Award-winning Broker Insights is the latest high-profile business to move into the Water’s Edge commercial office development in Dundee.
The ‘insurtech’ business, which won the prestigious Scottish EDGE award worth £75,000 in June, has taken a space in the historic former transit shed 25 which has been extensively refurbished by Chroma Developments.
The move comes in the same week that the company – described by EDGE judges as having the potential “to be the best thing to come out of Scotland this year” – announced partnerships with major players in the UK insurance industry including Zurich, AXA, QBE, Hiscox and Ecclesiastical.
Launched in early 2018, Broker Insights has also created six senior job roles, five based in Dundee, and two graduate roles, also based in the city.
The company is co-founded by Fraser Edmond and Iain Crole, both formerly top executives at Aviva UK, and Sandy Cairnie, known for leading global programme delivery.
It is Chaired by top technology entrepreneur Chris Van der Kuyl, with his business partner Paddy Burns operating as a Non-Executive Director. The pair also co-own Chroma Developments which is operated by Managing Director Stewart Clark.
Believed to be a world first, Broker Insights has built a unique, searchable platform for the commercial insurance industry which uses data analytics to match broker-held business to the right insurer.
By enabling customer data to be shared in an effective way on a trusted platform, Broker Insights aims to help brokers access more products and services for their clients while helping insurers increase their distribution reach.
Transforming the way insurers and insurance brokers do business with each other, the benefits are three-fold: brokers receive more attention from leading insurers; insurers have more efficient access to serve the whole broker marker, not just the top tier; ultimately delivering the best deal to the customer by driving down costs and boosting the bottom line.
Iain Crole, Co-Founder and EVP at Broker Insights, said:
“Water’s Edge fits perfectly with our company strategy; to modernise the commercial insurance industry and build a dynamic team of local talent to deliver a positive and vibrant customer service.
The office space and design gives the team a real feel good factor. We’re looking forward to meeting the other units moving in and the great atmosphere and community spirit that will bring.”
Stewart Clark, Managing Director of Chroma Developments, said:
“We are very pleased to have attracted such an exciting and ambitious new business like Broker Insights that matches so well with Water’s Edge’s approach to inspire, connect and energise 21st Century business innovators, entrepreneurs and freelancers.
Launching a building of this quality and ambition in Dundee is a real achievement and we’re proud to have delivered a high-quality result.
The location of the Water’s Edge is unparalleled in regard to its proximity to Dundee’s revitalised waterfront and the vibrant attractions of the city centre, making it an ideal location for staff to work and play.”
The letting follows completion of a major refurbishment programme at the landmark building. The project created 15,000 sq ft of office space over two levels with original features retained and incorporated into the build which boasts specification of the highest quality.
Water’s Edge opens out from a central hub into a double height set of 11 office spaces, two of which are for co-working units. There are also seven meeting rooms and event and exhibition space.
The exhibition area is currently displaying art from a collaboration with Dundee Contemporary Arts.
With high quality finishes throughout, Broker Insights and other future occupiers will benefit from a single connected system that will control and monitor everything from lighting and heating to security and energy usage via a smartphone, tablet or computer.
Tenants will also have access to ultra-fast broadband, car park spaces and cycle racks.
The refurbishment project team included building contractor Lyon Building Services, architect Nicoll Russell Studios Ltd. and d3 Audio & Visual.
Businesses who are interested in finding out more about Water’s Edge should contact Chroma Developments on 07741150050 or email info@chromadevelopments.com