In today’s fast-paced business environment, companies must stay ahead of the curve to maintain a competitive edge. Laird Assessors, a firm renowned for its expertise in motor vehicle assessments and engineering services, has done just that, as evidenced by their recent triple nomination at the prestigious Insurance Times Tech & Innovation Awards. Not only was the firm recognised in three categories, but their founder, Nik Ellis, took home the coveted title of Technology Champion of the Year.
The 2024 Tech and Innovation Awards was hosted by Insurance Times on 19 September 2024 at the Royal Lancaster London hotel, celebrated outstanding achievements in UK general insurance technology. The event, hosted by comedian and author Mark Watson, honoured initiatives and individuals pushing the boundaries of emerging technologies across 15 categories.
In her opening remarks, Insurance Times editor Katie Scott highlighted the importance of recognising partnerships, projects, and innovations that combine forward-thinking with technology to enhance customer service and operations. Key areas acknowledged included artificial intelligence, counter fraud, data analytics, and risk management.
The prestigious Technology Champion of the Year 2024 award was won by Nik Ellis, managing director at Laird Assessors and director at Swiftcase. Other shortlisted candidates included Melissa Collett (Insurtech UK), Alex Jomaa (Onda), Janthana Kaenprakhamroy (Tapoly), and Paul McComish (Allianz).
Why Laird Stands Out
Laird’s nominations underscore their unwavering commitment to adopting and leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance their services, facilitated by Swiftcase. As a leader in the vehicle inspection and reporting industry, the firm has harnessed innovations in AI, telematics, and digital transformation, ensuring their clients receive faster, more accurate, and more efficient service. Their investment in tech has revolutionised how vehicle assessments are performed, leading to improved customer satisfaction and industry-wide recognition.
But it isn’t just about utilising the latest tools—it’s about their forward-thinking mindset and willingness to experiment. This innovative spirit is what sets Laird apart and is central to why they’ve been highlighted in the awards.
The Role of Nik Ellis: Technology Champion of the Year
Nik Ellis’ recognition as Technology Champion of the Year is a testament to his visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of improvement through innovation. Nik has long championed the use of advanced technology to future-proof his business and offer clients the best solutions available. Under his leadership, Laird has integrated solutions that streamline operations, reduce inefficiencies, and improve the accuracy of assessments.