Meet the Caunce O'Hara Team
Welcome to Caunce O'Hara, we are a business insurance broker protecting some 30,000+ freelance professionals from life’s uncertainties through business insurance, including: professional indemnity insurance, public liability insurance, employers liability cover, tax enquiry and legal expenses cover, personal accident and sickness insurance, directors & officers insurance.
We offer a range of insurance products to protect small businesses, freelancers and contractors from most sectors, including offshore energy contractors.
Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Manchester, Caunce O’Hara pioneered the selling of freelance professional indemnity insurance policies online, and has continued to offer a convenient online service to freelance professionals and small business owners ever since.
Going from strength-to-strength across a number of niche markets, the company remains one of the most dynamic and innovative insurance brokers in the UK.
Our IR35 Hub has been one of our recent innovative successes and is packed with information, resources, guides, and a useful IR35 tax calculator, to help contractors and businesses to navigate their way through the IR35 maze.
If you would like to discuss your business insurance, please call our team on 0333 321 1403 for a quotation.
Benjamin Leeson Cert CII - Head of Caunce O'Hara & Co Ltd
I’ve actually had two spells at Caunce O’Hara, I worked here back in 2008 and spent four years in our broking team before leaving to join a larger insurance company as an underwriter for professional indemnity, cyber, commercial crime, directors & officers insurance.
I just couldn’t stay away and now I’m responsible for the development and implementation of our business strategies.
Interest:
- I’m a Manchester United season ticket holder.
- I love travelling.
Interesting fact: I dislike unnecessary processes, pointless meetings and designer dogs!
Twitter: @CaunceOHara
Fernanda Lima - Telesales Manager
I began working as a sales agent for a personal lines broker in February 2018 which is where my insurance career began. From there I progressed and became a team leader within the administration department which was more fun than it sounds.
Leading a department and looking after agents had its challenges but it was always something I enjoyed.
Working within the industry I also completed my Cert CII to help me risk manage and have a more in-depth knowledge of how critical my role was.
I am now bridging my knowledge in the commercial sector of insurance and so have joined the Markel Direct and Caunce O’Hara as a sales manager which gives me exposure to the products as well as working with a fantastic team.
Interests: I love going for brunch and shopping with the girls.
Weekend trips away exploring other cities.
Interesting fact: I love cars and love going on the track!
Twitter: @CaunceOHara
Chris Caunce ACII - Founder and Consultant
Chris has been an insurance broker for 30 years and is an ACII Chartered Insurance Broker. His career has taken him from starting his own brokerage at the tender age of 22, through senior positions with larger firms and eventually establishing Caunce O’Hara with Martin O'Hara in 1995.
Interests: Sailing and family
Interesting fact: I'm a fan of subway tuna salads
Twitter: @CaunceOHara
Phil Ainley MCIM, CMktr, Dip DigM - Marketing Manager
I have been working in the creative industry full time since 1997, firstly as a graphic designer in marketing agencies, then as a web/digital manager.
I was an early adopter of web design and the power of digital marketing in the 1990's.
After 11 years I set up my own boutique award-winning creative agency, which operated for six years until I pivoted and turned my attention towards marketing.
I spent the next three years as a freelance marketing consultant before returning to full-time employment as a marketing manager for a technology company.
During this nine year period of self-employment I was lucky enough to win four creative design awards, which help add credibility to the business services I was offering.
I joined Caunce O'Hara in February 2018 and haven't looked back. My six years' experience as a self-employed business owner, and then three years as a freelance marketer have held me in good stead to create content that resonates with our clients: freelancers, contractors and small business owners.
I have extensive experience in the following design and marketing disciplines:
- Graphic design
- Advertising design and copywriting
- Website design
- Content marketing
- Copywriting
- Google Ads PPC
- Social media PPC
- ATL, BTL, TTL marketing
- Stakeholder management
- Third-party management
- Project management
Interests:
- Distance running, I'm a member of Chorlton Runners.
- Rock music and concerts.
Interesting fact: I've completed 12 marathons and two ultra marathons raising over £15,000 for various noble causes in the process... but I'm still hunting the elusive sub 4-hour marathon!
Let's connect... Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philainley/