In our recent specialist spotlight, we caught up with Specialist Risk Insurance Solutions (SRIS) Client Manager, Christine Cotterell, to discuss her inspiring journey in insurance. Initially encouraged by a Specialist Risk Group (SRG) colleague to start her qualifications, Christine utilised her commute time to the City to earn the Diploma in Insurance.
Hi Christine, thank you for taking part in this interview. Can you start by telling us how long have you worked at SRIS, and can you give us an overview of your role?
I joined Miles Smith Insurance Solutions (MSIS) in March 2012 as a Senior Account Handler before the company rebranded to SRIS in July 2020. In my role I assist several Client Executives and Client Directors with broking administration, quotes, re-marketing, and new business.
How did you get into the insurance profession and how has your career developed?
I joined the exciting world of insurance in November 1982, so I have recently celebrated 40 years of working in the sector! I didn't particularly enjoy school and whilst studying O levels, I saw an advertisement for an Office Junior, I just thought – ‘If I get it, great. If I don’t, I’ll just carry on at school.’ I got the job and that’s how it started. I was there for five years before moving to another local brokerage.
For the first 30 years of my career, I worked in small brokerages, but I always had clients in London. Therefore I used to come to London quite a lot and always wanted to work in the City. In 2012 I was lucky to be offered a role within the Miles Smith Retail team and I haven’t looked back since. I loved it! A year later, one of my colleagues encouraged me to start my insurance qualifications and that’s where that side of things began. SRG support all employees in achieving their insurance qualifications and reward colleagues for passing their exams.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy the sense of variety, and I have what I call ‘two hats’. The first is my ‘day job’, which is client servicing where I work alongside the Client Directors and look after clients, ensuring they receive the best level of service. I sometimes end up looking after the Client Directors and Executives too (because some of them do need some guidance!). What is nice is that you get to know the clients well, and they become your professional friends. I also enjoy getting stuck into bigger cases which do take extra time however once you've done them, you feel a real sense of achievement and success.
My second hat is mentoring. I am very passionate about helping people achieve their qualifications to develop in their careers. SRG's People & Culture Director, Joanne Wright, calls me the ‘qualification guru’ which is very sweet. I’m also currently on the Council for the Insurance Institute of London (IIL) and on their student engagement committee which encourages those who have recently qualified as ACII to become mentors to those starting on their qualifications.
That’s great, you must meet a variety of people who just started working in insurance! What advice would you give to someone looking to start their career?
You'll hear from many people that they 'fell into insurance' however, insurance offers a variety of fantastic careers, from underwriting to actuaries to claims and broking. It is an interesting profession to be in!
One of the most important pieces of advice I could give is to never stop asking questions because there’s always something new to learn. Especially for new starters, don’t ever feel afraid to ask questions. There’s no such thing as a silly question. The profession is changing rapidly and there are so many new insurances coming into place, for example, Rights of Light, which is quite an interesting subject.
What is your proudest achievement in your career to date?
Getting my fellowship and my degree. Especially because I never enjoyed education when I was younger, it is something that I never thought I would achieve. I left school being told I would never come to much because I only had three O levels so to have got all my professional qualifications, I feel very proud, and I am incredibly grateful to the company for supporting me. Additionally, I am also working on my master's at the moment which is equivalent to an MBA. I have just started my 5th module, and I have got another year and a half provided I pass this module.
As you know, SRG's mantra is 'Difficult. Done Well.', do you have any recent examples of this you can share with us?
Recently we had a large renewal which needed a lot of different risks and layers placed. With the help of our colleagues in Miles Smith, we were able to secure terms and renew with our client very happy with the premium savings made.
What do you like most about working in SRIS?
I like the camaraderie and the fact you can go to anyone for help or a chat. We all support each other. You know the old cliché – it’s a family, a professional family. As SRG grows, that family feeling remains the same and we just keep getting stronger.
What trends are you experiencing/observing in the insurance market right now? Would you be able to provide your insight on them?
I am certainly seeing lots of renewal premium increases and insurers coming out of particular markets where previously they were the ‘go to’ which has caused some challenges. It has been quite a few years since we had a ‘hard market’, and we are certainly in one now. With the inflation rate high, I suspect this year will be difficult.
To finish off with some light-hearted questions, what is your go-to mid-week dinner?
Probably a ham and cheese toastie. That doesn’t sound very exciting, doesn’t it?
And what is your favourite music genre?
I like all types of music and lots of different dance styles such as ballroom, tap and jazz. I love musicals as well as classical and traditional Russian music. I used to be in a Russian Balalaika orchestra and was on Blue Peter.
Lastly, if your family could describe in three words what would it be?
My daughter tells me that I am a role model and I'm 'driven' to never give up as I carry on working and studying. Also, I think other words would be ‘tenacious’ and ‘supportive’.