changes at the top - how the press viewed the advo board changes

On hearing of her win Ellie commented “We work hard to provide the best service and offering of protection to our clients so it’s really rewarding to receive the recognition from our peers.

advo, up against global advisor firms, were also finalists in the Best Adviser for International Corporate Clients, a fantastic achievement. Other finalist categories were the ‘Best Sales & retention Team’ won by advo in 2019.

Recognition came again for advo’s management of individual client as finalists in the ‘Best Adviser for Individual Healthcare’ category (health insurances), which was also won by advo’s Head of Private Clients, Sue Smith, in 2019

There was a new category for 2020 where advo were finalists. In a category open to both insurers and advisory firms, advo was recognised in the ‘Best Coronavirus Response. “It was particularly pleasing to be recognised in this special new category given the success we have had in supporting both clients and our staff. We have been able to maintain high standards across advo due to our supportive culture and investment in technology.” added colin.

The Editor of Health & Protection magazine, David Sawers,commented that “There has been outstanding work across the sector. It has been a headache trying to whittle all the entries down to a shortlist – and then to decide a winner – has not been easy. It has been tougher this year, even more so than before. Among the shortlisted entries are examples of quite brilliant, entrepreneurial work, helping everyone.”

Sue Smith, head of private clients

Summing up advo’s strong performance Jamie Tuffield, who heads up the employee benefits team at advo, said “The team has pulled together and continued to offer the highest quality advice and support to all of their clients despite some very challenging conditions this year. We pride ourselves on being an extension to company HR teams, and it is great to see their focus on offering practical solutions in a fast changing working environment being recognised by the wider industry.

“Lucy is a true advonian” says Colin Boxall, previously Commercial Director, now an Executive Director. “She represents what we are all about. She has passion, empathy, compassion, works hard and has a commitment to do the right thing.”

Lucy started her advo career in her teens in a junior administration position. Colin adds “This is a well-deserved promotion. Lucy has been instrumental over the last few years in advo’s growth. Her journey within advo typifies our approach of recruiting from the bottom up, the majority of advo management experiencing a similar career journey. Lucy’s promotion is an extremely popular decision with advo staff and is seen as a positive step in taking the group forward in the years ahead” Lucy, commenting on her new role said “Looking back over the years my passion for advo, our proposition and our people has remained consistent. It’s been such a great journey so far and I’m honoured and proud to be part of the group and to have witnessed the growth and positive changes first hand.”

“Being promoted to Director is a huge personal achievement, as well as an acknowledgment of the contributions I have made. I will continue to bring the same passion and drive I always have, working closely with the Director and Management teams, to ensure advo remains not just a great company for our clients to work with, but also for our staff to work for.”

Gill Mateo, Operation Director commented “I am so pleased for Lucy she has worked so hard and really deserves this. I predict great things will happen for advo with Lucy as Commercial Director, and I am really looking forward to this next stage in the development of our business.”

Larry Bulmer, advo group’s CEO commented “Welcoming Lucy Pearce as an advo Group director marks another milestone in the growth and diversification of the group. Our clients are increasingly looking at more connected service delivery where the HR function is managed more holistically allowing services to be blended and complementary, rather than disjointed parts. Having a director with the remit to deliver services as one is a key part of meeting clients’ expectations, as the advo group evolves into a rounded HR outsource company.

examples of how Lucy’s appointment to the advo group’s board of directors was reported in the trade press.