ILC ARTICLE

ILC Industry Leader Interview: Scott Bowers, Director – Insurance Sector, Clearway

30th August 2023

Tell us about your business.

• Clearway is an established security and protection services and technology provider operating across the UK. We work with risk managers, underwriters, brokers, insurers and MGAs. We provide advanced security technologies such as temporary and permanent CCTV surveillance, body-worn security and video recording devices, access control systems, and remote monitoring to enhance security measures.
• Emergency Response: Clearway is involved in emergency response services, helping to manage incidents/claims at Fnol.
• Clearway also offers consultancy services to assess security and risk management needs for Brokers, MGA’s, Underwriters and Risk Management companies, from pre-insurance underwriting through the claims journey and post-claims risk advice and security implementation.

What are the challenges facing your business right now, and how are you working to overcome them?

• Regulatory and Policy Changes: the market is highly influenced by government policies and regulations which are not under our control but we ensure we keep abreast of all latest regulation and legislation changes.
• Technological Advancements: rapid technological advancements can lead to the development of more efficient and cost-effective solutions. At Clearway we are continuously innovating to stay at the forefront of these advancements.
• Clearway could potentially be affected by disruptions in the supply chain for some of the technology and fixed assets that we deploy to secure properties under management. We have an established and broad ranging supply chain with strong collaborative partnerships with technology vendors (outside of China).

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

The best piece of advice I have ever read is: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs

The worst piece of advice I have ever received was: Failure is not an option!

I had to explain to the individual that if ‘Failure’ was not an option then neither was success.  The outcome, the individual’s business was sold in a fire sale, and they are no longer working within it!

What would be your prediction for the industry in the next year?

I think that there will be a shift from commercial insurers’ focus on service and claims. Whilst these will always remain important their attention will be drawn to Trusted Advice & Best Solutions from their suppliers, I see four key areas of focus.

• That insurers are provided with the best security solutions for their risks
• That swift claims resolution is provided for their customers
• That their insured customers receive the best risk advice from their insurers
• Provide the customers with prevention services that can be triggered by risk prevention monitoring and detection services

How would you like to see the insurance industry change by the time you retire – what is next for your business?

Predicting the future with any degree of certainty is challenging, I think that the trajectory of the UK insurance market could be influenced by many factors, two of which I note below, but staying informed about developments and customers’ buying trends will be crucial for the industry.

• Digital Transformation: the insurance industry is likely to continue its digital transformation, with increased adoption of technology and data analytics. This could lead to more personalised policies, improved customer experiences, and streamlined processes, such as faster claims processing through customer self-serve on high-volume, low-value property and motor claims – automation and AI.
• Usage-Based Insurance is a key direction for the consumer: the rise of telematics and IoT devices could lead to a greater prevalence of usage-based insurance, where premiums are based on actual usage data. This could impact traditional premium calculations and encourage safer behaviours by the consumer.