Friends and colleagues Andy Smith and Simon Harris have both underwritten their future with a move to a new employer after almost 30 years combined service at their previous company.
The friends, who recently joined the commercial division of Bennett Christmas Insurance Brokers in Burgess Hill, West Sussex, both spent a long period of their careers with the then family-owned brokerage DF Edmonds & Co, which later became Brighton Insurance Group.
When Andy left Brighton Insurance Group to become senior commercial account executive at Bennett Christmas, it wasn’t long before Simon followed as senior commercial account handler - bringing with them a combined total of 40 years of industry experience.
Andy, who lives in Hurstpierpoint, describes Bennett Christmas as a ‘close-knit’ team.“It’s a well-run insurance brokerage with traditional values of service – a family business, but forward-thinking,” he says.
Simon, who still lives in Brighton, was also impressed by the firm’s local ethos. “It’s how I like to work,” he adds.
Outside of the office the pair are both FA Level 1 qualified football coaches involved in local youth football, as well as both being keen golfers and competitive pool players.
Mark Bennett, Bennett Christmas CEO, said: “Andy and Simon are clearly both team players and we’re delighted to welcome them on board at an exciting time for Bennett Christmas as we expand both our brokerage and underwriting divisions.”