We spoke to Nikki Ranson, Co-Director of Colchester Foodbank, about their experience of working with WRS and how our specialist approach has supported the charity through growth and change.
“My name is Nikki Ranson and I’m Co-Director of Colchester Foodbank, alongside Armin Lange. We support thousands of local people every year across Colchester and the surrounding area, not only with emergency food but with access to advice, financial support, mental health services and other practical help.
“With a large team of volunteers, several foodbank locations, vehicles, stock and premises, making sure the charity is properly protected is incredibly important to us.”
What made you choose WRS to protect your organisation?
“We have been working with WRS for several years now and have always found them approachable, knowledgeable and genuinely supportive of the charity sector.
“One of the main reasons we chose WRS was because they understand that charities aren’t the same as ordinary businesses. Our needs can be quite varied and sometimes complicated, and it makes a huge difference having a broker who understands how we operate rather than trying to fit us into a standard insurance package.”
How has WRS supported Colchester Foodbank as the charity has grown?
“Over the years WRS have supported us through changes and growth within the charity, helping us make sure our cover continues to reflect what we actually do. More recently, with us purchasing our new permanent headquarters, there have been lots of different things to consider and having that support and advice available has been invaluable.”
What has your experience been like working with the WRS team?
“A huge part of our positive experience with WRS is our direct contact with Aisha Lovegrove, who is absolutely superb. Aisha is always approachable, responsive and incredibly helpful. She takes the time to understand what we need, explains things clearly and makes what can sometimes feel like a complicated area much easier to manage. Knowing we have someone we can contact directly who knows us and understands the charity makes such a difference.
“What stands out most for us is that we can actually speak to people. If we have a question or something happens, we know we can pick up the phone or send an email and get sensible, straightforward advice. When you are running a busy charity, that personal relationship is really important.”
Would you recommend WRS to other charities?
“We would absolutely recommend WRS to other charities and not-for-profit organisations. Insurance isn’t necessarily the most exciting part of running a charity, but when something goes wrong you very quickly realise just how important it is to have the right cover and the right people behind you.
“The team at WRS, and Aisha in particular, have always made us feel that protecting Colchester Foodbank matters to them too. They understand what we do, the responsibility we have towards our clients, volunteers, staff and supporters, and they have helped us make sure the organisation we have worked so hard to build is properly protected.
“For us, WRS aren’t simply an insurance broker we hear from once a year at renewal. They are people we know we can contact when we need advice or reassurance, and that relationship means a great deal to us.”
We’re proud to support Colchester Foodbank and to have built a strong relationship over the years.
Thank you to Nikki and Armin for sharing their experience of working with WRS. We look forward to continuing our relationship and supporting Colchester Foodbank in the years to come.
About WRS
At WRS Insurance Brokers, we are specialists in Charity Insurance. As a business with a strong social conscience, we’re passionate about supporting the work of organisations that make a difference.
WRS is proudly part of the Benefact Group, a diverse international group of financial services businesses that exist to give our profits to good causes.