20 November 2014: PR, social and experiential agency, Red Agency, is expanding its operations in Queensland with Graymedia merging into its Brisbane office. The move is part of a strategic investment plan to increase its profile and footprint in the Sunshine State.
Founded in 2009 Graymedia is well respected on the Brisbane PR scene and brings key strengths in healthcare, mining and resources, travel and tourism, education, sport, technology and finance. Owner and founder Yasmine Gray is a former President of the PRIA in Queensland and will become Principal, Red Agency Brisbane, reporting into James Wright, Managing Director of Red Agency Australia and Havas PR Asia-Pacific.
Wright said: "This is part of a strategic investment to develop the Red Agency business in Queensland. Our Brisbane office has always been a very tidy operation but the introduction of Graymedia will help scale up and increase our footprint. I believe the timing for growth is right and the qualities both teams bring will make for an increasing compelling offer to clients."
Gray said: "We are extremely pleased to be joining such an award winning team as Red Agency. We have always been very proud to be a Queensland born and bred company that has focused on quality and results. Now, together with Red Agency, we have a fantastic opportunity to grow and develop. The future for us all is very bright."
Wright added: "From the outset there has been an alignment of ideas and approach from both agencies, we are forward thinking companies with a strong creative slant, a focus on attention to detail and a commitment to evolving the role PR can play for our clients. It is great to bring in someone of the quality of Yasmine, who is a well respected industry leader known for her strategic approach, energy and dedication, into Red Agency."
Red Agency (www.redagency.com.au) has offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. It offers strategic public relations and communications for clients across consumer, corporate, technology and government practice areas, as well as specialist teams in experiential and activation, Red Guerilla, and social strategy and community management, #RedSocial.
Ends
For more information please contact James Wright on 0423 606 403 or email james.wright@redagency.com.au
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Monday, November 10, 2014
Parmia strengthens its hold on the association and industry group market
Parmia Insurance is moving to cement its presence in the sector that made it the success it is today, following its recent acquisition by Arthur J. Gallagher, the world's fourth largest insurance broking and risk management company.
The Queensland based insurance brokerage was established by highly esteemed broker Danny Gumm in 2002. It will keep its focus very much on providing tailored insurance to associations and industry groups following the buyout.
Mr Gumm, who will remain in his role as Branch Manager, says partnerships with organisations such as the Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA), where it has been able to develop unique and award winning cover for members, are Parmia’s bread and butter.
“Parmia was established to provide tailored insurance and risk management solutions to Australian associations and industry groups so that their members could better protect themselves and their businesses,” he said. “That founding focus will become even stronger as we now have the global strength of Arthur J. Gallagher behind us.”
Speaking ahead of AGDA’s highly anticipated Australian Design Biennale at Hobart’s Museum of Old and New Art on 14 November, of which Parmia is a key sponsor, Mr Gumm says he’s looking forward to the greater capability that comes from the backing of an organisation such as Arthur J. Gallagher.
“We’re very proud of the policies and coverage that we’ve secured for our clients through working with world leading underwriter, Lloyd’s of London,” he explained. “In many cases, the price in relation to the value of protection is unrivalled, and AGDA is just prime example of this. So we’re looking forward to being able to now extend that unique service offering out to more industries and associations.”
Despite the expansion of resources, Mr Gumm is quick to stress that the personalised and tailored service that clients have come to know and expect from Parmia will continue to be upheld.
“We pride ourselves on ensuring that each of our clients have their own dedicated account manager that really works with them to assess their risks and to develop a policy that meets their own individual needs,” he said. “That won’t change. We are not a one size fits all firm and we never will be.”
For more information on Parmia, please visit www.parmiainsurance.com.au.
Media Enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au.
The Queensland based insurance brokerage was established by highly esteemed broker Danny Gumm in 2002. It will keep its focus very much on providing tailored insurance to associations and industry groups following the buyout.
Mr Gumm, who will remain in his role as Branch Manager, says partnerships with organisations such as the Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA), where it has been able to develop unique and award winning cover for members, are Parmia’s bread and butter.
“Parmia was established to provide tailored insurance and risk management solutions to Australian associations and industry groups so that their members could better protect themselves and their businesses,” he said. “That founding focus will become even stronger as we now have the global strength of Arthur J. Gallagher behind us.”
