From redundancy to resilience—how Alan Howell turned a career setback into a mission to fight for policyholders
When life throws you a curveball—like losing your job after years of service—what do you do next?
For Alan Howell, that moment came after being made redundant from his corporate role at Nokia. But instead of chasing another job, he took a leap of faith. He bought a franchise. He started a business. And he discovered a mission that would shape his future.
In this episode of Wired for Success, Jamie Morgan sits down with Alan, the founder of My Property Claim, a loss assessor business based in Camberley, Surrey, to talk about what really happens when people make insurance claims—and why so many get let down by the very companies meant to protect them.
The Unexpected Start of a Business Journey
Alan didn’t set out to become a business owner. But when faced with redundancy, he made the bold choice to invest in a franchise and learn everything he could about the insurance world—from the outside in.
What started as a business opportunity quickly became something more personal.
He realised how stacked the system is against policyholders—especially during one of the most stressful moments of their lives. And he decided to be the person who stands in the gap.
Now, Alan helps people take on insurers, fight unfair payouts, and secure the settlements they actually deserve.
💬 What’s in This Episode
This episode is packed with real-life advice, lessons learned the hard way, and plenty of straight-talking truths about how the insurance industry works.
Here’s what we cover:
- Why Alan chose to buy a franchise—and what he’d do differently now
- The differences between insurance brokers, loss adjusters, and loss assessors
- What to look for in your policy before disaster strikes
- The tactics insurers use to minimise or reject claims
- How Alan’s role helps level the playing field for homeowners and businesses
- The power of local networking and how it’s helped My Property Claim grow
Alan also shares heartfelt advice for anyone who’s navigating redundancy, changing careers, or considering launching their own business. His message? You’re not stuck—you just need a plan and some support.
Why This Episode Matters
Insurance is one of those things we don’t think much about… until we need it. And when we do, the experience can be confusing, stressful, and unfair.
Alan brings clarity to that chaos. He explains how claims really work, why so many people get caught out, and how having someone in your corner can make all the difference.
Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or business owner, this episode is full of helpful takeaways—and plenty of “I wish I’d known that earlier” moments.
📍 Alan Now Supports Clients Across Surrey, Berkshire & Hampshire
From burst pipes to full-scale fires, Alan and the My Property Claim team support clients across the South East. They take care of the claim from start to finish—so clients can focus on getting back on their feet.
They offer a free claim review too, so if you’re not sure where you stand, it’s worth reaching out.
🎙️ About the Podcast
Wired for Success is hosted by Jamie Morgan, founder of Help Me Grow Business Coaching, and based just outside Camberley in Eversley, Hampshire.
Each episode shares the real stories behind growing a business—with practical lessons, honest reflections, and conversations that inspire entrepreneurs at every stage.
👋 Want to Be a Guest?
Are you a business owner with a story to tell? Whether you’ve overcome something tough, taken an unexpected path, or simply want to share what’s working in your world—we’d love to hear from you.
Jamie also runs First Friday Networking in Camberley—a monthly meetup for local business owners to connect, share ideas, and find support.
👉 Apply to be a guest on the podcast
🎧 Subscribe and Listen Anywhere
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🙌 If you know someone who’s dealt with a tricky insurance claim—or who’s thinking about starting a business after redundancy—please share this episode with them. It could be the encouragement they need.
