Financial services is not usually known for its “fun” image, but a Caerphilly firm has decided to swap its pie charts for polyester in a stunt to celebrate 40 years in business.
Thomas, Carroll Group plc – the Caerphilly-based insurance, financial services and health and safety group – have become 1970s TV action heroes to celebrate the milestone and aims to raise £40,000 for Tŷ Hafan.
Staff have travelled back in time to its roots in 1972 to form ‘The Insurers,’ an affectionate spoof on TV series such as The Protectors featuring Robert Vaughan and The Persuaders, starring Roger Moore and Tony Curtis.
Directors, led by Thomas, Carroll Chairman John Moore – who plays Sir Charles Stirling, will be appearing as The Insurers at charity events throughout the year.
The team has filmed a trailer set around their Caerphilly HQ, together with a ‘making of’ video.
Interviews include Brynmor Williams as Harry Lion, Robert Jones as Tony Dart, and Managing Director Rhys Thomas, who plays card sharp Sinclair Strand.
John Moore, Chairman of Thomas, Carroll group said: “We wanted to use our landmark year to celebrate forty years in business and raise vital funds for TŸ Hafan during tough economic times for charities.
“Everyone in the company dressed up for the filming and I am proud of them. We are not afraid to laugh at ourselves in trying to make a difference and The Insurers is a bit of fun which we hope will have a seriously good result for TŸ Hafan come the end of our busy year of celebrations.”
Mark Eedy, managing director of the group’s IFA division plays grappling iron expert Platinum Barnes and Private Clients Managing Director Alison Davies is the exotic Contessa Eckland, with Kevin Price, Managing Director of Thomas, Carroll Management Services as James ‘00’ Dangerfield. Group Marketing Manager Gwenllian Davies plays martial arts expert Falcon Fairway.
Frank Ady, head of corporate partnerships at Tŷ Hafan said: “We are absolutely delighted that Thomas Carroll have demonstrated their continued commitment to fundraising for Tŷ Hafan and have chosen us yet again to benefit from this very special year for them.
“The organisation has been a wonderful ambassador for us over the years and the staff have supported and taken part in our own events as well as organising their own.
“Everyone at Tŷ Hafan would like to congratulate Thomas Carroll on their 40th anniversary and wish them well with their fundraising campaign”
Thomas, Carroll was founded on October 1 1972 in Cardiff by Evan Thomas and Terry Carroll and their respective wives Anne and Delma. From its early days in Cardiff, the company now employs 110 people with headquarters in Caerphilly and offices in Swansea and Brecon.
In 2011 the company won the UK Insurance Broker of the Year title for the fourth time and the retirement planning firm of the year for its IFA Division.
For more information visit www.theinsurers1972.org