Speaking ahead of AGDA’s highly anticipated Australian Design Biennale at Hobart’s Museum of Old and New Art on 14 November, of which Parmia is a key sponsor, Mr Gumm says he’s looking forward to the greater capability that comes from the backing of an organisation such as Arthur J. Gallagher.
“We’re very proud of the policies and coverage that we’ve secured for our clients through working with world leading underwriter, Lloyd’s of London,” he explained. “In many cases, the price in relation to the value of protection is unrivalled, and AGDA is just prime example of this. So we’re looking forward to being able to now extend that unique service offering out to more industries and associations.”
Despite the expansion of resources, Mr Gumm is quick to stress that the personalised and tailored service that clients have come to know and expect from Parmia will continue to be upheld.
“We pride ourselves on ensuring that each of our clients have their own dedicated account manager that really works with them to assess their risks and to develop a policy that meets their own individual needs,” he said. “That won’t change. We are not a one size fits all firm and we never will be.”
For more information on Parmia, please visit www.parmiainsurance.com.au.
Media Enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Pharmacy brand raises over $160,000 to help those in need
From sponsoring three Assistance Dogs puppies, to going on mission trips to child refuge homes in Kolkata and competing in countless fun runs and bike rides, over the past four years Discount Drug Stores has raised over $160,000 to help those in need.
For the national pharmacy brand that prides itself on giving back to the community and helping to improve the health of Australians wherever it can, it’s a significant milestone, one that it hopes to build on over the coming years.
“Supporting charities and community programmes is a big focus for Discount Drug Stores,” said Volunteer Charities Coordinator Sharyn Clark. “We’re very proud of how much we’ve been able to raise for our two partner charities Assistance Dogs Australia and Free To Be over the past four years and hope to continue to grow both of those relationships as well as form new ones moving forwards.”
Since 2012, Discount Drug Stores has fully sponsored two Assistance Dogs, Dee Dee and Sunny, and recently announced at its National Conference that it would be sponsoring a third - one of Dee Dee’s puppies, Bella.
“Discount Drug Stores has been an amazing supporter of Assistance Dogs Australia, donating over $50,000 to help provide Australians living with disabilities with life changing Assistance Dogs,” said Top Dog at Assistance Dogs Australia Richard Lord. “Each dog costs approximately $27,000 to train, which is obviously quite a financial commitment. Having organisations like Discount Drug Stores behind us ensures that we can continue on our mission to help Australians in need.”
Along with financial support, Discount Drug Stores also makes it a point to provide physical help wherever it can, a most recent example being its mission trip to Free To Be’s Kolkata home for disadvantaged children.
An organisation that helps to rescue impoverished children living in Kolkata from devastating circumstances such as child labour and trafficking, a team of Discount Drug Stores staff travelled to Free To Be’s Kolkata home in August 2013, bringing a range of medical and educational supplies.
“We’re so thankful to Discount Drug Stores for all they’ve contributed and continue to give to Free To Be,” said Project Manager of Free To Be Jeanette Thompson.
“We rely on donations and support from people and organisations to keep our shelters running and Discount Drug Stores has proven absolutely invaluable to our cause over the past four years.”
In addition to its two main partners, Discount Drug Stores also provides regular support to fundraising events for multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis, and cerebral palsy research, with Mrs Clark stating the brand is now looking at widening its community outreach endeavours.
“We’re now working together with our stores to increase our fundraising activities and to support key charities and not-for-profit groups within each of the areas where we operate,” she said. “Community is an essential part of everything that we do at Discount Drug Stores but we want to do even more to help those in need.”
For more information on Discount Drug Stores and its supported charities, please visit http://www.discountdrugstores.com.au/charity.
Media Enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au.
For the national pharmacy brand that prides itself on giving back to the community and helping to improve the health of Australians wherever it can, it’s a significant milestone, one that it hopes to build on over the coming years.
“Supporting charities and community programmes is a big focus for Discount Drug Stores,” said Volunteer Charities Coordinator Sharyn Clark. “We’re very proud of how much we’ve been able to raise for our two partner charities Assistance Dogs Australia and Free To Be over the past four years and hope to continue to grow both of those relationships as well as form new ones moving forwards.”
Since 2012, Discount Drug Stores has fully sponsored two Assistance Dogs, Dee Dee and Sunny, and recently announced at its National Conference that it would be sponsoring a third - one of Dee Dee’s puppies, Bella.
