ARC PEOPLE: SAM CASSIDY, MARKETING MANAGER

Hi Sam, firstly could you tell us about your role and responsibilities as our Marketing Manager?

I am responsible for managing all marketing and PR activity across the business and developing the Arc Legal brand in the market as we continue to expand.

It’s a broad role that includes leading and development of the annual marketing plan including content planning and execution, social media strategy and website management, internal and external communications, company events, corporate social responsibility, along with ad-hoc projects.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I really enjoy content planning and execution which gives me a wider insight into the different business functions at Arc Legal with a wide range of legal, topical, product, trends, and legislation updates that we produce.

The business has expanded considerably since I joined in May 2019, with the integration of several businesses which has enabled us to expand our product and service portfolio further. Part of my role has been to support the business integrations, along with other ad-hoc projects which has, again, given me excellent insights into the wider business.

The team at Arc Legal have a wealth of experience, are extremely passionate and a great bunch to work with, there’s never a dull day!

You began your career at the BBC, have worked in a variety of other industries including distribution and warehousing and manufacturing in the sports turf industry for over 15 years; what attracted you to the insurance industry?

My move to the insurance industry came more by change than design. The sports turf industry predominantly used very traditional marketing methods, and as a very niche B2B industry, digital marketing was a way behind at that time. After a short career break, I was offered an 18-month contract for a pure digital role at a top 100 law firm, which was the perfect opportunity to brush up on my digital skills and welcome me into the world of finance.

When I was first interviewed for the role at Arc Legal, it was clear they were a forward-thinking company but still retained an Arc family ethos. The role itself was well suited to my broad range of marketing skills, and more importantly, I saw the opportunity to be able to add real value to the business.

I find the world of insurance fascinating, especially with the key issues facing the world today. My knowledge and understanding of industry legislation and employment law has never been better!

How did your career history to date help you prepare for the world of insurance?

Working in a digital age, digital skills are transferrable and can be applied to any industry along with traditional marketing methods which are just as important to market our products and services effectively.

However, knowledge is king, not a day goes by where I don’t learn something new about both our business and the wider industry.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

If you are faced with a problem or issue, before escalating, ‘think outside the box’ to consider a possible solution, even if you’re not expected to provide it. It’s perfect brain food and can provide a fresh perspective.

What’s next for Arc Legal

We are currently working on an exciting project to realign our brands and re-position Arc Legal as a leading supplier of Ancillary products within the market. We’ve traditionally been seen as a Legal Expenses Insurance and related services business, however with the business integrations over the past 18 months – watch this space!

Tell us something interesting about you?

I have always been up for a challenge and have completed both the London and New York Marathons which was quite a feat as I was a couch potato in my teens. I have also completed my PADI Open Water and Advanced Open water certificates in scuba diving and am looking forward to diving in the Caribbean this summer and have also dabbled at free-fall parachuting and bungee jumping!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I took up paddle boarding during lockdown and have never looked back; it’s perfect for the body and mind and low impact. I’m fortunate to have the River Stour and Bures rights on my doorstep!

I have always been very creative and if I can make something, I will. I built a new woodshed in the garden last year from some old fence posts that I refused to throw away. Half a day later and £5 for some wood paint, voila.