Music supremo targets broker hit with social media offering

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The man who signed rock band The Killers is now hoping to crack the insurance market with a new social media-based release for brokers.

Martin Heath - who founded Lizard King Records in 2002 - is launching Broker Box through his Digital Animal business.

According to Mr Heath, the offering allows brokers and insurers to quote and buy through any social media channel or affinity website instantly.

The quote engine is linked to the broker's pricing model and is designed to drive exposure, engagement and online quotes.

Speaking to Insurance Age magazine, Mr Heath described Broker Box as a "forward to the past" product, as it made the process far more personalised. 

"In the 1960s a guy would walk into a broker on the high street who knew him," he explained.

"In the 1980s someone called up and bought it [insurance] over the phone. And in 2000 it was [bought] online.

"Now, in 2012, we are dealing directly with customers again - insurers can deal directly with their clients."

Mr Heath, who also founded Rhythm King Records in the 1980s, signed The Killers in 2002 shortly after setting up Lizard King Records.

He has also recruited Swiftcover co-founder Tony Humphreys, ex-Direct Line IT expert Nigel Godfrey and former Ace European sales and distribution manager Glenn Hirchfield to support the company's development.

Digital Animal said that Brian Johnston & Co (Insurance Brokers) and Forces First have already signed up for its services.

And, speaking to sister title Post, Mr Heath added: "As yet, the insurance business doesn't engage with social media for fear of giving the game away to the aggregators.

"What we are offering is going to be a real game-changer."

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