Inside Business First: INET3, Blackburn

Inet3 moved into our Blackburn centre at the end of 2016. We caught up with Karl Eltman for a chat about how Business First has supported his company.

Tell us a little bit about INET3.

Inet3 is an amalgamation of two companies - IMD and UGM. IMD was formed 25 years ago, providing home insurance to the financial services and life/mortgage sector based in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. UGM is a non-standard insurance schemes provider, serving the insurance broker market.

In 2010, UGM was taken over with our office in Chorley closing and I spent six years living and working in Suffolk for Inet3.

In late 2016, I decided I missed my family and the North just too much so I returned and opened our first satellite office.

Why did you choose Business First?

When choosing suitable premises there were many factors we considered. Location, cost and room for expansion featured highly on our list.

From the first moment I met the centre manager, and subsequently Scarlette, I knew we’d chosen well.

Business First offers a friendly, professional environment. The location is convenient and accessible. We have the ability to entertain clients, if the need arises, in an appropriate environment, but it’s not staid or stuffy.

We have been looked after brilliantly since we arrived. So much so, I couldn’t ever think about leaving!

What does Inet3 do?

We provide solutions for hard-to-place household insurance, using Lloyd’s of London, Axa and Ageas Insurance.

We have a bespoke, internet-based platform for our brokers to transact with us, which is slick and easy.

However, being a traditionalist I prefer actually talking to our brokers and ensuring what we are delivering by way of cover always matches their demands and needs.

How long have you worked in the insurance industry?

I’ve been in the insurance industry since 1992 and involved in non-standard home insurance since 1997.

Over the years, I’ve built up a good understanding of the sector, whether it’s a house that is unoccupied, someone undertaking a large refurbishment, usual construction, convictions, flooding, or subsidence. Whatever the circumstances, we are able to arrange cover quickly and competitively.

What’s next for Inet3?

I quickly obtained our first staff member, Sam, who I worked with during the UGM years. We are looking to recruit two more members of staff in 2017, potentially including an outgoing sales person.

The long term plan is for us to look after all brokers in the north of the UK, cultivating existing relationships and creating new ones for the future.

Find out more about Inet3 here.