The accountancy profession – trusted partners for over 25 years

Caunce O’Hara was born out of, in part, a strong professional relationship with a firm of Chartered Accountants back in the early 90s who specialised in IT contractors’ accounts.

Chris Caunce had assisted that firm in developing a bespoke liability insurance package in 1991 as contracts at that time (and they still do) asked that contractors acquired professional indemnity insurance and often public liability insurance so they could carry out their work at client premises.

In those days all policies were on paper and not online as today. With Chris becoming a specialist in contractor insurance and setting up Caunce O’Hara in 1995 with Martin O’Hara, an experienced commercial insurance broker, the firm grew in both stature and reputation.

Gathering momentum

Momentum gathered and by the mid to late-90s Caunce O’Hara was well established and a recognised brand in the UK contractor market as well as being a trusted commercial insurance broker. Further relationships with the accountancy profession developed with office space being shared with a respected Manchester accountancy firm.

This relationship enabled growth into new sectors and markets and formed the foundations for Caunce O’Hara to be cited as a top 50 UK insurance broker. The company also won insurance industry accolades in 2007, 2009 and 2010.

Chris and his co-director Martin O’Hara recognised the need for innovation, in what was then a fast-moving sector, and were the first insurance broker to launch a bespoke insurance policy for umbrella payroll companies in 1999. Today the business has a significant market share in this space.

It was Caunce O’Hara’s relationships with the accountancy profession that enabled the delivery of unique insurance offerings and became a trusted professional partner to many.

Adapting to the changing UK employment sector

Over the past decade the UK employment sector has experienced many significant changes.

Off-Payroll Working (IR35), Managed Service Company legislation (MSC), Agency Workers Regulations (AWR) and more recently the advent of the gig economy that to provide fit-for-purpose insurance to workers, has seen the firm continually adapting, innovating and working closely with all parties in the sector.

Today, Caunce O’Hara remains a trusted name for business insurance for contractors, freelancers, and small business insurance.

With the advent of the Insurance Act 2015 insurance brokers’ presentation of risk to insurers on behalf of their clients meant a heavier emphasis on information gathering and disclosure of facts, something the firm had done as a matter of course before the Act came into force.

Strong relationships that make life easier for clients

Caunce O’Hara found complying with new legislation set out by the Act straightforward due to the strong relationships it has with insurers.

Along with long-standing working relationships with many clients’ accountants it made life easier for clients when seeking insurance terms.

The strong ties that Caunce O’Hara has had and still enjoys with the accountancy profession over the years makes sound business sense.

Accountants, like insurance brokers, seek to assess risk and provide protection for clients where they can, while also identifying potential cost savings for clients and always looking to add value.

April 2021 and beyond

Today, with changes to worker status high on the government’s and HMRC’s agenda (private sector IR35 changes ahead in April 2021 being just one major factor) there has perhaps never been a more significant time for the UK economy and its workers.

You can be assured that Caunce O’Hara will be adapting and working closely with the accountancy profession to ensure clients enjoy a protected and thriving future.

Invaluable insurance support for chartered accountants

Caunce O’Hara has been providing invaluable support to chartered accountants through comprehensive and competitive business insurance policies since our formation in 1995.

For a competitive quote for your business insurance call 0333 321 1403

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