“Discount Drug Stores has been an amazing supporter of Assistance Dogs Australia, donating over $50,000 to help provide Australians living with disabilities with life changing Assistance Dogs,” said Top Dog at Assistance Dogs Australia Richard Lord. “Each dog costs approximately $27,000 to train, which is obviously quite a financial commitment. Having organisations like Discount Drug Stores behind us ensures that we can continue on our mission to help Australians in need.”
Along with financial support, Discount Drug Stores also makes it a point to provide physical help wherever it can, a most recent example being its mission trip to Free To Be’s Kolkata home for disadvantaged children.
An organisation that helps to rescue impoverished children living in Kolkata from devastating circumstances such as child labour and trafficking, a team of Discount Drug Stores staff travelled to Free To Be’s Kolkata home in August 2013, bringing a range of medical and educational supplies.
“We’re so thankful to Discount Drug Stores for all they’ve contributed and continue to give to Free To Be,” said Project Manager of Free To Be Jeanette Thompson.
“We rely on donations and support from people and organisations to keep our shelters running and Discount Drug Stores has proven absolutely invaluable to our cause over the past four years.”
In addition to its two main partners, Discount Drug Stores also provides regular support to fundraising events for multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis, and cerebral palsy research, with Mrs Clark stating the brand is now looking at widening its community outreach endeavours.
“We’re now working together with our stores to increase our fundraising activities and to support key charities and not-for-profit groups within each of the areas where we operate,” she said. “Community is an essential part of everything that we do at Discount Drug Stores but we want to do even more to help those in need.”
For more information on Discount Drug Stores and its supported charities, please visit http://www.discountdrugstores.com.au/charity.
Media Enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au.
Monday, August 18, 2014
Discount Drug Stores launches bone density testing clinics again in 2014
Discount Drug Stores is striving to help Australians to pick up on the early warning signs of osteoporosis, a serious condition that affects more than one million people, by running bone density clinics again in 110 of its stores.
It follows the success of its inaugural clinics in 2013, which proved highly successful in catching the warning signs of osteoporosis and bone disease, testing more than 2,000 participants and referring more than half to their local doctor for further investigation.
The clinics are also timely following new findings from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showing one in four Australians are vitamin D deficient.
“We want to help people to take real preventative action against the disease by helping them to make positive lifestyle changes before it’s too late,” said Professional Services Manager at Discount Drug Stores Casey Clark. "You can’t see or feel your bones getting thinner so these tests are important in determining if an individual is at risk before their bones become so brittle that even a small bump or minor fall can cause a fracture.”
At the clinic each participant will receive information about the benefits of calcium, vitamin D and exercise, fill out a simple questionnaire so their specific risk factors can be determined, and perform a quick and simple ultrasonic bone density test. Participants will then sit with a clinician who will go over their results and personal risk factors, discussing the best preventative measures and treatments.
“The bone density test is quick and painless and allows customers to gain their results instantly,” said Ms Clark. “Participants will also receive completely tailored advice on their risks of osteoporosis and how to prevent the disease to assist in the maintenance of healthy bones.”
With bone density testing highly recommended for anyone over the age of 50, Discount Drug Stores is strongly encouraging Australians to book any family members or loved ones that are at risk of osteoporosis into the clinics.
“To reduce the number of Australians affected by osteoporosis we need to break the silence surrounding the disease,” said Ms Clark. “We hope our clinics get more people talking about bone health and taking preventative action against osteoporosis.”
Discount Drug Stores’ bone density testing clinics will run throughout September and cost $29.99. Each customer will receive a gift bag valued at $20 containing a resistance band, a pack of Ostelin 30 and a recipe booklet. Bookings are recommended. For more information, please visit www.discountdrugstores.com.au.
Media enquiries: Suzanne Ross on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au
It follows the success of its inaugural clinics in 2013, which proved highly successful in catching the warning signs of osteoporosis and bone disease, testing more than 2,000 participants and referring more than half to their local doctor for further investigation.
The clinics are also timely following new findings from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showing one in four Australians are vitamin D deficient.
“We want to help people to take real preventative action against the disease by helping them to make positive lifestyle changes before it’s too late,” said Professional Services Manager at Discount Drug Stores Casey Clark. "You can’t see or feel your bones getting thinner so these tests are important in determining if an individual is at risk before their bones become so brittle that even a small bump or minor fall can cause a fracture.”
