Excellence in innovation

Claims Management Magazine - 1 June 2011

Uncertainty is temporary but class is permanent.  That message came loud and clear from the second annual Claims Innovation Awards.

Held in Manchester on 5 May and in association with with Eclipse Proclaim, the evening was a chance to put the challenges of Jackson and the Legal Services Act to one side for a short time and instead focus on those within this industry who are pushing back boundaries and making a genuine difference to the way in which we work.

A glance through the shortlist of entries and the ideas, schemes and initiatives behind their nominations fully justified the long-held belief that the claims industry is truly the most innovative sector of the legal services marketplace.

This year the awards were split into three distinct categories - legal services, claims management and suppliers - with 13 separate accolades up for grabs.

Organised by Claims Management publishers Barker Brooks Media, the glittering black tie ceremony at the Hilton Deansgate was hosted by comedian Paul Thorne.  More than 300 professionals from across the insurance and legal claims management industries - from law firms and insurers to claims management companies and rehabilitation providers - gathered to acknowledge the winners and celebrate the advancements and innovations within the industry over the last year.

"It was a tremendously successful night where all those shortlisted were given fulsome praise," said Nicholas Bean, the founding director of Enable Law and chair of the judging panel. "the quality and range of nominations was outstanding and everyone shortlisted demonstrated exceptional qualities and has to be contratulated for their contribution."

Alongside Bevan on the panel of judges was expertise from across the legal, insurance and claims sectors in the shape of current APIL President David Bott, Jonathan Gulliford of Co-operative Legal Services, Anthony Hughes of Horwich Farrelly Solicitors, Alan Nesbit of ARC, Joe Pendle of Insurance Services Office and Bob Rabbitts of Allianz Insurance Claims Division.

Bevan added: "The legal services industry is set for major change and the reforms that are being introduced are deliberately designed to encourage innovation in consumer services, which is something we were extremely mindful of during the judging process.

"This year's awards were particularly important for their role in showcasing excellece in innovation and encouraging firms to step up to the mark and embrace the changes that are about to come."

The Winners: Client Care Initiative (Legal Services): Hilary Meredith Solicitors

Hilary Meredith Solicitors utilised the latest technological developments to enhance the quality of life of thier clients.  Free iPads were given to servicemen and women who had been seriously injured in the call of duty.  The devices were preloaded with information to asist claimants, not just with making their claim but with the other post-accident needs like rehabilitation and talking to their lawyer from their home or hospital bed.