At Coversure, we are passionate about inspiring more women to pursue careers in the insurance industry. We spoke with Reana Bashir, Director at Coversure Keighley, about her journey into insurance and the development of her career.
From her early days as an office junior to becoming the founder of a successful brokerage, Reana’s story is one of perseverance, ambition and the desire to create an inclusive, supportive workplace. Her path was not without challenges, especially as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, but she turned every obstacle into an opportunity, leading her to open her own business and build a thriving team.
Just starting out
After being accepted for her A Levels, a last-day mistake led to Reana losing her place at Sixth Form, leading her to seek out an apprenticeship. In 1996, she started working at Colonnade Insurance Brokers as an office junior, handling basic duties. Her career quickly progressed, with roles at various insurance companies, where she worked her way up to becoming a Branch Director.
Reana’s journey into the insurance industry wasn’t a straightforward one, but her passion, resilience and drive to prove herself made her a standout leader.
Turning setbacks into success
One of the biggest challenges Reana faced was being the only female Branch Director in a male-dominated environment. In board meetings, she often found herself dismissed or talked over, but she persisted. “I think the biggest satisfaction I got was when the call centre I managed for 13 years in a previous role shut down after I left,” she shares. “They underestimated how much of the business was built on personal relationships, and that’s something I took with me when I started my own business.”
After facing difficult experiences at work while pregnant with her second child, Reana was motivated to take a leap into entrepreneurship. In 2015, Reana turned her vision into a reality as she explains, “I woke up one morning and decided I was opening my own business.” Despite being six months pregnant and unsure of how the journey would unfold, she found herself embracing the challenge of building something from the ground up with her husband’s support.
Finding that work-life balance
Balancing a growing business and a family can be challenging, but Reana has found ways to involve her children in the business. It’s clear that Reana’s family is an integral part of her journey, and she takes pride in creating a business that reflects her values of hard work, respect and balance.
I get my kids involved in the office during school holidays. It teaches them work ethic and gives them an understanding of what it takes to run a business.
Reana Bashir, Director at Coversure Keighley
Creating an inclusive and supportive environment
Today, Reana runs her brokerage with her husband, and together, they’ve built a team of 16 people across two branches. Their secret? Respect, support and a shared vision of success. “We treat our staff like family, not just employees,” Reana says. “It’s about understanding that a successful business is made up of a team that feels valued and appreciated.”
For Reana, creating a work environment that is inclusive and supportive goes beyond just providing a salary. It’s about connecting with her staff as individuals and helping them grow alongside the business. She understands that a healthy work-life balance is essential, especially for women juggling family responsibilities. Her approach is one of compassion, recognising the importance of supporting her staff in both their professional and personal lives.
Running a business is 100% rewarding. I love what I do, and the best risks are the ones that no one else can handle. I take pride in turning challenges into solutions, and there’s nothing more satisfying than solving a problem that others couldn’t.
Reana Bashir, Director at Coversure Keighley
The role of women in shaping the future of insurance
Reana believes that women have a unique ability to bring compassion and understanding to the workplace. “As women, we tend to prioritise work-life balance and are more empathetic to personal circumstances,” she says. “A little flexibility and understanding can go a long way in creating a more productive and loyal team.”
Reana is proud of the female support and talent in her team, including Rotherham Office Branch Manager, Rukhsana Bashir, who won the 2023 Leadership Award, and Senior Account Handler, Ellie Ward, who won the 2023 Employee of the Year award.
Despite the progress that’s been made, Reana acknowledges there’s still room for more women in leadership roles within the insurance industry. “We need more women at the director level,” she insists. “There are more women entering the industry, but there’s still a gap when it comes to senior roles and leadership.”
Rukhsana Bashir, Rotherham Office Branch Manager
Ellie Ward, Senior Account Handler
Looking ahead: Growing the business and breaking barriers
Reana’s ambitions don’t stop at her current success. She’s already looking ahead to the future, with plans to expand her business and continue innovating. “In the next five years, I want to grow our GWP to £5 million and potentially explore the call centre route again,” she says. Additionally, her partnership in a mortgage company and supporting her husband’s new tire business showcases her entrepreneurial spirit and determination to continue building for the future.
Pictured here with Rukhsana Bashir and Compliance Manager, Rifat Bashir, Reana’s advice to other women starting out in the insurance industry is simple…
Never give up. If men can do it, we can do it. There are so many opportunities in this industry, and once you learn the ropes, you can be independent and open your own brokerage.”
Reana Bashir, Director at Coversure Keighley
Shaping the future
Reana’s story is a true example of challenging the status quo and creating opportunities for others to thrive. Through her business, she’s not only proving that women can succeed in the insurance industry, but she’s also paving the way for others to follow. As the industry continues to evolve, we strive for a more inclusive, supportive and diverse future in insurance.
