Winn Solicitors has built a reputation as a highly reputable company within the North East's personal injury field. The name 'Winns' is synonymous with quality of service, and as such the firm has grown into one of the largest companies in the industry.
Winn Solicitors was founded in 2002, following a crash in which Jeff Winn, Winns CEO, was the victim of a nonfault accident. The resulting fight for justice, and compensation from the at-fault party, opened Jeff’s eyes to the shortcomings of the system at the time.
Poor communication from the insurance company, repairs made with nonmanufacturer parts devaluing his car, a £500 excess charge, and rising premiums all served to convince Jeff that a system that better benefited the claimant was needed. That realisation was where Winn Solicitors began.
In 2002, Jeff split from the law firm in which he was a partner and established Winns with a small team of just eight people. The company has been growing ever since, and now employs almost 400 people in its Newcastle offices.
The last two years have presented a challenge for the company, as government regulations effectively halved fees to personal injury organisations. Despite that, Winns has worked hard to achieve an extra 50% of business, avoided any redundancies, and is even eyeing a 15% growth in the next year.
“Winns continues to be very busy, despite the headwinds that occurred due to government regulations which effectively took money out of the personal injury market, comments Jeff. “Thankfully we have bucked the trend, and have opened a raft of new accounts recently to cement our position in the field.
It is in fact fair to say that the company is thriving, with two recent account acquisitions adding around 11% to its annual turnover. With brokers and small insurance companies also continuing to utilise Winns’ service to an increasing degree, the future of the business is looking bright on multiple fronts.
The relationship between Winns and its brokers is made stronger due to personal recommendations. Most of this business comes from brokers who are satisfied with the service, particularly after dealing with other companies who were unable to meet their obligations.
As well as legal representation, Winns also prides itself on offering a one-stopshop solution during the claims process; providing hire cars and repairs, as well as referrals for medical treatment such as physiotherapy. These medical solutions in particular are set to form a substantial part of the law firm’s future, as it looks to grow and diversify further.
“One of the areas I’m particularly pleased about is our involvement in trying to address obesity issues through bariatric treatment,” muses Jeff. “We’re investing in new equipment and techniques which will help people to lose weight. A new personal trainer has been taken on, as well as a dietician. It isn’t underway yet but I’m looking forward to launching that soon.”
In preparation for this important new branch of the business, the company has begun talks with local NHS Trusts, as well as the private sector, in order to demonstrate its value. Once the new bariatric service has shown its worth, as it is sure to do, the hope is that a government contract won’t be far behind.
It’s likely Winn Solicitors will seek a stock market listing in due course, further enhancing the business’ growth and allowing it to pick up even larger insurance contracts.
This is Jeff’s vision for the future of Winns. Since that vision and experience has already taken the company from its humble beginnings to its well-respected present, future success seems guaranteed.
