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02/20/2025
At Pantaenius | Pantaenius Crew
35 Years Of Trust: Celebrating Leigh Huggett And The Pantaenius Uk Journey
There’s something truly special about staying with a company for 35 years. In a world where careers are often measured in short bursts, finding someone who has dedicated over three decades to the same business speaks volumes; not just about the person, but about the company itself.
At Pantaenius UK, trust, commitment and expertise have always been at the core of what we do. And if there’s one person who embodies those values, it’s Leigh Huggett, our Marketing and Business Manager, who has been here since day one!
As we celebrate 35 years of Pantaenius UK, we also celebrate Leigh - one of the very first members of the team and the ideal ambassador for everything Pantaenius represents. From humble beginnings in 1990, Pantaenius UK has grown to become one of the most recognised names in boat insurance. Leigh’s journey has been an integral part of our story, shaping the business alongside its success.
The Early Days: A Two-Person Team and Big Ambitions
Leigh joined Pantaenius UK when the company was little more than an idea - just two people in an office, determined to bring a fresh approach to boat insurance in the UK. Back then, wearing many hats wasn’t an option, it was a necessity!
Leigh handled everything from sales and underwriting to customer service and admin, laying the groundwork for what would become one of the most respected boat insurance providers in the country.
When we first started, there was a real sense of excitement. The marine insurance market was ready for change, and we were here to make a difference. Seeing how far we’ve come is truly humbling.
That difference was felt quickly. The approach was simple: offer tailored, reliable insurance designed for real boat owners, backed by a team who understood their needs. It’s an approach that remains at the heart of Pantaenius UK today.
From Boat Shows to Global Growth
As Pantaenius UK grew, so did its reputation.
From the very beginning, the team made it a priority to be present in the boating community, meeting owners and captains face-to-face at boat shows, regattas and industry events.
Here are some of our key milestones:
- The first Southampton Boat Show was in 1991, just a year after the office opened - marking the start of a long tradition
- The company debuted at the London Boat Show in 1995, exhibiting every year until the show ended..
- From 1995 to 1999, Pantaenius UK made waves at the Antigua Yacht Charter Show, with Leigh attending in the late 90’s.
- Over the years, Pantaenius UK has been a familiar face at events in Nice, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Hamburg and beyond.
A lot of our early photos have been lost over the years, probably victims of an old filing cabinet clear out! The ones we do have might not be high definition, but that’s what makes them feel so real. A little grainy, a little imperfect, but full of great memories.
The events weren’t just about branding - they were about building relationships, something Leigh has always been passionate about. For her, the best part of the job isn’t marketing or business strategy, it’s the people.
Building a Trusted Brand, One Customer at a Time
One of the most remarkable things about Pantaenius UK is that many of its clients have been with us for decades. That’s not just down to policies or pricing, it’s about the people behind the company.
With so many long-standing team members, our clients benefit from a level of continuity and expertise rarely found in the industry.. Whether it’s answering a tricky insurance question, finding the right cover for a client’s pride and joy, or simply being a reassuring presence in times of need, our team understands that it’s the little things that build a reputation.
What hasn’t changed over the years is the importance of trust. We’ve always prided ourselves on being more than just an insurance provider - we’re a partner in our clients' journeys.
That ethos is why Pantaenius UK has become the go-to insurer for everyone from weekend sailors to superyacht owners.
35 Years of Change, One Constant Commitment
It’s fair to say that the marine insurance world has changed dramatically since 1990. Here are some of the standouts:
- Policies have become more flexible and tailored to meet the diverse needs of today’s boat owners.
- Technology has revolutionised how customers interact with insurers, from online claims processes to digital policy management.
- The industry itself has expanded globally, with boats travelling further and regulations becoming more complex.
- The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped how businesses operate, accelerating the need for digital transformation and remote working solutions.
Through all this, one thing has never changed: Pantaenius UK’s commitment to exceptional service, reliability and trust. And Leigh has been there, adapting, evolving and making sure that Pantaenius stays ahead of the curve.
When the world shifted during COVID-19, Leigh spearheaded the company’s digital approach, ensuring a seamless transition to remote working while maintaining the high levels of service customers expect. By embracing new technologies and prioritising accessibility, Pantaenius continued to support clients when they needed it most - proving adaptability and innovation are just as vital as experience.
The marine industry is always changing, but what keeps me motivated is knowing that we’re making a real difference. Whether it's working on new marketing strategies, connecting with clients, or growing the company, it’s the sense of purpose that drives me.
Looking to the Future
As Pantaenius UK celebrates 35 years, it’s not just about reflecting on the past, it’s about shaping the future.
With new challenges and opportunities ahead, the team remains committed to delivering tailored insurance solutions, supporting boaters at every stage of their journey, and ensuring the next 35 years are just as impactful as the last.
And for Leigh? She’s still right where she belongs, at the heart of Pantaenius UK, helping to shape the company’s future.
More than policies and claims, at its core Pantaenius is built on trust, expertise, and the team who have made it what it is today. As we mark this milestone, we celebrate the entire Pantaenius family - because it’s the people who truly make a company stand the test of time.
As Leigh puts it, "The industry has evolved, but one thing has never changed, our commitment to boat owners. For 35 years, Pantaenius has been more than just an insurer; we’ve been a trusted partner on every voyage, ensuring our clients can enjoy their boating adventures with complete confidence.”
And after 35 years, that dedication is stronger than ever.