At the clinic each participant will receive information about the benefits of calcium, vitamin D and exercise, fill out a simple questionnaire so their specific risk factors can be determined, and perform a quick and simple ultrasonic bone density test. Participants will then sit with a clinician who will go over their results and personal risk factors, discussing the best preventative measures and treatments.
“The bone density test is quick and painless and allows customers to gain their results instantly,” said Ms Clark. “Participants will also receive completely tailored advice on their risks of osteoporosis and how to prevent the disease to assist in the maintenance of healthy bones.”
With bone density testing highly recommended for anyone over the age of 50, Discount Drug Stores is strongly encouraging Australians to book any family members or loved ones that are at risk of osteoporosis into the clinics.
“To reduce the number of Australians affected by osteoporosis we need to break the silence surrounding the disease,” said Ms Clark. “We hope our clinics get more people talking about bone health and taking preventative action against osteoporosis.”
Discount Drug Stores’ bone density testing clinics will run throughout September and cost $29.99. Each customer will receive a gift bag valued at $20 containing a resistance band, a pack of Ostelin 30 and a recipe booklet. Bookings are recommended. For more information, please visit www.discountdrugstores.com.au.
Media enquiries: Suzanne Ross on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au
Monday, July 28, 2014
Ipswich community set to benefit from Campaign for Change 2014
The Ipswich community will benefit from a new youth program aimed at mentoring disadvantaged youth after Ipswich residents Andrew and Leona Walker won Wesley Mission Brisbane’s (WMB) Campaign for Change competition.
The former professional rugby league and union player and his wife overcame tough competition from more than 60 fellow entrants to make it through to the finals and win the coveted $30,000 grant to kick-start their idea.
WMB’s Executive Director, Geoff Batkin said it was a challenge to choose a winner with five outstanding finalists pitching a range of worthwhile ideas from home makeovers for seniors to an online counselling portal.
“Andrew and Leona’s Rise Above program for local disadvantaged youth meets a real need in the local Ipswich community and we are looking forward to working with them to expand this program,” he said. “Not only does it teach youth the life-skills they need to be successful and break the cycle of self-harm and addictions, it gives them a positive place to be themselves and engage with healthy role models.”
Aimed at breaking negative behaviours, the Walker’s Rise Above program will build on their already popular free weekly touch footy games in a local Ipswich park. The Walkers will use the grant funds to secure regular premises for the games and begin a 16 week workshop that will counsel and teach youths a range of life skills from self-acceptance to forming positive, nurturing relationships and establishing healthy lifestyles.
A part of the couple’s Break the Cycle charity, Andrew Walker says it looks to break the cycle of self-harm, self-abuse and addictions among young people and encourage self-love and healthy living.
“Our idea is to create a base where young people can come to learn the life-skills that many of us take for granted,” explained Mr Walker. “We want to inspire disadvantaged youths to rise above their circumstances and empower them to break the cycle of negative behaviours.”
An inspirational mentor having represented Australia in both rugby league and union during his 16 year professional sporting career, Andrew and his wife Leona have already achieved significant success through their Break the Cycle initiative but say that winning Campaign for Change will take the charity to the next level.
“We have been voluntarily running a weekly touch footy game and free BBQ for the past six months which has received a huge response,” said Mr Walker. “Winning Campaign for Change will allow us to expand on this by securing a regular premises for the game, setting up a gym and implementing the Rise Above program to help young people in need.”
The Walkers aren’t the only Campaign for Change entrants celebrating though with runners up Rebecca Sheehan’s ethical fashion line and Geoff Wilson’s aquaponics program also receiving a $5,000 kick start in grant funds from campaign partners.
The winners and runners up will also receive enrolment into a short course focusing on starting a social enterprise, sponsored by Foresters Community Finance.
WMB’s Geoff Batkin says he’s thrilled with both the response and results of this year’s Campaign for Change competition which saw the local community come together to make a real difference in their local areas.
“Wesley Mission Brisbane has long been committed to improving the wellbeing of the community and the success of this latest campaign highlights the capability of the not for profit sector to instigate social change and encourage people to discuss community needs at a local level,” he said.
For more information on Wesley Mission Brisbane’s Campaign for Change, please visit www.wmb.org.au
Media Enquiries: please contact Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au.
