EDWARD Curran had to make his mind up when he was given the opportunity to join independent insurance broker, PB Curran, founded by his father, Patrick, in 1961.

At the time Mr Curran, now 42, was working as an underwriter in the London Market, and with no plans to return to York, he had just been offered a post with an insurance broker based at Pinewood Studios.

However Mr Curran is now delighted he chose to return to his home city to join the family business, now based at Osbaldwick.

Mr Curran took over as managing director in 2001 and set about growing the company organically and by acquiring five independent insurance brokers over the last ten years, taking the total staff to 26, including his father who still works in the business.

Although PB Curran has clients as far away as London and Scotland, it remains a small independent York family business proud of its roots and place in the regional business community.

Mr Curran said: "By providing a first class service to our clients PB Curran has achieved growth around three main areas of commercial business; small to medium sized enterprises, residential and commercial property and agricultural business.

"We have a flat management structure with high staff involvement. We do not have a big, impersonal call centre and avoid the red tape of large corporates.

"All our clients can have one person who they deal with for all their needs and, as we have fantastic staff retention, this allows us to build long-term relationships and a high level of service which we strongly believe is central to our success."

As a result of this growth PB Curran, which now has three directors, has established its own schemes, which it underwrites in house, for the property and agricultural sectors.

What job would you like to have other than your own and why?

"A property developer, because your achievements are visible and last a lifetime."

Greatest achievement?

"Building a business with the reputation to attract the best people in the industry, plus retaining my sanity with two young children!"

What makes you most angry?

"People who make excuses and blame others for their own deficiencies."

Biggest mistake?

"I have bought five businesses but there was one that got away. Also giving up coffee, I knew it wouldn’t last !"

What do you need to make life complete?

"I am very fortunate, just more time to see my golf handicap fall, my family flourish and the business grow."

Why do you make a difference?

"I understand what clients want from their broker, I listen to our senior management and then pull everything together to make the business operate effectively."

Epitaph

"He was a good boss but a great dad."