The only independent insurance broker on the Shetland Islands is expanding ahead of its 30th anniversary next year.
TL Dallas opened in Lerwick in April 1993 and has a long-standing reputation for its considered, professional advice and excellent client care. Liam Peterson has joined the business this year, bringing the team up to six.
The Shetland team is headed up by Ruth Newbold, and benefits from being part of the wider TL Dallas Group. The family-owned business has 10 other offices across the UK and is also a founding member of UNA – the National Alliance of Independent Brokers.
Ruth said: “We have recently expanded our team to six dedicated insurance brokers, with the appointment of Liam, and five of us have over 100 years’ of combined experience between us! We are a local business but benefit from having a bigger presence across the UK. Our membership of UNA also means we are in a really strong position when it comes to accessing the best insurance products for our clients.
“Many of our clients have worked with us for decades, and at every renewal we seek to get the best possible outcome for our clients. What sets us apart from other brokers is we work especially hard to understand our clients’ businesses so we can add value when it comes to managing and insuring their key risk exposures adequately and cost effectively.”
TL Dallas works for clients across all sectors but has particular expertise in the contracting, marine engineering, shipping, transport and technology sectors.
Director and valued client, Gary Spence, from LHD Ltd in Lerwick, said: “We have dealt with TL Dallas for many years and have always found the staff to be very helpful and professional in all that they do. They provide specialist knowledge and a bespoke service tailored to our specific needs, and the fact that they are based on Shetland is a huge positive for us.”
In addition to representing many Shetland based business and individuals, TL Dallas is also a huge supporter of the local community. Ruth added: “We have always supported the communities here in Shetland, which we are all part of. That is why we are very proud to have raised more than £10,500 over the last few years for charities including Mind Your Head, Alzheimer Scotland, Macmillan Cancer Support, CRUK Relay for Life, MRI Scanner Appeal and Dogs Against Drugs. Whatever we raise is match-funded by the business which is fabulous. We have also provided sponsorship to community sports groups including Shetland Amateur Athletics Club, Shetland Badminton Association and Lerwick Amateur Swimming Club.”
Polly Staveley, managing director at TL Dallas, said: “When many companies are consolidating offices into central call centres, we understand the true value of having a local presence and are fully committed to serving the people and businesses of the Shetland Islands.
“Ruth, Lynne, Joanne, Rory, Fiona and Liam really care about their clients, and this shows through the number of clients who remain with us year after year, as well as the new client wins achieved this year. As the office continues to grow, we hope to create more local job opportunities for people in the Shetland Islands and look forward to many more years helping businesses and individuals with their insurance needs as well as supporting the local community.”