Notes to Editors:
About Wesley Mission Brisbane
Wesley Mission Brisbane (WMB) is a not for profit organisation that has been helping Queenslanders for over 100 years. WMB is a leading provider of innovative and responsive aged care, child care and community service programs that support those in need.
As part of WMB’s ongoing commitment to assisting and improving the Brisbane community, WMB has developed the Campaign for Change initiative, which for the first time, gives Brisbane residents the funding and support services they need to get their programs for improving their local community off the ground.
The former professional rugby league and union player and his wife overcame tough competition from more than 60 fellow entrants to make it through to the finals and win the coveted $30,000 grant to kick-start their idea.
WMB’s Executive Director, Geoff Batkin said it was a challenge to choose a winner with five outstanding finalists pitching a range of worthwhile ideas from home makeovers for seniors to an online counselling portal.
“Andrew and Leona’s Rise Above program for local disadvantaged youth meets a real need in the local Ipswich community and we are looking forward to working with them to expand this program,” he said. “Not only does it teach youth the life-skills they need to be successful and break the cycle of self-harm and addictions, it gives them a positive place to be themselves and engage with healthy role models.”
Aimed at breaking negative behaviours, the Walker’s Rise Above program will build on their already popular free weekly touch footy games in a local Ipswich park. The Walkers will use the grant funds to secure regular premises for the games and begin a 16 week workshop that will counsel and teach youths a range of life skills from self-acceptance to forming positive, nurturing relationships and establishing healthy lifestyles.
A part of the couple’s Break the Cycle charity, Andrew Walker says it looks to break the cycle of self-harm, self-abuse and addictions among young people and encourage self-love and healthy living.
“Our idea is to create a base where young people can come to learn the life-skills that many of us take for granted,” explained Mr Walker. “We want to inspire disadvantaged youths to rise above their circumstances and empower them to break the cycle of negative behaviours.”
An inspirational mentor having represented Australia in both rugby league and union during his 16 year professional sporting career, Andrew and his wife Leona have already achieved significant success through their Break the Cycle initiative but say that winning Campaign for Change will take the charity to the next level.
“We have been voluntarily running a weekly touch footy game and free BBQ for the past six months which has received a huge response,” said Mr Walker. “Winning Campaign for Change will allow us to expand on this by securing a regular premises for the game, setting up a gym and implementing the Rise Above program to help young people in need.”
The Walkers aren’t the only Campaign for Change entrants celebrating though with runners up Rebecca Sheehan’s ethical fashion line and Geoff Wilson’s aquaponics program also receiving a $5,000 kick start in grant funds from campaign partners.
The winners and runners up will also receive enrolment into a short course focusing on starting a social enterprise, sponsored by Foresters Community Finance.
WMB’s Geoff Batkin says he’s thrilled with both the response and results of this year’s Campaign for Change competition which saw the local community come together to make a real difference in their local areas.
“Wesley Mission Brisbane has long been committed to improving the wellbeing of the community and the success of this latest campaign highlights the capability of the not for profit sector to instigate social change and encourage people to discuss community needs at a local level,” he said.
For more information on Wesley Mission Brisbane’s Campaign for Change, please visit www.wmb.org.au
Media Enquiries: please contact Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au.
Notes to Editors:
About Wesley Mission Brisbane
Wesley Mission Brisbane (WMB) is a not for profit organisation that has been helping Queenslanders for over 100 years. WMB is a leading provider of innovative and responsive aged care, child care and community service programs that support those in need.
As part of WMB’s ongoing commitment to assisting and improving the Brisbane community, WMB has developed the Campaign for Change initiative, which for the first time, gives Brisbane residents the funding and support services they need to get their programs for improving their local community off the ground.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Parmia Insurance streamlines its new wholesale service offering for brokers
Leading Australian niche insurance broking firm Parmia Insurance is continuing to refine and improve its new wholesale service offering, making it easier for fellow brokers to leverage off its award winning policies for the beauty and tattoo sectors.
Implementing a resource portal on its website, brokers can now download documents for Parmia’s products and policies for the beauty and tattoo industry online, ensuring an even faster and more efficient service for clients.
Still a relatively new market for the firm, Parmia launched into wholesale in late 2013 to help ensure that all beauty and tattoo professionals had access to comprehensive, market leading protection.
