The founder of North East accident claims specialist Winn Group has stepped down, the business has confirmed.
Jeff Winn founded the business in 2002 after becoming frustrated dealing with insurers after a car crash, and has grown the multi-brand accident management firm from its base in Byker to employ more than 600 people. Now, Winn Group has confirmed Mr Winn has stepped down from his role as executive chairman to spend more time with his family.
The firm says he will remain closely involved with the business as a major shareholder and board member, saying he will continue to provide strategic advice and support through a new consultancy arrangement. The announcement comes three years after he stepped down from his chief executive role after 20 years at the helm, moving into an executive chairman role, with Chris Birkett becoming Winn Group chief executive officer.
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Mr Birkett said: “Jeff has been the driving force behind shaping Winn into the successful business it is today. We’re delighted that he remains actively involved as the major shareholder and board member, and we look forward to working with him in his new advisory role. His continued insight and strategic perspective will remain a valued part of our growth journey.”
The business emerged from Mr Winn’s frustrations after his Jaguar was crashed into more than 20 years ago. His insurer gave him a small car instead of another Jaguar while his own was in for repairs, and he was also charged a £500 excess fee which increased his premiums.
Later, when he sold the car, he was told that repairs following his crash had been done with non-Jaguar parts, hugely lowering the value of his car.
He settled on Byker as the group’s base because of its distance from the city centre. At the time a rule was in place in which lawyers could charge 20% higher fees if they were within a two-mile radius of Newcastle city centre, prompting him to settle on the buildings on Shields Road in the suburb.
Now, Winn Group has grown to become a one-stop shop for claimants, taking on every stage of a claim, from arranging a replacement vehicle and repairs, to billing the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Mr Winn added: “Building Winn Group has been the most rewarding journey of my professional life, but I have decided to step back from the day-to-day to spend more time with my family. I remain deeply committed to the business and excited to support the leadership team in a strategic advisory capacity. I’m incredibly proud of everything we’ve achieved together, and I have every confidence in the team as they continue to grow the business in the years ahead.”