Gallagher hires Marsh duo to expand trade credit & surety practice

Broker Gallagher has bolstered its Manchester-based team with two experienced specialists from Marsh to build out its footprint in the north of the UK.

Colin Cunningham has been appointed to the UK-wide role of national sales leader for trade credit & surety. While supporting the wider trade credit & surety teams, Cunningham will also look to maximise opportunities arising from customers across Gallagher’s network of regional branches.

Cunningham spent 17 years at Marsh in Manchester, the last five as national sales leader for trade credit in the UK and Ireland.

In addition, Rachel Smailes has 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 support the business development agenda for the north, expanding existing customer relationships and building new ones. Smailes also previously worked at Marsh.

Gallagher said 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 20 percent organic revenue growth across the UK niche and a growing proportion of both clients and new business opportunities arising in the north.

“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," said Tim Fisher, UK managing director of trade credit & surety. "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.”

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