Insurance apprentice brings home trophy for Halifax-based Covéa Insurance

Similar to the TV version of ‘The Apprentice’ hosted by Lord Sugar, the competition put insurance employees through their paces, pitting contestants from different companies against each other as they took part in a series of filmed business-related challenges.

Kelly made it through to the final stages, going on to win, after beating contestants from six other national companies, including Nexus, Zurich and Axa.

The Insurance Post Claims Apprentice is run in association with global law firm Kennedys, who provide their own version of Lord Sugar in the form of Managing Partner Suzanne Liversidge.

The competition sees participants filmed in a series of six episodes as they undertake a variety of tasks and interviews, one of which included creating a podcast incorporating views from the public on climate change.

Kelly said: “I found the whole experience really rewarding, and I feel really proud of myself for what I’ve achieved. At the beginning I did feel a bit overwhelmed, not having travelled to London alone before and being away from my children, but I think that in itself gave me confidence that led me to really enjoy it.

"The tasks were challenging and when the competition had to move to a remote setting it brought along the additional obstacle of balancing working from home with parenting/home schooling. I’ve surprised myself with how I deal with challenge and how resilient I can be, which has really given me more confidence in my approach to other situations.

"All in all, I’m really glad that Covéa had the confidence in me to put me forward for this, and even more pleased to have been able to bring the victory home to Halifax!”

Suzanne Liversidge, Global Managing Partner, Kennedys said: “For me, the fact that Kelly doubted herself so much initially and pushed herself so hard in every aspect of the process, made her stand out. She did that and then she achieved and succeeded.

"I know that she, especially, will take everything she learned from this process back to work and will continue to grow and to shine. And that's a pleasure to see. Those things combined gave her the edge.

Adrian Furness, Chief Operating Officer at Covéa Insurance said: “We are all extremely proud of Kelly and what she has achieved, winning the insurance industry’s equivalent to “The Apprentice” is no mean feat!

"At Covéa Insurance we’re passionate about creating an environment in which all our people can thrive and where they can build their skills. We want to give our people opportunities to shine and achieve great things, and it’s wonderful that our industry supports that by offering these platforms.”