“We worked incredibly hard with Lloyd’s of London to devise cover for the beauty and tattoo industry that would increase their level of protection, which previously had been virtually non-existent,” said Director of Parmia and the National Insurance Broker Association’s 2013 Broker of the Year, Danny Gumm. “The end result is a series of unique products that give brokers a highly competitive solution to offer their clients.”
Parmia's insurance solution for the tattoo industry is one of only a few to provide practitioners with full medical malpractice policy coverage, while its risk management and insurance solution for the beauty industry is one of the broadest material damage and business interruption policies available to aestheticians in the world.
Its move to extend the policies as well as its tailored insurance solution for tattoo property owners, has been met with open arms from Parmia’s industry peers, with Mr Gumm stating that many brokers are now taking advantage of the service.
“The response that we’ve had has been incredibly positive with many brokers saying that through our products they’ve been able to provide cover to their clients facing complex risks,” he said. “It’s prompted us to now consider extending our wholesale services and products further.”
Established in Queensland in 2002 by Mr Gumm, Parmia, which was recently named a finalist for Small Broker of the Year in the ANZIIF Australian Industry Insurance Awards, has fast made a name for itself for delivering Australian businesses personal and tailored insurance protection.
It currently represents over 3,000 professionals and 15 associations and industry groups. For more information, please visit www.parmiainsurance.com.au.
Media Enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au.
Implementing a resource portal on its website, brokers can now download documents for Parmia’s products and policies for the beauty and tattoo industry online, ensuring an even faster and more efficient service for clients.
Still a relatively new market for the firm, Parmia launched into wholesale in late 2013 to help ensure that all beauty and tattoo professionals had access to comprehensive, market leading protection.
“We worked incredibly hard with Lloyd’s of London to devise cover for the beauty and tattoo industry that would increase their level of protection, which previously had been virtually non-existent,” said Director of Parmia and the National Insurance Broker Association’s 2013 Broker of the Year, Danny Gumm. “The end result is a series of unique products that give brokers a highly competitive solution to offer their clients.”
Parmia's insurance solution for the tattoo industry is one of only a few to provide practitioners with full medical malpractice policy coverage, while its risk management and insurance solution for the beauty industry is one of the broadest material damage and business interruption policies available to aestheticians in the world.
Its move to extend the policies as well as its tailored insurance solution for tattoo property owners, has been met with open arms from Parmia’s industry peers, with Mr Gumm stating that many brokers are now taking advantage of the service.
“The response that we’ve had has been incredibly positive with many brokers saying that through our products they’ve been able to provide cover to their clients facing complex risks,” he said. “It’s prompted us to now consider extending our wholesale services and products further.”
Established in Queensland in 2002 by Mr Gumm, Parmia, which was recently named a finalist for Small Broker of the Year in the ANZIIF Australian Industry Insurance Awards, has fast made a name for itself for delivering Australian businesses personal and tailored insurance protection.
It currently represents over 3,000 professionals and 15 associations and industry groups. For more information, please visit www.parmiainsurance.com.au.
Media Enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au.
Monday, July 7, 2014
Innovation and personal service the key to success for Queensland businessman
When Queensland insurance broker Danny Gumm made the risky decision to leave his job as a divisional state manager for a leading international firm to set up his own business in 2002, he never dreamed of the success he would achieve.
Now 12 years on and with countless awards to his name, Mr Gumm is directing one of Australia’s most competitive niche insurance firms, working with internationally leading syndicates in Lloyd’s of London to secure cover for more than 3,000 professionals.
Based in Brisbane, Queensland, Parmia Insurance is continuing to go from strength to strength, with the firm recently nominated, for the third consecutive year, for the ANZIIF Australian Industry Insurance Awards’ Small Broker of the Year, along with a string of other industry accolades.
It’s due in large part to Mr Gumm’s innovation and strategic approach to establishing an insurance broking firm that would deliver Australian businesses tailored insurance protection.
“Point of difference was a vital factor to me in making the decision to break out on my own and form Parmia,” said Mr Gumm. “I knew that in order to be successful, I had to not just be providing Australian professionals with a competitive solution but also be filling a need or a gap in the market place.”
Recently named the National Insurance Broker Association’s 2013 Broker of the Year, an award which saw him fly to the United States in May to attend the PGA Zurich Classic golf tournament and rub shoulders with George W. Bush and Bruce Springsteen, Mr Gumm continued stating he felt the industry was lacking when it came to providing professionals with tailored insurance cover.
