The testimonials below are taken in their true form, spelling mistakes and all to ensure that the observer can see that these are genuine testimonials given by work providers who have used Cert IFCI qualified agents, qualified agents and candidates.
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| Having recently completed the certificate in incident fraud and claims investigation I felt compelled to provide a testimony. So your now looking at this website wondering if you should take the plunge and commence training with amalgam. I am going to suggest to you that the answer is yes ! A number of months ago I commenced training with amalgam. Before I was prepared to part with my hard earned cash I made sure that I fully researched amalgam training and really wondered is this training as good as the website suggests ? Can I really earn 25k to 45k per annum. After probing e mails to mr Dean Hyde and my attendance on an open afternoon I had the confidence to sign up. From the outset the administrative staff were excellent and continue to provide support after training.I am well placed to say that the training provided was excellent and of the highest standard. The training staff are professional, friendly and provide you with all the ingredients you need to successfully achieve the level 4 certificate. I was particularly impressed with the in depth standard required in the civil litigation statement section. As the trainers suggested many times 'if you cannot provide consistent and quality work you will not last in this industry' this statement is very true and a factor you should consider prior to commencing training. You will need to have confidence in your own ability and carry with you an attitude to succeed. I am very happy that I decided to commence training with amalgam. (Is the training as good as the website suggests ? Yes ! Do I believe I can earn 25k to 45k ? Yes ! |
Eddie
Merseyside
Agent
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| Obtaining quality investigators can be like winning the lottery and in our business quality work from our investigators is paramount. We have found that by using investigators who have obtained the Certificate in Incident, Fraud & Claims Investigation that due to the in-depth training, support and quality control it has paid dividends for our company. There was a huge skills gap prior to the development of this national qualification and our congratulations go to Dean & Lin Hyde for persevering over so many years to lead the industry forward with standardisation and best practice. |
BH
Work Provider
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| The standard of investigators trained by Dean Hyde and his team at Newark has made a huge difference to our business, we tried investigators trained by other companies and they were poor in comparison. Now that the agents have a national qualification available from Dean and his team, we are able to use this as unique selling point when promoting our business; we ensure that we see copies of the national qualification before engaging investigators. |
DH
Work Provider
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| For years I have been working closely with Dean Hyde and his team at Newark, it’s about time a national qualification was developed in this industry, it has made a huge difference when we are obtaining contracts for work as we can always guarantee standards of investigation and ensure best practice. |
KH
Work Provider
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| For many years we have worked with Dean Hyde and his team in Newark, in order to get work from us you would have to show that you have core knowledge and understanding. Without doubt completing the Certificate in Incident, Fraud & Claims Investigation would give you that knowledge and give us the confidence to work with you in the future, don’t start work in this industry without it. |
GF
Work Provider
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| The development of a national qualification Certificate in Incident, Fraud & Claims Investigation from the team in Newark has revolutionised the standardisation of best practice in the industry. It means that the quality of the investigators can be assured and that we have a very good foundation to work with, which helps us in turn grow our business, we recruit agents on a nationwide basis and we are happy to recruit them via Dean Hyde and his team at Newark. |
LG
Work Provider
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| I would just like to say a big thanks to all at Amalgam and for providing an excellent Incident, Fraud & Claims investigation course. Although you have to put the work in the course is interesting, professionally delivered and covers all you need to know in order to get a foothold in this industry. All the team (Andy, Darren & Claire et al) are very helpful during and after the course. After registering my details with potential work providers I started receiving work after qualifying and work is steady now. Attention to detail is a must in this industry and Amalgam provide you with the necessary tools to execute this in your line of work. Now and again you do get feedback from solicitors which is always helpful; |
Peter
Lancs
Agent
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| I trained with Amalgam at a point where my job was really demotivating and unfulfilling. The nature of the course, the staff and my fellow students were excellent and by the time I finally qualified the whole thing turned around my approach and outlook, in addition to giving me the skills needed to open up options for change in employment. Other changes meant that I didn't take up the use of those skills until late 2009, but the training stuck and I was able to easily slip back into completing the work which has come my way. All the students I studied with left very highly motivated and the support since has been consistent. If you are looking to find a new direction and you enjoy dealing with people, don't hesitate, the Amalgam courses are the ones you need. |
