Simon Drown, Head of Special Products & Motorcycles of The Warranty Solutions Group (WSG) – friends and partners of the BMIC – sat down with us to share his story.
The sparkling array of his bikes as pictured and his keen passion for motorcycling says it all to us, enjoy the story. Thank you Simon.
Simon’s career trajectory over the past three decades is nothing short of inspiring. Starting as a technician, Simon dedicated 17 years to The AA, one of the most established motoring organisations in the UK. His time there not only honed his technical expertise but also exposed him to the intricacies of warranty services.
“I already knew some of WSG’s senior managers from previous dealings from my time at The AA. When I was invited to join the company in 2022, the opportunity to help build a best-in-class warranty company was too exciting to pass up.”
Disrupting the Status Quo
Warranty Solutions Group is a relative newcomer in an industry dominated by century-old players. Yet, in just three and a half years, the company has already won multiple awards including “Warranty Provider of the Year” for three consecutive years and “Product Provider of the Year.” Simon attributes this rapid success to WSG’s dynamic and digital-first approach.
“The legacy systems of established firms often hinder innovation,” Simon explains. “We have no such baggage. This allows us to be fluid, make quick decisions, and constantly optimise efficiencies in delivery and service. Our customer-centric focus is at the heart of what we do.”
Changing Perceptions
Simon and his team are determined to shift the perception of warranties in the UK from one of suspicion to one of added value. “Previously, warranties were often viewed as ‘not being worth the paper they were written on,'” Simon acknowledges. “But generally this misconception stemmed from a lack of understanding or customers simply not reading their warranty document properly.”
“No warranty product can ever cover each single eventuality – for example, it can’t pay for service items or failures caused by running out of oil. That’s just not what these products are designed for.”
“But WSG’s mission is to educate drivers and riders, and demonstrate that an excellent warranty really can provide financial freedom against costly unexpected failures. This is reinforced by countless 5 star reviews from our customers, repairing garages and dealerships, with an average rating of ‘Exceptional’.”
A Passion for Motorcycles
Simon’s connection to motorcycles runs deep. His journey began at the age of five when his father gifted him a red 50cc Malaguti trials bike. By seven, he was competing in motocross. While he admits he “wasn’t particularly good,” his enthusiasm never waned. At 17, Simon owned a TZR125, followed by an Aprilia RS250 sports bike.
An unfortunate accident on the RS250 tested his resilience. “It was tough to get back on a bike after that,” Simon shares. “But failure is just a stepping stone. If you fall, you get back up and push forward.” This philosophy has defined both his personal and professional life.
The Adventurer Within
Over the past two decades, Simon’s approach to motorcycling has evolved from speed-focused rides to adventurous journeys across Europe. “I’ve explored the Alps, tackled the St. Bernard Pass, and cruised along Route Napoleon into Monaco,” he says. “Adventure riding is where my heart lies now, though I still enjoy a bit of track riding.”
Today, Simon rides a BMW S1000 XR and a Kawasaki Z900 RS, balancing performance with fun. “Motorcycling is more than a hobby—it’s a way of life,” he reflects.
Looking Ahead
As WSG continues to grow, Simon is laser-focused on expanding the company’s reach in the UK motorcycle market. “Currently WSG holds a small market share but my goal is for us to be the go-to name for motorcycle warranties in the UK within three years,” he asserts.
Simon also sees tremendous potential in partnering with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to offer extended warranties. “Working with OEMs would be a game-changer,” he says. “We want to provide seamless warranty solutions that enhance the customer experience, even after the manufacturer’s warranty expires.”
Dream Ride, Dream Road
When asked about his dream ride, Simon doesn’t hesitate. “The Swiss Alps are unbeatable,” he says. “The St. Bernard Pass, Mont Blanc, and Route Napoleon are some of the most breathtaking routes I’ve ever ridden.”
We wish Simon and the folk at WSG all the best in the future as they continue to transform the perception of warranties in the UK, leverage cutting-edge technology to streamline processes and improve service delivery, and their international expansion plans.
Simon’s journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and a passion for excellence. His leadership is not only steering WSG towards success but also redefining the future of motorcycle warranties in the UK and beyond. Learn more about WSG.
The BMIC is stoked to partner with WSG to offer the community a custom-built motorcycle warranty solution, covering: bikes up to 12 years and 50,000 miles, cost of 3,000+ parts and labour up to £5,000 no excess, premium breakdown in UK, and 60 days European protection. It can be exclusively purchased here The BMIC Warranty