Gallagher expands national specialist trade credit & surety practice on back of strong growth
Gallagher has continued its strategic investment for growth across the national Trade Credit & Surety Practice, by bolstering its Manchester-based team with two experienced specialists to build out its footprint in the North.
Bringing 28 years’ experience, Colin Cunningham has been appointed to the UK-wide role of National Sales Leader for Trade Credit & Surety and will be based in Manchester. While supporting the wider trade credit & surety teams, Cunningham will also look to maximise opportunities arising from customers across Gallagher’s 50-strong network of regional branches. He spent 17 years at Marsh in Manchester, the last five as national sales leader for trade credit in the UK and Ireland, working closely with insurers, clients, financiers and prospective clients throughout the UK to deliver effective risk transfer solutions.
Rachel Smailes has also joined the Manchester team as Account Executive, bringing 27 years’ experience in trade credit. In addition to taking responsibility for managing existing client portfolios, Smailes will use her expertise and local market knowledge to support the business development agenda for the North, expanding existing customer relationships and building new ones.
The decision to scale up the practice in Manchester – from where Gallagher serves and supports businesses on credit and surety across the North of the UK – comes on the back of strong 20% organic revenue growth across the UK niche and a growing proportion of both clients and new business opportunities arising in the North.
Gallagher’s commitment to further expanding the team’s capabilities will ensure it can continue to expertly cater for all customers, from smaller UK businesses to multinationals demanding innovative global solutions.
Tim Fisher, UK Managing Director of Trade Credit & Surety, said: “Attracting and retaining the industry’s best talent is central to our UK strategy as we continue to invest in specialist proposition development and organic growth. Colin’s proven track record in sales planning, delivery and leadership will ensure not only our trade credit & surety team members, but also our wider Gallagher colleagues, are fully supported in helping clients manage their evolving risk exposures. Rachel is another great addition to our growing team bringing huge experience, market insight and customer service skills as we look to build out our footprint across the North.”
Cunningham added: “I’m delighted to join the Gallagher group and their great team of trade credit and surety professionals. In the current climate of economic and political uncertainty, there has never been a better time to help protect our clients’ balance sheets, provide advice on the options of risk transfer or mitigation, and support their growth strategies. I’m looking forward to working with a fantastic team, growing and strengthening our regional presence in the North, while supporting the wider Gallagher branch network with industry-leading customer propositions.”
Gallagher’s Trade Credit & Surety Practice provides nationwide expertise from teams based in Manchester, Birmingham, Brierley Hill, Swindon and London.
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For further press information, please contact:
Lynn Rouse, External Communications, Gallagher
+44 (0) 20 3425 3416
Haggie Partners
Samantha Whiteley/ Chanice Smith, Haggie Partners
+44 (0) 20 7562 4444
Notes to Editors:
Gallagher is the brand name of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE: AJG) — the global insurance broker, risk management services and consulting firm headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois.
In the UK, Gallagher has more than 4,500 employees specialising in risk management and insurance solutions for corporate, commercial and personal customers. Through a regional UK network of customer-focused branches in more than 50 locations, and its specialty London market operations, Gallagher offers tailored insurance programmes and coverage for both UK and international clients. It is dedicated to providing local service and support to businesses, backed up by national industry specialism and global reach.
With operations in 34 countries, Gallagher offers client service capabilities in more than 150 countries around the world through a network of correspondent brokers and consultants.
For further information, please visit www.ajginternational.com