Colin
Devon
Agent
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| I have done several jobs for your group over the past months. Just to say i finished your course last March 2009 I have found more and more work, and I am now working for about eight different companies, so all going well, and could really be working full time at the moment if I wanted, but as I really only wanted part-time as I am retired with a pension it is keeping me busy. |
Chris
South Wales
Agent
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| I am currently a part time Personal Injury Investigator working on behalf of Amalgam Investigation Services (AIS) a sister company of Amalgam Training and another work provider (introduced by AIS in 2009) where I have a continual work flow to keep me busy in my spare time and leave periods. I trained with Amalgam training and qualified in Incident, Fraud and Claims Investigation in March 2008.I attended the courses as part of an Army initiative to allow all Army Master Drivers to hold a civilan qualification in Accident Investigation, this stood me in very good stead whilst serving and given me the expertise, confidence and drive to continue as a civilan having left the service in 2009 after 22 years and put my training recieved from Amalgam Training into practice, set up my own small business 'DJS Accident Investigations' and work on a part time basis along side my day job. All staff at Amalgam Training particulalry Lin, Dean, Daz and Stacey have been extremely helpful and supportive in providiing advice, continual support, encouragement and a work flow to satisfy my needs as required. Thanks everyone at Amalgam Training and Amalgam Investigation Services for all your continual help and advice in providing me work and supporting me in setting up my business. |
Debbie
Norfolk
Agent
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| Having decided on a new career, I started training with Amalgam in May 2009 and qualifed by exam at Level 3 in September. Both the Foundation and Advanced courses were very enjoyable and informative and there was a camaraderie amongst the students and instructors. Having taken the exam during the transitional period at Amalgam during which the qualification was changed from Level 3 to Level 4, I was offered the opportunity to move up to Level 4 by submitting essays at no extra cost. I had paid for the Level 3 course and received all that was promised, so I consider Amalgam to be very generous in allowing me to obtain the additional qualification without additional cost. This demonstrates how straighforward, honest and caring the company is towards its students. Amalgam fulfilled its promise of giving me my first instruction very quickly. The training has changed the way I drive forever (I was reasonably careful before the course) and has made me aware, not only of my rights with regard to incidents, but also what to do should I or any of my friends get injured. For this alone the course was well worth the investment. However, most importantly, qualifying with Amalgam has opened up a new career for me. Having just obtained the Level 4 qualification, I now have the very pleasant decision of whether to go it alone, contract out to agencies, add this knowledge to my armoury of other skills, or any combination of these. What a wonderful position to be in! And it is thanks to Amalgam! |
John
London
Agent
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| I took the course in May and June 2006 and sat the exam in September. Within 6 weeks, I'd covered my course fees. Taking the course is the best thing I ever did. I have a legal background, but the course updated my skills and prepared me for freelance work. If I'd written my own ideal job description - this would be it. |
Liz
Kent
Agent
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| I successfully completed my training in 2006 after leaving the legal profession. Having a career where I can choose my own hours and work regime was a prime motivator for me and completing the course has enabled me to do this. The technical depth of the course surprised me and certainly prepared me for the variety of instructions which I now receive from a number of providers. I would have no hesitation in recommending the course to anyone wishing to pursue a similar career path. |
Sarah
Hants
Agent
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| The Amalgam course does exactly what it says!! If you are hard working, motivated and pay attention to detail then you will be successful not just in the course but in the industry itself. I qualified last August and only do this job on a part time basis but I could work 24/7 if I wanted too!. The quality of training is second to none and the course has an excellent reputation in the insurance sector I have had no problem in finding work since qualification as the Amalgam course provided me with an excellent grounding in the level and quality of work that is needed to be a success. |
Paramjit
London
Agent
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| I started training with Amalgam in October 2008. Due to other business commitments I did not qualify until July 2009. Over the years I have undergone a lot of training courses and the Amalgam training has got to rank as one of the best. The quality of training and professionalism demonstrated by all Amalgam staff was of the highest standard. The syllabus was far reaching and prepared me for virtually every eventuality I might expect to meet. On qualifying Amalgam supplies all agents with a list of agencies who want work undertaken. Some are better than others, and some pay better than others! However the better the standard presented to them the more instructions you will get. |
Nigel
Sussex
Agent
