Anniversary celebrations are often a time to reflect on journeys taken at a company.
For Winn Group Chief Executive Officer Chris Birkett, it is not only a nod of recognition for surpassing 20 years at Winn Group but also an opportunity to look back on hard-to-match company growth and evolution.
Winn's has gone through significant change during those two decades, moving from a staff of 25, dealing primarily with personal injury whiplash claims, into a multi-site operation, with a range of legal service offerings, that houses over 700 employees and works with a host of major insurers for the benefit of clients.
Playing a major strategic role as Chief Operations Officer and in his current role as CEO, Chris has utilised his skills, experience, and guidance to point the organisation in a direction of expansion and enhancement, pivoting into different markets as we react to changing market conditions.
So, when reflecting on how the company looked back in 2006 compared to the present day, although he won’t accept the credit, there will be plenty of satisfaction when evaluating the significant changes.
He said: "To get to where we are today is a real success story for everyone past and present who have contributed.
"Our growth has been phenomenal, particularly coming out of Covid. We won several new business contracts at that time as we were able to offer deals that our then-competitors couldn’t.
"We have managed the growth well over the years and have a reputation for offering a quality service. I’m proud that we are recognised by the insurance market as a serious organisation in this sector and are now in partnerships with household insurance names like Aviva and Direct Line Group.
"We are no longer thought of in the sector as a small North East PI Law firm.”
Twenty years down and still counting, the future is looking bright for the organisation.
Chris continued: "The future is exciting; We have several new business opportunities which we are currently in discussions with.
"These are really positive and will, when confirmed, continue the growth of the business in a scalable, managed method.
"We are looking to improve the automated process with evolving AI to speed up processes and ultimately offer clients a better service and a better outcome.”
Our fellow directors praised the impact Chris has made over the years, celebrating both his personal achievement and the impact he has had.
Jeff Winn, Winn Group Founder, said: “Congratulations to Chris on his 20th Anniversary at Winns. He is the single most important signing, effectively the Alan Shearer goal scorer for the business.
"He performed excellently as Sales Manager, was dedicated to learning the CEO role as deputy and is now a brilliant CEO having reached the pinnacle of success.
"He is adaptable, loyal and I enjoyed working with him, enjoying having fun as well as success. Congratulations, Chris.”
Clint Milnes, Group Director – Chief Operations Officer, said: "Congratulations to Chris on reaching 20 years with Winn Group. It's a fantastic achievement and one that reflects the huge impact he has had on the business, its people and its culture over the last two decades.
"Chris has an understated leadership style that earns respect rather than demands it. He listens, supports, challenges when needed and has a way of bringing people with him.
"Despite everything he has achieved, he remains approachable, humble and genuinely invested in the success of those around him. I think one of the greatest compliments you can pay any leader is that people genuinely want to work for them, and Chris has always had that quality.
"On a personal level, I am incredibly grateful for the trust he placed in me when he appointed me COO. His guidance, support and confidence in me have played a significant part in my own development, and I know many others across the business would say the same.
"Winn Group would not be the business it is today without Chris's contribution.
"Congratulations on 20 years, Chris, and thank you for everything you have done for the business and the people fortunate enough to have worked alongside you.”
Marta Fernandez Varona, Group Director – Chief Financial Officer, said: “From when I joined the company in 2020, we have nearly quadrupled our monthly hires.
"Even more impressively, the company has not only grown in scale but also in profitability, with EBITDA increasing by nearly five times compared with 2020.
"These achievements are a testament to Chris’ vision and strategic leadership.
"The numbers speak for themselves, but behind them is Chris’ ability to inspire people, make bold decisions, and consistently guide the company toward sustainable growth.
"Beyond all these achievements, what I appreciate the most is the way Chris has always believed in people, placing his trust in us.
"Chris has always been there, listening, supporting and encouraging. That kind of leadership is something we never forget. Congratulations on this incredible milestone and thank you for everything you have done for us all.”
Chris Jones, Group Director – Head of Claims Operations, said: "Congratulations, Chris, on reaching an incredible 20 years at Winn Group. Your influence on the business is impossible to overstate; you've helped shape not only the company's success but also the people within it.
"On a personal level, you've been a fantastic mentor and source of support, always willing to share your experience, offer guidance, and challenge people to be better.
"Thank you for everything you've done over the last two decades, and here's to many more memorable moments ahead.”