In conversation with… Jacob Dolan

Patrick Hicks talks to Jacob Dolan, Business Development Executive at Reason Global, about his route into insurance – and why companies should view cover as a practical tool for resilience and growth.

How did you first become involved in insurance and the removals sector?

Jacob: It’s a slightly unconventional route into insurance!

I come from a removals background. My dad owns a removals business, so like many second generation movers, I grew up helping out where I could.

After university I attended the IAM conference in San Diego with him. That experience opened my eyes to the industry, and it was there I met the team from Reason Global.

Following that, I moved to London and worked for Pickfords, then joined Crown Relocations, where I spent eight years. Towards the end of 2023 I spoke with Reason Global about a potential opportunity to use my skillset in the insurance industry. I joined as Business Development Executive in early 2024.

It felt like a natural move, combining my industry experience with a new perspective on risk and insurance.

On reflection, my path is similar to my colleague Malcolm Pearsons’, so maybe not so unconventional after all.

Insurance is often viewed as a necessary expense. Why should businesses think about it more strategically?

Jacob: A great question. Insurance is often seen as a ‘necessary evil’; something that comes around once a year, involving admin, and of course, a premium!

However, insurance enables businesses to grow and operate without the concerns that unexpected events can bring. At its core insurance is a risk transfer mechanism, where insurers take away risk, and provide peace of mind for worst case scenarios; a storage facility fire, theft of a truck, serious injury, or damage to a customer’s shipment.

Imagine a world without insurance where you had to cater for these events yourself, and not just the financial, but the mental stress and potential bad publicity exposure as well!

What makes Reason Global different from a traditional broker?

Jacob: Reason Global is a specialist broker, which means our advice is rooted in a deep understanding of the industry.

No two businesses are the same, so our approach centres on understanding each client’s operations, challenges, and goals. From there, we design insurance solutions that support their business rather than simply placing cover. Our job is to help your business succeed, so we act as a partner, helping clients understand risk, and make informed decisions that support long term success.

Where do you most often see gaps in cover?

Jacob: The two most common areas are cyber insurance and business interruption.

As reliance on the internet continues to grow, so does the risk of cybercrime, with several cases making headlines this year.

The removals and storage sector handles large volumes of customer data making it an attractive target. Many SMEs incorrectly assume they are unlikely to be targeted, but in reality, the opposite is often true due to less robust systems.

Cybercriminals tend to cast a wide net. Businesses are likely experiencing attempted attacks regularly, such as phishing emails designed to extract sensitive information. Most attempts are spotted, but it only takes one to succeed to cause significant disruption.

Business interruption is another area that is frequently underinsured. It requires careful assessment on recovery time after a major incident, as well as projected revenue and growth during that period.

It’s a critical cover that directly impacts a business’ ability to survive a major event, so it’s important to take the time to review it properly with a specialist broker and make informed decisions.

What one mindset would you most like to change?

Jacob: It comes back to the perception of insurance as simply a necessary expense.

I’m not saying it’s something to look forward to, but by taking the time to understand your cover and working closely with a specialist broker, businesses can ensure they are not only protected, but better positioned to grow.