The Cheltenham insurance firm where creativity, innovation and collaboration thrive

Insurance firm PoloWorks fosters a supportive and diverse culture, emphasising continuous learning and development to help every team member reach their full potential. SoGlos hears how this approach ensures a dynamic and highly skilled workforce from the firm's senior operations manager, Tony Smith.

By Emma Luther  |  Published
Tony Smith, senior operations manager at PoloWorks, is proud of the firm's culture of continuous feedback and support, which ensures that colleagues at all levels have access to the guidance and resources they need to succeed.
In partnership with PoloWorks  |  polo.works
PoloWorks

PoloWorks is a leading insurance services firm with more than 375 specialists across London, Cheltenham and Guernsey. Representing 40 per cent of Lloyd’s and London Market operators, it offers turnkey management, outsourced services, MGA support, and insurance management. PoloPartners, a joint venture with PwC UK, provides comprehensive tech-enabled insurance solutions.

By investing in professional growth, PoloWorks aims to cultivate a culture of continuous improvement, to enhance overall staff performance while staying competitive in the marketplace. 

SoGlos chats to its senior operations manager, Tony Smith, about the ways in which career progression and people management help the Cheltenham firm attract and retain top talent.

What is the spectrum of career progression opportunities at PoloWorks? 

At PoloWorks, our career progression opportunities are diverse and robust. Starting from entry-level roles, colleagues receive structured learning, study funding and tailored progression plans aimed at achieving professional qualifications. For those more experienced, PoloWorks provides avenues to tackle new challenges, engage with various business models and acquire new skills.  

We foster a supportive and diverse culture, emphasising continuous learning and development to help every team member reach their full potential. This approach ensures that our workforce remains dynamic and highly skilled. 

Why is PoloWorks so keen to ensure its team can progress and develop?

We believe that our success at PoloWorks is intrinsically linked to our colleagues. Ensuring our team can progress and develop not only fosters a motivated and engaged workforce but also drives innovation and excellence within the company.  

By investing in our colleagues' professional growth, we aim to cultivate a culture of continuous improvement, one which enhances overall performance and helps us stay competitive in the marketplace. Moreover, supporting career progression helps us attract and retain top talent, which is essential for sustaining our long-term success.

How does career progression link into people management at PoloWorks?

Career progression is a fundamental aspect of our people management strategy at PoloWorks. We integrate career development plans into our performance management processes, ensuring that colleagues receive regular feedback, mentorship and training tailored to their career aspirations.

Managers are trained to identify and nurture talent, providing opportunities for skill enhancement and leadership development. This approach not only aligns individual career goals with the company’s strategic objectives but also promotes a culture of mutual growth and achievement.

What are you keen for the uninitiated to know about how PoloWorks values and manages its colleagues?

We want everyone to know that, at PoloWorks, our colleagues are our most valuable assets. We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. Our management practices are centered around transparency, open communication and a commitment to work-life balance.

We offer competitive benefits, continuous learning opportunities and a collaborative culture that encourages innovation and professional growth. We believe in recognising and rewarding hard work and dedication, ensuring that every team member feels appreciated and motivated.

How does PoloWorks set itself apart from competitors with its career progression and people management?

PoloWorks sets itself apart through a personalised approach to career progression and people management. We offer development programmes that cater to individual career goals and provide clear, structured pathways for advancement within the insurance support sector.

Our progression plan is designed to give a structured career path that encourages and enables professional study, whilst recognising individual performance against key performance indicators and demonstrated behaviours that exhibit our values.

Our commitment to continuous learning, from in-house training sessions to external certifications and educational opportunities, ensures that our colleagues are always at the forefront of industry developments. Additionally, our emphasis on a positive workplace culture, diversity and inclusion, and colleague wellbeing distinguishes us as a leader in nurturing and managing talent.

What are you most proud to offer your teams in terms of management and progression?

Personally, I am most proud of our culture of continuous feedback and support, which ensures that colleagues at all levels have access to the guidance and resources they need to succeed. Our leadership development programmes are also a standout, providing colleagues with the skills and experiences necessary to take on more significant roles within the company.

Furthermore, our commitment to work-life balance and colleague wellbeing underscores our dedication to creating a healthy and sustainable work environment. By fostering an environment where everyone feels supported and empowered, we help our teams thrive both personally and professionally.

Is there anything you’re keen to let SoGlos readers know about working at PoloWorks?

Absolutely! Working at PoloWorks means being part of a forward-thinking, dynamic company that values every colleague’s contribution. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where creativity, collaboration and innovation thrive.

Our commitment to personal and professional growth means that anyone who joins us will have access to a wealth of opportunities to advance your career and develop new skills. We prioritise creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where diversity is celebrated, and every team member can feel confident bringing their authentic self to work.

In partnership with PoloWorks  |  polo.works

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