Following last week's Cirencester Chamber of Commerce Awards, the Standard will be profiling each winning business over the coming weeks.

AN independent chartered insurance broker from Cirencester was honoured to be named New Business of the Year at the town’s Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.

Bluestone Insurance received the prestigious gong at the awards ceremony earlier this month, having recently moved into a bigger premises in the heart of the town on Love Lane Industrial Estate.

Directors Pauline Rushton and Dan Ogden set up the business in January 2015 on Cricklade Street, managing to turn over more than £1.1million in less than a year as well as acquiring over 150 clients.

In doing so, they exceeded their first year business plan by over 250 per cent.

“In an industry which does not get much positive feedback, it was a real pleasure to receive an award recognising the diligence, professionalism and high service levels we strive to offer our clients who so often have been used to a less than ideal service,” said Pauline.

“Bluestone are proud to encourage new talent and fly the flag for the insurance industry.

“In entering the award we invited feedback from our clients and insurer panel for submission, and it was an absolute delight to hear how much we were held in high regard.

“Being accepted as part of Cirencester business community and honoured with such an award has endorsed all we have achieved, as a small business with a big offering,” she added.

Now in its second year, the business has increased its staff numbers and moved into an open-plan air-conditioned office space.

Visit bluestoneinsurance.co.uk for more information.