If you are struggling to grow your business, then investments from industry partners can be the key to success, says Mr Andrew Silcox from the PSC Insurance Group.
We are all looking for the edge or the opportunity that will take our talent to the next level. But finding that opportunity in an increasingly competitive industry amongst expanding global brands can be difficult.
Seeking investment partners and opportunities in Asia
The PSC Insurance Group has taken a different approach: investing in scale and expertise to create opportunities that has taken others decades to achieve. Now, they are turning their expertise to the Asian market and are actively seeking investment partners and opportunities.
PSC Insurance Group’s directors have over 20 years of experience in the region. After an astonishing growth story in Australia, New Zealand, UK and Hong Kong, the Group is ready to stretch its wings and find partners to build successful businesses in Asia.
Key to the PSC Insurance Group’s success is focusing on investing in the areas it understands and specialises in: insurance. It invests exclusively in the insurance markets, particularly the broking and distribution side of the business. The results have been staggering. From its first investment in 2006, PSC Insurance Group has successfully integrated and transformed the fortunes of over 30 investments.
Secret of success
The secret to its success is in how it finds and harnesses value in the investments it makes.
“There are a number of elements that are critical to a good investment or partnership. Because of our industry knowledge, we are active in the partnership to help commercialise the businesses and take advantage of the synergies.”
said Mr Paul Dwyer, Managing Director of the PSC Insurance Group.
“The best investments are those that match our expertise and commercial approach to a business that requires a long-term approach in order to succeed. If the business has good people and a proven track record with its customers, an investment with our resources, IP and access to international markets can transform it.”
Successful investments in international markets such as the UK, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand make Chairman of PSC Insurance Group, Brian Austin bullish.
“We’ve transformed many of the businesses we’ve partnered with. It often takes longer than corporations and private equity firms can justify, but we know how to make a business work in the insurance industry. With every new investment we make, we’re building a stronger network that new partnerships can leverage from for their own success,” he said.
Everyone benefits
While financial considerations are essential to any investment for the PSC Insurance Group, they look beyond the numbers to other factors.
“Numbers don’t lie. But in our industry they only show a fraction of the bigger picture. In fact, some of our greatest successes have come from struggling businesses that we’ve been able to turn around,” Mr Dwyer noted.
“Because we’ve been involved in the industry for so long, we understand there are other elements that have a greater impact on the success of a partnership.”
These elements can transform the fortunes of a business meaning everyone benefits from the partnership and include:
• The people and culture
• A focus on niche markets
• Local or regional expertise
• Strong relationships within a market or region
• A customer-centric approach.
Investment as a way to transform business quickly
PSC Insurance Group has been looking into the Asian markets for a long time and are embarking on a significant drive to grow their influence in the region.
Based on previous investments’ successes, PSC Insurance Group believes they have the foundations to help any business that wants to transform their business to the next level:
• Commercial approach to business
• Long-term outlook
• Additional business resources (including outsourced processes; regulatory and legal frameworks; management expertise)
• Relationships with other key markets
• Access to Lloyd’s of London and the wider London markets
• IT, systems and proven business and insurance processes.
Mr Austin’s advice for anyone struggling to take their business to the next level should consider investment as a way to scale up and transform their business quickly and efficiently.
“We’ve seen time and time again how an active investor can help turn potential into reality, sometimes simply by invigorating the team and adding an additional level of commercial rigour.”
The PSC Insurance Group is a privately-owned investment company specialising in the insurance sector. Established in 2006, it has a proven track record in business development, turnaround and reconstruction. The Group includes a portfolio of assets ranging from start-ups to mature businesses.
PSC Insurance Group has an unparalleled skill set across our team of insurance practitioners at Board and Executive levels which is utilised across the different partnerships to leverage efficiencies and opportunities. Its business activities span three continents, with operations in Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Hong Kong.
Through a successful investment, Mr Andrew Silcox is Communications Director of the PSC Insurance Group.