Getting to know the people behind the policies at Preston Insurance Brokers

“It’s not the most glamorous industry in the world, so having a mix of personalities is a welcomed antidote.” 

The sun’s out, straw hats are in. If you ask us, there’s no better time for a Cornetto and a catch-up with Connected Brighton member, Noel Preston – Managing Partner of Preston Insurance Brokers (PiB). Pull up a deckchair and shuffle in.

So Noel, tell us more about PiB – how big is the team?

There are now 15 team members made up of client handlers, executives, consultants and directors. Some staff members are just starting their journey in the industry, and others have been arranging policies since the time of the tape cassette (cough).

Coincidently, we’re also celebrating our 13th birthday later this year. It’s weird to think little ol’ Preston Insurance Brokers is becoming a teenager. Hopefully it doesn’t come with mood swings.

Let’s hope not. So, what’s your biggest achievement so far?

Perhaps the biggest accolade of all is no one has ever left us. Maybe one of the reasons people stick around is because we encourage everyone to just be themselves – and we like to think that mindset ripples into the down-to-earth service we offer our clients.

In fact, it’s become a bit of a mantra at PiB: “None of us take ourselves too seriously, but as a business we take what we do very seriously”. After all, it’s not the most glamorous industry in the world, so having a mix of personalities is a welcomed antidote.  

It’s not the most straightforward, either. How do you help clients understand the technobabble?

You’re right, there’s a lot of stuff we send to clients from a compliance perspective – none of which will ever reach the top of their reading list. So, when we prepare our documents, we try to simplify things wherever possible with clear and simple language. It’s nothing special, but it goes a long way to help our clients nod their head instead of scratch it.

Makes sense to me. Has your business always been based by the coast?

Yep, both myself and the business were born in Brighton. And although our services extend into London and the home counties, our roots and shoots are very much here by the sea.

Lovely – and what targets have you set your sights on for the year?

More of the same, really. To keep moving forward with a service that makes the complex world of insurance a little easier for our clients to understand.

We’ll also continue to support the community any way we can, teaming up with local clubs, charities, and other non-profit organisations that are close to our hearts.

What’s your advice for those who want to start a business in Brighton?

Brighton’s known for having a higher number of start-ups than most comparator cities. It’s a melting pot of brilliant minds, all with access to shared experiences, rich diversity, and supportive communities, such as your very own Connected Brighton. The 1,400+ licensed watering holes help too.

If I had to start Preston Insurance Brokers again tomorrow, there’s no doubt in my mind I’d set up base right here in Brighton. It continues to be brilliant for us, and it’s with enormous pride we can give back to a city that’s given us so much. Last month, for example, we sponsored the reopening of Preston Manor which was a real honour.

A little birdie tells me you’re also responsible for other types of covers.

That’ll be referring to Planet Trousza, a covers band myself and our bassist extraordinaire and senior client handler, Louisa, jam with when time permits. Eavis hasn’t called yet, but there’s still time.

Nice, I’ll have a listen. It was lovely catching up with you, Noel.

Thanks, always a pleasure. Now, if you don’t mind, can you pass the sun lotion?

If you want to learn more about Preston Insurance Brokers and how they support businesses across Brighton and beyond, send a message to info@prestonib.co.uk or call 0333 222 1188.