08 March 2001
 First Not-For-Profit Insurance Business |
A Dorset couple have given up a successful law firm to start up an insurance company
specifically to raise money for animal charities.
Chris Fairfax and his wife Elaine who enjoyed a comfortable life on their equestrian property in Dorset had supported a variety of animal charities through donations and free legal work, but they both knew that they could do a great deal more. It was a brave decision when Chris and Elaine closed their law firm and moved nearer to London to begin negotiating with a number of underwriters and intermediaries to source comprehensive and competitively priced insurance policies. After 3 years of ground work, the first not-for-profit insurance business, Animal Friends, was born. Animal Friends currently offers a variety of policies covering pets (including pet travel), motor, home and contents, travel, business and student insurance. Underwritten by either ABI insurers or Lloyds of London, they have recently added a purpose built insurance for groomers as well as pet sitters. Chris has set up promotions with several charities including The Born Free Foundation, The Celia Hammond Animal Trust and the National Animal Welfare Trust to advertise their services in the charities' newsletters. In return, half of the commission Animal Friends earn for each policy sold or renewed as a result of each promotion is paid straight to the charity concerned. After running costs are taken out, all remaining net profits go into a discretionary trust fund to support other animal charities around the world. For more information contact: Chris Fairfax Animal Friends Insurance Windrush House Hoe Court Lancing West Sussex BN15 0QX Tel 01903 851144 Fax 01903 851151 Email: info@animalfriends.org.uk This article may be reproduced with permission of the author and correct attribution to the source. |