Talbot Jones: Redefining the Look of an Insurance Professional
Google the term ‘insurance professional’ and you’ll be presented with a (fairly monocultural) array of suited and be-shirted individuals. Come to the Talbot Jones office and you’ll likely find:
Richard in shorts or jeans with a hoodie and t-shirt, ready to move into the evening to do some painting at the dining room table
Miri in a comfy woollen jumper, set to meet up later with some friends
Sue in a turquoise fleece, prepared for a long country walk
Clare in a quirky skirt that brings a dash of colour but can be tucked up to cycle home
Gil in a shirt with a waistcoat, dapper as always
Each person is encouraged to wear what makes them feel comfortable and confident.
The Philosophy Behind Our Dress Code
Accessibility – Nerve damage following Richard’s leg surgeries means light suit trousers bring unbearable discomfort. Heavy jeans or shorts allow him to work with greater comfort and focus.
Practicality – Suits don’t fit our lifestyle. Whether it’s coming straight from a damp swimming pool, hopping on a bike for a client meeting, spending 3 hours on a hot train, or picking up kids for a trip to the park, a suit would hinder us from making the most of our opportunities.
Suitability – Our clients in the Charity, Tech, and Creative sectors generally have a more relaxed dress code. Dressing casually helps us build better connections and make insurance more accessible and practical.
Professionalism Beyond the Suit
Wearing a suit is often seen as an outward sign of professionalism. Is it ‘unprofessional’ that the Talbot Jones team don’t wear them?
Our belief: no.
Professionalism at Talbot Jones is demonstrated through actions, not appearances.
Competent: Commitment to Professional Development
Alongside our experience, the team is committed to market-leading levels of continued professional development. Over the past 12 months, our team has cumulatively achieved:
2x British Damage Management Association Insurance Technician qualifications
3x Institution of Occupational Safety and Health qualifications (completed or underway)
1x Chartered Insurance Institute Certificate
1x Postgraduate Certificate in Insurance and Risk Management
1x Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters Diploma
1x International Institute of Risk & Safety Management Recognised Safety Practitioner status
We are also proud to be one of only three North East insurance brokerages to hold Corporate Chartered Status, reflecting our competency, service levels, and commitment to professional standards.
Skillful: Immersed in Our Communities
Knowledge isn’t everything. We also immerse ourselves in our communities, gaining different perspectives while contributing our own:
Roles locally, regionally, and nationally in insurance industry institutes and professional associations
Board positions supporting asylum seekers, those in financial distress, and employability
Volunteering with charities helping young people, women into financial freedom, and greater disability access
Recognised: Achievements Speak for Themselves
Despite not fitting Google Image’s stereotype of an insurance broker, our team has been recognised for excellence:
Top Specialty Broker for the Third Sector
Rising Star in Insurance
Elite Woman in Insurance
Northern Power Woman
Insurance Young Gun
Finalists in the North East Equality Awards
Looking Beyond the Suit
So, while we might not look like traditional insurance professionals, we hope you agree that we are.
What do you look for in an insurance broker? Is it a suit—or something more?
