People-first approach wins industry award for claims manager John

13-January-2022

Giving a very human face to the world of building insurance claims management has earned John Strange an honour in The Great British Franchisee Awards 2022.

The owner of Aspray Glasgow West puts people first at what can be a very difficult time for them when their homes or business premises are damaged.

“Behind every damaged building is a human being or a family who didn't ask to be in this vulnerable position,” says John.

A former buy-to-let investor with vast experience in property maintenance, John says he has seen “the good, the bad and the ugly” and is devoted to making insurance claims and building reinstatement as pain-free and straightforward as possible.

“Nobody knew about the Aspray service at first, and it’s taken years of networking to build up a solid bank of clients who call on us time after time,” he says.

“I kept various contractors in work during Covid as, even with the restrictions, emergencies needed to be dealt with and people needed their homes repaired.

“During the pandemic when The Glasgow Clan ice-hockey team had to close and not play any games for a full season I helped them survive by funding an off-season sponsorship which meant two members of staff were able to be kept on.

“I couldn't let a family focused local sports club die.”

John is also Chairman of the Glasgow East Alcohol Awareness Project, having given up alcohol six years ago when it was starting to control his life.

“I've secured them their home by getting the deeds to the building transferred from the council into the charity and I’m constantly fundraising to make sure all 10 staff are kept in a job,” he says. “I love it.”

The Great British Franchisee Awards recognise franchisees’ exceptional performance and business experience, ability to drive business growth, staff retention, customer satisfaction, community involvement, inspired leadership, and franchise involvement.

The awards are run by whichfranchise, supported by Lloyds Bank, BDO, AMO Consulting and Chantry Group.