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| Having decided to seek a new direction in my working career I enrolled with Dean Hyde in 2008. At the time there was another course available from an alternative supplier but it was soon evident that they were not as professional as Amalgam. The Amalgam training modules were intense but professionally managed to enable the student to achieve the maximum in the time available. I qualified as an IFC Investigator in December 2008 and started work in March 2009 having fulfilled other business commitments. The qualification has stood me in good stead ever since. I am working mainly for 3 agencies all of which obtained my details from Amalgam. The work is steady and, thanks to the endorsements from Amalgam, I regularly receive enquiries from new work providers. My career choice has been successful and I enjoy the work greatly, meeting different types of people and seeing different situations every day. |
John
Essex
Agent
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| After completing 30 years as a police officer I decided to embark on a new career as a Incident, Fraud & Claims Investigator. I attended the course with Amalgam and qualified October and working full time in the industry. I am thoroughly enjoying the work and due to the excellent well thought out course and material it has prepared me well for the daily work. Well done to you all and the excellent training supplied by fantastic staff. Thanks |
Tony
London
Agent
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| After 26 years in the fish business I wanted to change my career, after seeing an advert in the national press for Incident Investigators I applied to go on the course and have never looked back. After completing a very enjoyable and professionally run course in the autumn of 2007 I became an accredited Incident, Fraud and Claims investigator. From day one I felt I had been equipped with the relevant knowledge to succeed in my new career. That was two years ago and since then I have had a constant supply of work that is both interesting and rewarding. Every day is different and every cases is different from the one before. Thanks to all at Amalgam. |
Stephen
London
Agent
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| I would like to say a big thank you to Dean, Andy, Darren and Claire for the excellent and challenging training, and for their support once I started to get some work. I have only just got going really and at the moment I am working for 3 companies as I don't want to overstretch myself at the moment, the work is interesting and demanding but the training prepared me for that, thanks again for the support, Mark |
Mark
Herts
Agent
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| After having successfully completed the excellent Amalgam course I have been an Investigator now for 3.5 years with a very full work load. I am thoroughly enjoying my very successful new career as a Incident, Fraud & Claims investigator. All of my work has come through companies who either got my name through the AIFCI database or whose company name was supplied to me by Amalgam. |
Peter
Wilts
Agent
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| Not started yet on referrals or solicitor contact as I’ve been quite busy with instructions (now provided from 3 sources.....with a ‘promise’ of 3 more if they pick up work in NE). I have also got the opportunity to do a quantum statement from ****. Did the interview yesterday and writing up today. Really enjoyed this type of work! |
Charlie
NE
Agent
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First, what a pleasure it was to receive my certificate from you on Friday. I do not flatter when I say (repeat) that I am most impressed with you as a person and the company you manage.
I've already dealt with 8 assignments from 3 agencies since the 4th, all instructions, one of which had a RTA1 form to fill in as well. I need the work as I lost my job on the 3rd (unexpectedly) and have a big mortgage to service. I'm pleased to tell you I've found these assignments have gone smoothly, and the work providers appear to be happy with me. I appreciate very much you providing me with a list of agencies. It has been a godsend.
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Dave
East Yorks
Agent
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I decided to fire off the emails yesterday. At 4.07 pm I emailed ******* Services and at 4.48 pm they replied to me, added me to their list AND sent me my first job ! Brilliant start to my new career so all my thanks.
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Alistair
Lincs
Agent
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Morning Dean, thanks for the news letter.
I just wanted to let you know, after months of earning well inexcess of £1,000 a week. Last week I tipped the £2,000 barrier and it looks set to continue.
Thank you for showing me the way.
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Adrian
Cheshire
Agent
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We are insurance investigators currently carrying out work for 2 major motor insurers.
We sub contract work nationwide and have recently had occasion to recruit 3 of your ex-students who had completed their course through your training centre. The standard of their work was very high and we will continue to use each of them in their capacities as self employed investigators.
I am mindful of the opportunities that we might be able to present to your future students on completion of their courses and if appropriate could our details be given to them as a potential source of work.
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Chris
Work Provider
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I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for providing me with a career that I can control, develop and achieve with only my professional input.
