From three people and a dog to over 18,000 people in 55 countries. As we approach our 30th anniversary, David Howden reflects on 1994, when our company was made up of just three people and one very special Weimaraner named Flight. 🐾 From the start, Flight set the tone of our business: a people first insurance group where everyone is inspired to do their best for our clients, colleagues and communities. #Howden30 #PeopleFirst #insurance #culture
In a couple of months’ time Howden marks its 30th anniversary. Half a lifetime ago for me! In 1994 the Cold War had not long ended. The world wide web was a novel innovation. Mark Zuckerberg was in elementary school. Oasis were up and coming and LinkedIn wasn’t even a thing. Back then our company was just a quartet. Three people and one dog – a Weimaraner (easy for you to say). The dog was called Flight and she's critical to our tale. You see when I was on a Scottish mountain thinking about starting a new company that could really unleash the power of insurance Flight was beside me. And, when we moved into our office, Flight was on reception. In fact, she was the first thing people saw bounding up to them as they came through the door. From the very first, it was Flight who set the tone of the place we wanted to be. A place that put clients first. A place that didn't stand on ceremony. A place with an irrepressible sense of fun. Sadly, Flight isn’t with us anymore and our company has grown from a quartet into a big band with more than 18,000 people in more than 55 countries. But anyone who comes to meet us in our offices in London will see Flight's gone but not forgotten. Her likeness stands in sculpted form at the entrance to my office poised and ready for lift off. And, when we hold our employee awards in November – which will celebrate some amazing achievements. 1994 might be a long time ago but the irrepressible spirit of our former receptionist lives on powering us into tomorrow. #Howden30 #insurance #PeopleFirst