Half a Century of Service: Celebrating Lyn Phillips' 50 Years at ERS
When Lyn Phillips walked through the doors of Dominion Insurance in Swansea as a school leaver in 1976, he probably didn't imagine he'd still be here half a century later.
Fifty years on, he's seen the business evolve from Dominion Insurance, through the Equity Red Star years, to the ERS we know today and, more recently, becoming part of Starr. Across five decades of change, one thing has remained constant: Lyn's unwavering commitment to the business, his colleagues and our customers.
Initially hired to lend a hand wherever he was needed, Lyn soon found his home in Claims, where he has spent the last 50 years building the knowledge, experience and relationships that have made him one of ERS' most respected colleagues.
"It's only when people ask me how long I've been here that I realise it's been such a long time!" Lyn laughs. "I've weathered the various storms ERS has faced but always persevered, and here we are today. I'm part of the furniture now!"
Born and bred in Swansea, Lyn has never felt the need to stray far from home.
"I'm a proud South Wales boy," he says. "I've never wanted to venture any further when I have everything I need here."
A front-row seat to history
Having spent five decades in the business, Lyn has collected more than a few memorable stories.
One of his favourites takes him back to an industry dinner in London.
"When I first joined insurance, I was told the pay wasn't brilliant, but the perks were," he recalls. "We used to go to some fantastic events. I remember chatting away to a couple of people at a dinner at the Connaught Rooms and having a great evening.
"Three weeks later they walked through the door in Swansea and said, 'We've just bought you!' It turned out to be Eddie Phillips and Fergus Curran from Equity Red Star Claims. Talk about a small world."
Despite the many changes over the years, Lyn says the people are what have kept him here.
"I like it here. They do well by you and it's a good place to work. People are happy here and always up for socialising. I've met some great people over the years, and I still enjoy coming into work."
Wisdom from 50 years
Ask Lyn what advice he'd give to someone just starting their career in Claims, and his answer is as relevant today as it was when he first joined.
"You've just got to listen to people and take it all in. Nothing stands still and there's always room to learn. It doesn't matter who you are, everything changes, and you need to be ready for whatever comes your way."
A true ERS legend
For colleagues who have worked alongside Lyn, it's not just his experience that stands out, but the person behind it.
Mandy Evans has known Lyn for nearly three decades.
"In the 27 years I have known Lyn, he hasn't changed one bit. Lyn is one of life's nice guys, a proper gentleman who will go out of his way to help anyone. He is also exceptionally good at his job."
She also remembers another part of Lyn's legacy that many long-serving colleagues will instantly recognise.
"Back in the day, Lyn was known for his famous red Christmas jacket. It became tradition for everyone at the office Christmas party to have a photo taken wearing it. Hundreds of people must have had their picture taken in that jacket over the years, myself included! Lyn is a legend… along with his famous red Christmas jacket."
Thank you, Lyn
Martin Hall, Managing Director of ERS, said:
"Reaching 50 years of service is an extraordinary achievement and one that very few people will ever experience. Lyn's career reflects everything that makes ERS special. Through decades of change, I know he has remained a trusted colleague, a friendly face and someone who is always willing to share his knowledge and support others.
“Most people would recognise that businesses don't build great cultures on their own; people do. It's colleagues like Lyn, with their loyalty, professionalism and commitment, who have helped shape ERS into the business it is today. On behalf of everyone at ERS, thank you, Lyn, for your outstanding contribution over the past 50 years.”
In a year when ERS celebrates 80 years of trading, it is amazing to think Lyn has seen 50 of those.
Congratulations, Lyn, on an incredible 50 years. Thank you for everything you've done, and here's to a truly remarkable career.