I thank you for advertising in the Sun newspaper, if you had not, I would never have, by pure chance come across your advert and enquired about the course you developed and provide.
The course you provide is packed with all the necessary information needed to be successful within this industry. It is of course what that individual does with the knowledge you provide on how much they achieve.
On reading the advert, attending the work shop to attending the classes not once did I have any doubt other than that you were a reputable company and worked towards ensuring a new purposeful career for whomever to took the leap of trust and attended the course.
It goes without saying that this would not be possible with out the due diligence of the staff that you employ who are and were always at the end of the phone or email to replying to any request regarding accommodation, assistance, guidance or verification with course material.
Please pass on my thanks to Louise who accommodated me in any way she could with my room allocation at the maples and of course Andy and Darren who I am sure tire of some candidates (possibly myself) who ask the most obvious questions and need more clarification than most for the information to sink in and the brain to process some aspects of the course material.
Both of them I found patient, approachable and above all else, delivered the course material in a methodical, relaxed environment in which I could retain the information. If the course was conducted in a more rigid manner that required the lecturers to have a more rigid approach and ask directly or fire question at the students I would not have remembered a thing because I personally would not have coped in such an environment.
The way the course is run without test and final tests at the end of each module which enabled me to retain far more information.
The course books are exceptional that provide all information necessary to complete each assignment and pass. The books also offer the additional tool as a reference point when completing case files for work providers.
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Samantha
Candidate
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Testimonial received 09.02.11
Since I started on the 24/01/11 I have carried out 69 jobs and my appointment log is nearly full for next week. 6 different company's.
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Dan
Oxon
Agent
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I have just completed my first instruction which went well and have another to do. I also have firm offers from numerous agencies. I enjoyed the seminar on Saturday and as well as meeting new people I learnt a lot including how much I didn’t know!
I would like to take this opportunity to say a massive THANKYOU for all of your help, input and assistance at every turn. You and your team have helped me immeasurably in many, many ways. Until I attended the course with Amalgam Training I had never written an essay in my life. (I scored poorly at school) I would like to thank your team in particular Andy but also Darren for their positive, accurate and constructive feedback throughout. This experience has given me not only the confidence but also a financial platform from which to pursue further academia.
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Daniel
Herts
Agent
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Testimonial received 20.06.11
After completing the Amalgam course and qualifying, I started working at the beginning of October 2010. At the time I had contacted approximately 12 of the agencies on the list supplied.
A handful did not bother responding, however, I was on the books of 7 or 8 agencies. My first instruction was the following day, a CFA. Within a month I had in the region of 5 CFA’s a day and I was working 7 days a week, primarily because there were not enough hours in the day and secondly because I wanted to show the agencies that I could handle high volumes of work.
I then got my first instruction for a statement and locus. Even though the fee was not much more than a CFA, I completed a thorough statement and locus report, thinking of it as an investment for the future.
By January 2011 I had established which companies I actually enjoyed working for and which companies I felt were taking advantage of my skills. I then decided to terminate my agreement with 2 of the agencies who were providing great volumes of work with very little financial reward.
This was a risk; however, a lot of people in the industry move from one company to another and tend to “poach” agents or inspectors when they move. I had built up a reputation for good and thorough statements and companies started contacting me asking if I would take statements for them.
I haven’t looked back since. After the initial 3 months of CFA work, I probably do in the region of 1 CFA per month. I now pick and choose which statements to take and average in the region of 12 a week. I work Monday to Friday only and in February 2011 I had to take on a secretary who works for me on an ad hoc basis. She charges me £20 per hour; however, with the volume of work around it is certainly worthwhile employing her.
The best piece of advice that I can offer anybody entering the industry is to be patient, purchase a laser printer and never let your standards drop. If a work provider values your skills he will provide you with a steady flow of work.
Good investigators are hard to find. However, a good statement or locus report can mean that insurance companies save thousands of pounds in payouts or indeed a solicitor client will be awarded thousands of pounds in compensation.
It is very satisfying and rewarding when an interviewee sends a text message 6 months after the interview and thanks you for the statement that you prepared as their case has been settled and they have received their compensation cheque.
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Marek
London
Agent
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