One of Northern Ireland’s biggest independent insurance companies has celebrated its 40th anniversary this year by giving something back to the community.
Autoline, who have five offices across the province and employ 180 people, set themselves the mammoth task in January of raising £40,000 for 40 charities before the year ends.
The company is thrilled to have already surpassed its target with an impressive £45,000 raised to date and more to come as they continue their challenge until the end of December.
Staff and clients have got involved in supporting a whole series of fundraising events throughout the year including sponsored bake offs, dress down days, a charity ball and a walk up Slieve Donard.
Commercial director John Kielty says: “It’s fantastic that we have passed our target. We all have a charity close to our hearts and the idea of having 40 charities meant that there was going to be one that everyone could relate to.
“The staff really got behind it and it has been great to support so many worthy causes as we celebrate our 40th year in business.”
Autoline has also come on board as the sponsor of the Letting Agency of the Year category in the Belfast Telegraph Property Awards 2015.
The locally owned company has enjoyed tremendous growth over the past 40 years and is now one of the biggest independent insurance providers for both personal and business insurance in the province.
It currently provides advice and cover to some of Northern Ireland’s biggest businesses but while it is a main player in the marketplace Mr Kielty emphasises that the company prides itself on providing a personal service.
He says: “We like to think of ourselves as one-stop shop for personal insurance needs and business and while with growth there is always the danger that you can lose that personal touch we try very much to deliver a professional service to our customers which is still quite personal.
“We like to think our customers feel we are there to guide them through the whole process.”
Autoline has recently seen a resurgence in ‘buy to let’ insurance enquiries, as the local investment property market continues its recovery.
Driven by low interest rates and the attractions of rising rents, investors can also see again the potential for capital growth in property portfolios.
However, in an increasingly regulated property sector and more litigious society, landlords are becoming aware of the need to protect their property assets from a range of threats.
Mr Kielty said Autoline was delighted to be part of the Belfast Telegraph Property Awards and added:
“We appreciate that the property market in Northern Ireland has had some difficult times and it is good to see the market has turned and is showing signs of improvement and as one of the largest property insurers in the province we felt it was important to be involved in the property awards.”
View this article and more at the Belfast Telegraph.
