Somerset Chamber is proud to support a diverse range of organisations in the Somerset business community who are as passionate about our region as we are.
In a new series of interviews, we will be shining a spotlight on some of our Business Partners, recognising their commitment to Somerset, its business community and beyond.
Somerset Voices is also a chance to find out more about the people behind the brands!
Our next Somerset Voices spotlight is Alan Clarke, Regional Managing Director, for Brown & Brown:
Please introduce yourself and tell us about your role. What does a typical day look like for you?
I am Alan Clarke ACII, Regional Managing Director for Brown & Brown. I have worked for the business for 25 years and have held various client facing and leadership roles over the years and now lead the South West region.
Day to day I support 230 employees across 10 South West locations, with our Regional Head Office based in Somerton.
My role involves all the practical things you would expect when leading a growing and successful business but my core values drive me to create a strong culture and a motivated team where learning, quality, health and enjoyment all feature in what my people see and feel.
Can you tell us about your business/organisation, what you do, where you’re based and how your work has a positive impact on those you work with?
At Brown & Brown, we deliver insurance solutions for both commercial/corporate businesses & private individuals. We are a full advice broker which means our clients always have a personal relationship with my team, whether that be a smaller business being supported by local advisors via the phone or larger clients who value and rely on us to regularly visit their business face to face.
In any scenario, we are able to support clients with a wealth of experience in Insurance Protections/Covers, Risk Management, Employee Benefits, Trade Credit and much more. We also show our true worth when the worst happens, we have a dedicated, local, claims team who support our clients throughout the claims process.
What do you enjoy most about doing business in Somerset?
Running a business and supporting clients in Somerset is, and has always been, something I value in a number of ways. The variety of clients and industries which thrive in the county is incredibly wide, this makes every day for us all the more interesting.
Culturally, we find Somerset clients and businesses to be incredibly passionate about being part of the area/community, we meet and speak to a wealth of talented & forward thinking people and importantly people who we enjoy having a relationship with.
Outside of work, what’s your ‘Somerset favourite’, as in a place to visit or activity you like to do in our county?
Walking in the Somerset countryside and visiting our beautiful towns and villages features in most of my weekends. Eating out and taking advantage of the wide variety of events held across the county throughout the year, whether that be Summer Fete’s, Carnivals or Music and Theatre events.
One of my passions is playing golf, and whilst I am a member of Mendip Golf Club, I will regularly visit other Somerset courses including Burnham & Berrow Golf Club which is ranked in the top 30 courses in the UK.
How long have you been members of Somerset Chamber of Commerce and what prompted you to join?
We have enjoyed being members of the Somerset Chamber for over 12 years and value everything it strives to deliver for Somerset business. The value of being able to talk to other business leaders and employees, sharing the impact of issues which generally we all face and having a network of supportive people who have the same energy and passion for the county as we do really helps.
What has been the most valuable aspect for you/your organisation, of being part of Somerset Chamber?
Per above really . . .
What advice would you give to a business thinking of joining Somerset Chamber?
Jump in and join, you will absolutely find value in the people you will meet and the events the Chamber organise. Engage with the events relevant to you and perhaps consider what others in your organisation could attend, there is something for all levels and the different industry sectors.
Join Somerset Chamber of Commerce to give your business a stronger voice both locally, regionally and nationally. Combined with local town chambers, we represent over 2,000 businesses across Somerset with a direct line to policy-makers at all levels.
