Leeds-based Chartered insurance broker, Gauntlet Group, has helped two former directors create their own insurance start-up business, after they loved the group’s Appointed Representative opportunity so much that they decided to join it.
In the true spirit of the Remington advertising strap line of the late 1970s, Ian McCarron and Paul Coates, have established their own Appointed Representative (AR) brokerage – McCarron Coates – with Gauntlet as their AR principal. Their new start-up business is based in Morley and is the insurance world’s equivalent of a franchise opportunity, in which there is a partnership between the principal – Gauntlet – and the new business owners.
McCarron Coates will work with fast-growing Gauntlet, which was established in 1994, on a day-to-day basis, tapping into its in-depth experience and resources to assist clients with their commercial and motor fleet needs. Both Paul and Ian have extensive experience, primarily earned with Gauntlet, where both have built most of their career.
Ian McCarron joined Gauntlet in 2001, whilst Paul Coates joined Gauntlet straight from school in 1997, and worked for the business for two years, before leaving to join a Harrogate-based broker. He returned to Gauntlet in 2002.
Whilst Ian and Paul build their business, the Gauntlet head office team, comprising over 60 employees, will provide them with expert back-up and support. The pair now become one of over 40 ARs partnering with Gauntlet through its Appointed Representative arm, Gauntlet Enterprise.
Roger Gaunt, managing director of Gauntlet, says: “The AR role suits Ian and Paul perfectly and we are naturally delighted to have two talented people driving forward a business that is shared between them and Gauntlet Group. Their growth will directly benefit Gauntlet’s.
“Having mentored them for many years, it is rewarding to see them start their own business, with our support.”
Ian McCarron adds: “The time was right for Paul and I to become self-employed and start a business, given our age and the ages of our young children. We are ambitious and keen to make a great success of it, working with clients across the country.”
Paul Coates comments: “We understand the challenges of building a new business and are sure that we can tackle these. We look forward to working with new clients and assisting them with their insurance requirements.”
