Simon Milner, a director at Radstock-based health insurance broker Lesson Moore, has been named among the industry’s newcomers of the year – at the age of 48.
Simon received the honour at the national Health Insurance Awards, where he was up against a shortlist of much younger contenders.
Simon achieved the top three finish after impressing judges with his journey from a successful business services and sales career with firms ranging from contract cleaners to consumer research to join Lesson Moore two years ago.
He has since given up evenings and weekends to self-study for his professional qualifications and set up nearly 300 clients with the firm with a value of £1.2m.
Simon was motivated to help more people find affordable private medical insurance after losing two relatives to cancer.
He said: “It would have been great to win but I’m still overjoyed to get the recognition and finally my mum’s proud of me! Hopefully next year we can win a national award.”
Lesson Moore director Martin Blain said: “Simon has been prepared to work extremely hard to start his career and he’s been particularly conscience of the need to gain a deep understanding of the insurer’s products.
“He is always prepared to visit the insurers with a particular interest in developing an understanding of their claims methodology and the role of the managed care teams.
“He’s had a vital role in building up our business and I’m delighted that his risk-taking in making a career change in his 40s has been recognised on a national stage.
“Simon has a great future with Lesson Moore as he is now a director and is studying for a higher-level diploma.”
Pictured, Simon Milner, left, with Martin Blain
