Ian quickly rose through the ranks during his time at Bupa Global but decided to use his expertise to launch the international team at Engage Health Group. His main passion lies in developing new solutions for companies with unique requirements.

Areas of Expertise: International Medical Insurance & Private Health Insurance

Why did you launch the company? 

I partnered up with Nick after he had been solo for a couple of years, to launch the international channel at Engage. After 8 years working in International Health Insurance, and having just completed the Global Leadership Programme at Bupa, I knew that I wanted to build something myself, particularly in the international benefits market, which I saw first-hand was suffering from a lack of expert advice being available to businesses. Nick and I had known each other a long time and always wanted to start a business together, luckily we got the opportunity and it’s gone from strength to strength since.

What is it you’re most proud of about the company? 

This is an easy one. The people we have been able to attract to work with us, and the culture that we have been able to create.

Do you have any favourite instances where you’ve helped customers out?

We have worked with clients where we have been able to build and execute plans which have delivered tens of thousands in annual savings, involving pulling together a mix of both international and domestic benefits solutions, across multiple countries and partners, and that is work that we are very proud of.  

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Most of the time the work we do is focused on strategy and finance, however looking after the wellbeing of our clients and their employees is at the core of what we do and we have had to get involved in supporting a few emergency medical evacuations from areas of the world with less access to quality medical care. That part of the support we offer is always the most stressful, but also by far the most rewarding.

What’s your favourite workplace perk?

The flexibility. I have young kids so juggling all the responsibilities of both them and the business can be tough, but being able to flex working hours makes a massive difference. I have that as a core principle for my team too, a lot of whom also have kids, so they all know that if they are struggling with something then they can come to me and we will be able to figure out a way to make it work.

Any hobbies?

A long-suffering Ipswich Town FC fan, when it comes to football, although I enjoy following international cricket and rugby as well. I try and play badminton regularly and play in our local Sussex league. I’m a pretty big geek when it comes to both history and most things science. To give you an idea, I once forced eight friends to gate-crash a university tour of CERN on our way to a ski trip in the south of France. Most of them haven’t forgiven me for that, but I’d definitely recommend it!

Favourite band/artist?

The 90’s kid in me must have Oasis in there. Although, I probably listen to way more dance – Chase & Status are still hard to beat. And maybe old school Kanye, before he lost the plot! 

Any guilty pleasures music wise?

I have a passionate dislike for most 80’s music, which as far as I can tell was an entire decade of guilty pleasures, so that rules out a lot of them. Do Christmas songs count? If so, then that would be it.

Favourite film?

Hmm, that’s a tough one. Probably Pulp Fiction, I guess it’s the one I’ve gone back to re-watch the most!