Howden employee engagement

Objective

Bring Howden’s values to life with authentic films that connect employees and strengthen the brand.

Synopsis

An ongoing series of high-profile employee engagement films that highlight Howden’s people-first, collaborative, and innovative approach. Outputs include the remarkable story of the FSO Safer.

Results

• Multi-award-winning films praised for “bringing our brand to life perfectly”
• Premiered at the leadership conference and featured on the careers page
• Established the blueprint for future Howden brand films

Recognition

“The films truly capture not only the Howden spirit but also the individuality of the story and the personality of the person telling it. The way the films are shot and edited is excellent, creating a range of emotions and bringing our brand to life perfectly.”

Ellen Stevens

Corporate Communications Director, Howden

Background

Howden Insurance Group is one of the UK’s largest employee-owned businesses, serving clients worldwide with 21,000+ employees and ~£42bn in premiums.

Big Button has partnered with Howden for several years on employee engagement. Campaigns include its annual global conference, All of Us, The Good News Show, and sponsorship content for the British & Irish Lions tour. Work spans documentaries, animations, event kick-offs and ongoing support for the internal video team and in-house design studio.

The challenge

The story of the FSO Safer provides the perfect example of Howden’s approach to doing business. This ship – an ageing supertanker, anchored off Yemen – had fallen into disrepair during the conflict, putting 1.1 million barrels of oil at risk of spilling into the Red Sea. The environmental and social consequences would have been catastrophic. The UN Development Programme (UNDP) asked Howden to help structure an insurance solution for the oil transfer – an unprecedented brief for both sides.

Howden tasked Big Button with telling the story on film.

The approach

Guided by Howden’s four brand truths – people-first, a force for good, no limits, and collective power – we produced a documentary-style film that captured the scale and collaboration behind the solution.

We filmed on location in Fowey, Cornwall, and worked with the UN film unit to integrate verified footage of the transfer operation, ensuring accuracy, emotional weight and brand alignment.

The outcome

The film premiered at Howden’s senior leadership conference, features on the careers page, and anchored content for the group’s rebrand. It has won multiple awards and helped position Howden as an innovator tackling global risks head-on.

The approach set the template for subsequent documentary-style pieces, including films marking the group’s sponsorship of the Lions tour.

Why Big Button is the right partner for Howden

We listen carefully, reflect Howden’s values, and create authentic films that drive employee engagement, celebrate achievements and share stories with impact across channels.