“I saw a lot of professionals falling victim to standard ‘off-the-shelf’ insurance packages and felt there was a real need for a service that would actually assess their needs and provide maximum protection,” he said. “Ultimately, Parmia’s core focus is to ensure all upstanding Australian professionals are given a fair go and are equipped with the tools and cover they need to be profitable and successful.”
It’s an important focus that Mr Gumm says should be at the forefront of all service based businesses looking to succeed.
“Having a strong and loyal customer or client base is pivotal to all Australian businesses,” he said. “You can provide the best and most innovative product on the market but without the back up of personal and tailored service that brings customers and clients on board, it will most likely fail.”
Currently Parmia represents over 15 associations and industry bodies covering areas from allied health to graphic design, finance and fitness. However, its Parmia’s work in the beauty and tattoo sectors that has really set it apart from its competitors, with the firm now known for helping professionals gain cover where none is available.
“We look to work with industries where there are gaps in cover that are resulting in professionals being exposed to significant risks or potential damages,” explained Mr Gumm. “We find success in helping industries to fill these shortfalls so that they have maximum protection should anything go wrong.”
Having built a successful business from the ground up, Mr Gumm says he finds immense personal satisfaction in seeing how far Parmia has come and encourages others seeking to make their mark in the business world to take the next step.
“Going into business for yourself is always a risk but it’s incredibly rewarding when it pays off, which it will if you’ve carefully analysed the market and established a clear point of difference that will set you apart from your competitors,” he said.
For more information on Danny Gumm or Parmia Insurance, please visit www.parmiainsurance.com.au.
Media Enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au.
Now 12 years on and with countless awards to his name, Mr Gumm is directing one of Australia’s most competitive niche insurance firms, working with internationally leading syndicates in Lloyd’s of London to secure cover for more than 3,000 professionals.
Based in Brisbane, Queensland, Parmia Insurance is continuing to go from strength to strength, with the firm recently nominated, for the third consecutive year, for the ANZIIF Australian Industry Insurance Awards’ Small Broker of the Year, along with a string of other industry accolades.
It’s due in large part to Mr Gumm’s innovation and strategic approach to establishing an insurance broking firm that would deliver Australian businesses tailored insurance protection.
“Point of difference was a vital factor to me in making the decision to break out on my own and form Parmia,” said Mr Gumm. “I knew that in order to be successful, I had to not just be providing Australian professionals with a competitive solution but also be filling a need or a gap in the market place.”
Recently named the National Insurance Broker Association’s 2013 Broker of the Year, an award which saw him fly to the United States in May to attend the PGA Zurich Classic golf tournament and rub shoulders with George W. Bush and Bruce Springsteen, Mr Gumm continued stating he felt the industry was lacking when it came to providing professionals with tailored insurance cover.
“I saw a lot of professionals falling victim to standard ‘off-the-shelf’ insurance packages and felt there was a real need for a service that would actually assess their needs and provide maximum protection,” he said. “Ultimately, Parmia’s core focus is to ensure all upstanding Australian professionals are given a fair go and are equipped with the tools and cover they need to be profitable and successful.”
It’s an important focus that Mr Gumm says should be at the forefront of all service based businesses looking to succeed.
“Having a strong and loyal customer or client base is pivotal to all Australian businesses,” he said. “You can provide the best and most innovative product on the market but without the back up of personal and tailored service that brings customers and clients on board, it will most likely fail.”
Currently Parmia represents over 15 associations and industry bodies covering areas from allied health to graphic design, finance and fitness. However, its Parmia’s work in the beauty and tattoo sectors that has really set it apart from its competitors, with the firm now known for helping professionals gain cover where none is available.
“We look to work with industries where there are gaps in cover that are resulting in professionals being exposed to significant risks or potential damages,” explained Mr Gumm. “We find success in helping industries to fill these shortfalls so that they have maximum protection should anything go wrong.”
Having built a successful business from the ground up, Mr Gumm says he finds immense personal satisfaction in seeing how far Parmia has come and encourages others seeking to make their mark in the business world to take the next step.
“Going into business for yourself is always a risk but it’s incredibly rewarding when it pays off, which it will if you’ve carefully analysed the market and established a clear point of difference that will set you apart from your competitors,” he said.
For more information on Danny Gumm or Parmia Insurance, please visit www.parmiainsurance.com.au.
Media Enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)