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This is an occasional article on local businesses
John James & Co
Insurance Brokers
John James started the business in 1979 with his wife as his partner. The present offices had previously been a radio and electrical repair shop (long-term residents of Barnes will remember Telerad Electrics) and they had to convert the shop into offices. Initially, they concentrated on motor insurance, but business was slow and they decided they needed someone with more experience, which was where Peter Harvey, who had worked with John James in Harrow and who was a specialist in motor insurance, came in. This was a successful union and the business grew. From the beginning it has been a family run, friendly firm and they have done their best to keep it that way. John Doughty joined the firm in the late eighties and Ian Anderson quite soon after that.
John James wanted to retire when he was sixty and in 2001 he decided to sell the business. At first John and Ian thought they couldn’t possibly afford to buy it, but John James being an altruistic type, made it possible for them to do so. (Sadly, Peter Harvey had died by this time.) The business became a limited company and their clients have remained loyal, even if they have moved away from Barnes.
Ian handles the household and commercial side and John concentrates more on the financial side: mortgages, pensions, annuities. Being an independent firm they can offer their clients bespoke services – many, who own large houses with valuable contents, appreciate the personal attention. John Doughty was quick to say that if he felt someone could find themselves a cheaper insurance he would always advise them to try the internet. Such honesty is very appealing! By no means a run of the mill business, it was a pleasure to meet John Doughty. From our own experience, when our house was flooded in September 2006 and the ground floor had to have joists replaced they were fantastically helpful and efficient, which made all the difference.
Rosie Findlater
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