an outstanding year of achievement; launching successfully on the stock market and introducing their digital challenger bank B.

Zonefox: for their unique security solution protecting sensitive financial data against insider threats.

Jayne-Anne Gadhia: for commitment to achieving greater gender balance in financial services and the publication of ‘Empowering Productivity: Harnessing the Talents of Women in Financial Services’.

MBM Commercial: for, under the leadership of Sandy Finlayson, establishing themselves as the leading specialist law firm helping entrepreneurial businesses, particularly from the tech sector.

Standard Life:for removing barriers to employment and supporting young people to enter working life through valuable work placements, gaining experience while earning the Living Wage.