Tue 22 Jan. 2019
President's Message - January 2019
Although I am not generally one for New Year resolutions, I am looking to try and get fitter this year (again) and have embraced both “Dry Jan” and “RED Jan”. In the case of RED Jan, as per previous updates, both I and Sarah Deacon (our Deputy President) have been trying to raise some money for Suffolk Mind, my Charity of the year. We have had fantastic support and have to date raised just over £2,000.
We have both been running every day of the month so far. In my case, a dodgy/ aged knee has meant limiting running distances; however I have added gym sessions, cycling and swimming to my activities. I promised all those that sponsored me that I would do the whole thing properly – and I am sticking to this and raising funds for a great cause.
My sincere thanks to all those that have sponsored Sarah and/or me.
If you would still like to sponsor us, the sponsorship pages are open until the end of the month and all funds raised will go to Suffolk Mind:
www.suffolkmind.org.uk/richardbrame
https://justgiving.com/fundraising/redjansarah
There are now just 3 months left of my presidential year but there is still a lot that I would like to do in that time. I would like to focus on 2 upcoming flagship events…..
Ipswich, Suffolk and North Essex CII Conference
Arrangements have been finalised for our all-day conference on Wednesday 6th February 2019 at Wherstead Park. In line with the key themes for my presidential year, the conference will focus on people and modernisation/change. The event will be held in the main hall at Wherstead Park, which is a great venue on the outskirts of Ipswich.
The event will start at 9.30am on the 6th February but registration is anytime from 8.45am. There will be Networking opportunities before and after the conference and we will make time for an hour for lunch and networking then too. Inga Beale will be in attendance and delivering a talk on “emerging risks”. Other topics will include “New Age Terrorism and New Age Solutions”; the Salisbury Novichok Poisoning; a Regulatory update; “Drones” and a Cyber update. Jon Neal, CEO of Suffolk Mind, will also be attending to help us understand how to try and maintain good mental health in these changing times.
Numbers for this event are looking good but there are still spaces available and I would love to get as many people together as possible. This all day conference is available to members for just £10 (and £30 to non-members). Please see our website for registration details.
Ipswich, Suffolk and North Essex CII Annual Dinner
Our Annual Dinner will take place on Friday 5th April 2019 at Kesgrave Hall. We have finalised plans for an evening of celebration, networking and entertainment. Whilst we celebrate the exam success of our students and enjoy a fantastic dinner, I hope that we will also be able to network and make some new friends.
Following the success of our 2018 annual dinner, this year’s event will once again be held in the spectacular surroundings of The Hangar at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall (IP5 2PU). This year, we are going to be treated to a musical delight in the form of Jacob Baker (pianist) who will be playing for guests as they arrive at the Hangar. Later on in the evening, we will be entertained by one of the UK’s most sought after live music cover bands; The Cassettes, who have a very impressive repertoire! In between we will enjoy a great dinner. We will have exclusive use of the whole hotel after last orders and the live entertainment and dancing will continue until 1.00 am.
Tickets are selling fast but there are still some available. Please look on our website for all details. We are hoping to hold an auction and a raffle to raise funds to The Insurance Charities and Suffolk Mind. If anyone has any questions about our dinner, would like tickets or may be able to provide an auction or raffle prize, please contact me (Richard.brame@willistowerswatson.com) or Vicki Chapman, our Dinner Secretary (vicki.chapman@willistowerswatson.com)
A Day in the Life of…..Kelly-Ann Quirke
At the end of last year, we heard from Mike Farrer, one of most experienced and longest serving Council members. This month, we have a different view altogether. I asked Kelly-Ann Quirke, one of our youngest and newest Council members, who joined Council at the start of my Presidential year, to provide us with her thoughts. Kelly is a member of our Young Professional Group and had a lead role in organising our hugely successful quiz night last year….
“I always knew that I wanted to work in some form of corporate role. When I was younger my Mum and I lived in East London and while I was little she worked in Westferry Circus in Central London as an accountant. She took me to her office and I remember thinking ‘I want to be like mum’, ‘I love the big buildings’ and of course ‘I love the spinning chairs’! From this point I knew I wanted to work in a business role.
When it came to leaving college, I applied for jobs, mainly at insurance companies. I didn’t apply to go to University as I really wanted to learn whilst working and to earn some money! Suffolk One College in Ipswich had close links with some major insurance companies in the area and several of them spoke about apprenticeships and having the chance to ‘earn while you learn. As a result of this, I decided that that the insurance industry was where I wanted to work and, if possible, I wanted an apprenticeship so that I could continue to learn and to develop myself.
I joined Willis Towers Watson (WTW) in September 2016 on a 16 month school leaver programme with the goal of achieving Cert CII within this time frame. I reached my goal and continued my studies achieving my DIP CII last year. I hope to complete my ACII studies this month too.
I work within the Willis Reinsurance division as an Accounts Controller. I work in the North American team and I am responsible for handling a varied portfolio of client accounts. My main responsibility is handling client money. In addition, I often reconcile accounts, deal with client queries, liaise with US colleagues and clients and coordinate with Mumbai to maximise Client Servicing outcomes. I am also now involved in the training of new joiners to my division and enjoy sharing my knowledge and experiences.
I joined the local CII Council in April 2018 and work with the Social Media and Young Professional Groups. I also assist with WTW’s Young Professional Network. I decided to join the CII Council to broaden my network of contacts and to develop valuable workplace skills through CII projects. Since joining council I have made some great friends and have been involved in a wide variety of projects which have helped me gain experience and develop my skills.
When I’m not working, I am often studying to finish my ACII. However, I love going to visit my old friends in East London when I get the chance to and I also enjoy (binge) watching television series and films. My absolute favourite thing to do is to spend quality time with my dog Beau, whether that be taking a long walk along Felixstowe seafront or cuddled up on the sofa. I’m a big animal lover so I couldn’t think of any better way to spend my time!”
And Not forgetting…..
As part of our focus on people, I have been keen to hold more social events for members. I am currently liaising with our YPG / Sports and Social Group to get one final event in place before I hand over the Presidential reigns. We are hoping to arrange something for March and hopefully details will be circulated shortly.
We are also finalising our annual Prize-Giving event in February. This will take place mid-February and Melissa Collet (the CII Standards Director) will be attending to talk to us and to help with the presentation of prizes.
As ever, if you have any questions for me, or are interested in finding out more about joining our Council, please do get in touch. Please visit our website for more details of events and activities.
I hope that the New Year is going well. Stay warm and take care.
Richard.