"Brightside have introduced new levels of sophistication into their enrichment provision and their MI is exceptional in the broker space with a commitment to transparency that gives confidence about the quality of risks underwritten." AXA.

"We've been impressed with the team's commitment to profitability. Their enrichment project has made a big difference in the quality of the book. There is a genuine sense that, when Brightside say they are going to deliver something, they will." ERS.

What sets your firm apart from the other shortlisted contenders?

We said and we did. A proven commitment to deliver a value adding broker distribution model that supports our insurer partners in their delivery of target underwriting result and volumes. Brightside is now demonstrating significant growth in a competitive marketplace. Endorsements have been received recognising and supportive of the delivered change from insurer partners, customers and the insurance market.

How will you celebrate if you are the victor?

Brightside would see this as a significant endorsement by the industry of the work that we have been doing quietly and robustly over a number of years. As such we would look to do the following:

1. Organise an internal staff party celebrating this success and promoting this throughout our social media accounts
2. Recognise the team of people who made this strategy a reality with an "experience day"
3. Use this award as part of our suite of "trust indicators" allowing our customers and partners to have belief in our proposition and values

Can you share data or testimonials to back up your bid to win?

We continue to improve the customer experience. On average Ripe products achieved a Trustpilot review rating of 4.6/5. Over the last 12 months, 1,120 website releases were made to further improve the fast and smooth online customer journey. More than 220,000 policyholders making us one of the UK's largest niche insurtech companies. We have had 11 consecutive years of growth and are on course for £15m turnover, up from £13m for the year ending 31 December 2018. Investment in Ripe's in-house IT and digital marketing teams saw staff numbers rise by 17% while more than £300,000 was invested in R&D.

What sets your firm apart from the other shortlisted contenders?

What sets your firm apart from the other shortlisted contenders? Ripe brings 'fresh thinking' to our target markets by allowing customers to get a quote and buy all of our products through conversion optimised, mobile-enabled e-commerce websites. We put excellent customer service at the heart of our business, aiming for a seamless experience for both existing and new policyholders. Customers can build a bespoke policy and only pay for the cover they need. The process of obtaining a quote is fast as we minimise the number of questions. Ripe disrupts the model of slow, cumbersome legacy insurers and distributors and our rapid growth shows this strategy is working.

How will you celebrate if you are the victor?

We'll be there on the night with some of our team, so you'll definitely hear the cheers from our table. But the celebrations won't stop that night. This is a huge team effort and we'll celebrate when we get back to Manchester with everyone who has played a role in making this happen. But then it's back to the day job. Winning is flattering but it's only a look back on what we've done so far. We're focused on what we want we as a team want to achieve next year and how we can continue to improve the insurance experience for our customers.

"Their new fixed price product offering is a result of that 'customer first' approach and is something not seen elsewhere within the market, and something we are very excited to be a part of." Markerstudy Insurance.

"There are many affinities who portray that they have unique relationship with their customers but Saga customers really do value the brand and the member is always at their heart," Legal & General.

What sets your firm apart from the other shortlisted contenders?

Our products and services are delivered through "The Saga Model", which defines us. We have a great brand, which achieves over 90% recognition from the UK's over 50s. We listen to our two million-plus customers and our one million-plus possible members to design and deliver highly differentiated and competitively priced products. Saga's proprietary six million database, membership programme and marketing model provide a unique route to market access across multiple channels. Our customers expect the best and recognise it. We manage the quality of customer service provided by both Saga and its partners to ensure exceptional customer service and that "Nothing is too much trouble".

How will you celebrate if you are the victor?

The team intend to enjoy the fabulous Insurance Times Awards and, on Monday, take our trophy with pride back to the office. Should we win, we have some fabulous celebrations and prizes planned for our colleagues in Folkestone and all of our office locations to say 'thank you' for making it happen. Their exceptional customer service and “Nothing is too much trouble” attitude is incredible.

"Top Rate Non Standard Insurance"

"Tom Chapman has gone beyond the normal in arranging my Thatched Home insurance for me. For the very first time, I have dealt with a professional who understands just what is needed in delivering the service I was expecting when arranging "non-standard" insurance! Thank you, Tom, you are a credit to your company! Martyn (all reviews from Feefo).

"We have a strong and long-standing relationship with BHIB, which is centred on our mutual drive to put our customers at the heart of everything we do." Tulsi Naidu, CEO of Zurich.

What sets your firm apart from the other shortlisted contenders?

We have yet to encounter a policy we cannot offer terms on. Our understanding and knowledge of customer and underwriter needs mean we can talk with both and arrange a tailor-made policy. We suggest practical improvements to assist underwriters and help customers get insured. Personal service – professional, friendly and expert at home insurance. We don't actively upsell. We outrank and outperform the UK's biggest insurance brands on Google and Bing through specialist knowledge, understanding and a need for a lower cost per acquisition. Assisted The National Flood Forum in developing its insurance offering and charter for all brokers.

How will you celebrate if you are the victor?

We will use the victory to assist in opening new underwriting markets for us to tap into and broaden our product offering for clients. The credibility of the award married to our expert knowledge, customer service excellence and focus on underwriting profit would undoubtedly make our brokerage more attractive to providers looking to get product to market. We would use the award to open doors and help develop new bespoke product and policies to meet market needs with new and existing underwriters. That will increase our ability to provide well underwritten policies and grow our business.