Retail magnate and Dragons’ Den star Theo Paphitis launched Plan Insurance Brokers’ new Headquarters in Redhill on Tuesday 24th April 2018 with an evening of celebrations.
A number of suppliers, insurers, press and local business learnt of the part he played in the company’s success when it was just an idea. Entrepreneur Theo Paphitis accepted the invitation to open Plan’s impressive new offices after being reminded of the role he had in the company’s success story.
When the Thatcher Government granted council tenants the right to buy their homes in the early 1980’s, Peter Georgiades needed financial advice. A young Theo Paphitis, who was working at Legal & General at the time, provided the necessary guidance and arranged a suitable mortgage. Then in 1989, when Peter and his eldest son Scott Georgiades were seeking to establish their insurance business, the equity from that house purchase was used to fund their start-up.
As well as providing the spring board for the company’s future success Theo and the Georgiades family also share Cypriot roots. Theo moved to the UK when he was six years old; Peter Georgiades left the island when he was 20, and soon met his wife-to-be Gail. Their three sons, Scott, Ryan and Grant are now running the family business, but Peter is still actively involved.
Invited as a guest of honour, Theo Paphitis unveiled a plaque which takes pride of place on the wall in Plan’s new office, and said a few words,
“Being in Redhill, opening these fantastic offices, and hearing about how the business has grown is unbelievable. It epitomises everything I believe in about small businesses, family businesses. It’s about getting up and just doing it, as opposed to spending forever planning it.”
“I wouldn’t have wanted to miss this, it’s a wonderful achievement and it’s great to see everyone again after 36 years.”
MD Grant Georgiades stated,
“We are very proud that Theo joined us to launch the new offices. Both his incredible success and dedication to promoting SME’s are inspirational. Theo’s philosophy of keeping things simple is essentially what Plan has been built on, and will continue to stand us in good stead as we grow.”
The company moved to their brand new premises in Redhill at the beginning of February, relocating after 12 successful years in Purley, with ambitions of significantly growing its taxi, motor trade and construction accounts.
The family owned brokerage currently arranges Gross Written Premium of over £20 million and employs 90 staff, with the ambition to double those figures within the next 10 years.
Plan Insurance Brokers are also joined in the space by Yellow Jersey Cycle Insurance with whom they share a holding company (The Plan Group Ltd). The start-up was created by the brothers 3 years ago and has emerged as a leading brand for cycle enthusiasts and cycle related businesses.
Photo Credits: Anthony Upton