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Some people may have heard of Bluefin and Jelf which over the last few years have merged and rebranded under the Marsh Commercial umbrella . How have things changed / stayed the same from those days ? Steve : We ’ re still your local , trusted insurance broker as we ’ ve always been . We are part of a global organisation , Marsh McLennan , which means we can access and offer our clients a huge range of dependable insurance products that other insurance brokers may not . We believe we deliver the best of both worlds , by combining the power of Marsh with the passion of our people ; world-class expertise with a personal touch , all on your doorstep .
How long have you worked in the insurance industry ? Niki : I started working in insurance soon after graduating from Exeter Uni nine years ago . There was no glamorous graduate scheme lined up for me , but I gained invaluable experience through ‘ stepping stone ’ roles and met some great people who ’ ve inspired me and helped me along the way .
Steve : I ’ ve worked in the insurance industry for over 20 years and even though insurance was not my original career choice , I have had some amazing years in the insurance world . As with most people in this industry , you seem to fall into insurance and tend to stay in it for the rest of your career . After working for a couple of years at Bristol Magistrates Court , I wanted to train to become a lawyer , but that never materialised . So , I started a new position working for NatWest Insurance and have worked in the industry ever since .
What do you enjoy about working in insurance ? Steve : No two days are the same . There are many challenges working in this industry but to enjoy the role you need the support of the company and colleagues around you which I have in abundance .
Marsh may be the largest broker in the
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world , but they give me the freedom to build a great rapport with my existing clients and support new ideas to build new business .
I enjoy meeting diverse businesspeople in their own environment , discussing business needs and how Marsh can support their business from risk management to insurance requirements .
Niki : There is no doubt working in insurance has helped me to expand my horizons and has brought me together with great people , both in my internal and external networks . For example , I got to be a judge of business awards in Bristol earlier this year . I ’ m currently Chair of the British Insurance Brokers Association for the West of England and I ’ m proud to work with people who make a real difference not just to the broking community , but to anyone who ’ s ever needed insurance .
How has the industry changed since you started out ? Niki : The commercial insurance market has gone through a period of prolonged rate hardening and coverage restrictions , putting an even stronger emphasis on the role of brokers as proactive and invaluable advisors . Also , there is an increasing emphasis on attracting and employing broking talent from all areas of society with the necessary skills to respond to the needs of the businesses we look after .
Steve : Regulation and compliance is one of the biggest changes we have seen over the years , particularly around trading , underwriting criteria , client service levels , protecting client money and insolvency standards to name a few .
Client relationships are a fundamental component of client retention . Previously businesses would focus primarily on the financial aspect of premiums and would consequently change brokers and insurers on a regular basis . Trust and confidence from a broker enhances the client experience and thus has strengthened the insurance industry .
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What type of businesses do you like to work with ? Steve : I ’ ve had the pleasure of working with a variety of businesses over the years and each one brings about different conversations and opens a network of other opportunities and connections . I don ’ t have a favourite . I like to work with and take every opportunity to work with as many businesses as possible . |
Niki : I ’ m very fortunate to work with clients from a range of industries , in addition to my specialism which is looking after education and Special Educational Needs and Abilities ( SEND ) clients .
How did you find that niche ? Niki : I guess my motivation to work with SEND clients comes from the fact that I ’ ve always wanted to help people who make a difference to society . I ’ m originally from Bulgaria and growing up I did some volunteering in SEND organisations including orphanages . It was an eye-opening experience that shaped me as a person . There are many complex challenges these organisations face , including safeguarding matters , business continuity concerns , staff retention and managing workplace stress . It ’ s been really rewarding to work with SEND schools , both long and newly established , and provide them with the confidence and assurance they need around a crucial area of their governance , such as insurance and risk .
Tell us something we wouldn ’ t know about you Niki : I ’ ve always needed a creative outlet ( my mum conducts a choir and an orchestra , my dad is a sculptor and I work in insurance !) and so I take part in fashion and beauty shoots , which again brings me together with talented and creative people from different walks of life - you may come across evidence on the shop windows of hairdressing salons . I once had my hair styled in a Tomahawk fashion ( without any shaving , thankfully !) for a wonder-woman-themed fashion shoot . We
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were at Cheddar Gorge and the team asked me to climb on a cliff whilst wearing armour and carrying a replica sword . This provided great amusement to all onlookers !
Steve : During the first lockdown , I decided to dust off my racing bike and completely fell in love with cycling . Previously , I would only cycle a couple of times a year . I joined a cycling club , bought all the gear , got myself a new bike and I now try and get out on it a few times a week . Whether I ’ m cycling with friends or out for a ride on my own , it ’ s a great feeling to be out and about .
As a company Marsh support various charities and they also match any donations staff make , which is fantastic as I have done a couple of charitable events in recent months for St Peters Hospice in Bristol . The first challenge was a 100km charity cycle ride . Through the generosity of friends , family and work colleagues , I raised over £ 1000 which Marsh matched . In addition to this , I recently undertook a charity abseil down the Castlemead building in the heart of Bristol , which also happens to be the building Marsh is based in . I again raised funds for St Peters Hospice . It completely pushed me out of my comfort zone as I hate heights !
If you would like to get in touch with Steve or Niki , you can email : Steve . Irwin-Porter @ marshcommercial . co . uk or Niki . Facey @ marshcommercial . co . uk
Niki and Steve are keen to work with like-minded professionals across the South West . If you can see synergies , they welcome you to connect with them on LinkedIn .
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