QBE European Operations, part of the QBE Insurance Group, has added three underwriters to its trade credit team as it seeks to take advantage of the Brexit-driven increase in demand for trade credit cover.
According to recent Association of British Insurers (ABI) figures, trade credit insurance claims in the UK have been at their highest level since 2009 as a result of mounting Brexit uncertainty.
James Robertson has joined as New Business Commercial Underwriter and will be responsible for developing new opportunities in London and the South-East. He joins from QBE’s Trade Credit team in Sydney.
John Lott has joined as a Risk Underwriter, bringing experience from previous trade credit roles in the industry. He will be based in London.
Harry Bennion has joined the Birmingham office as a New Business Underwriter and will be responsible for looking after Midlands-based brokers and generating new business in the region. He joins from JLT where he was a credit and political risk broker.
Commenting on the new appointments, Trevor Williams, Head of Credit and Surety, QBE European Operations, said “Lack of clarity on Brexit, greater levels of competition and escalating costs are affecting businesses from multiple sectors and the importance of trade credit insurance is more pronounced.”
“Our new underwriters are bringing specialist experience to the team and will be integral to the further development of our portfolio and the delivery of enhanced levels of service to our customers at a time when they need it most.”
“QBE is Brexit ready and our industry experts are well placed to support our customers through these challenging times,” he added.
