August 28, 2024
Our latest blog series introduces our dedicated client teams and their members, helping you discover who’s behind your insurance cover, both professionally and personally.
This month we’re focusing on our Commercial team.
What does our Commercial Team do?
Every member of the RG Commercial Team personally ensures our clients have the right insurance in place to cover the typical risks businesses face today, from cyber threats and professional indemnity and liability cover, to legal protection, fleet, and commercial property insurance.
Meet the Commercial Team
Our Commercial Team is made up of Gary Atkins, Mark Bayford, Ken O’Neil, Jason Willis, Conor Palmer and Bobby Ryan.
Meet Gary Atkins
Gary Atkins joined Robert Gerrard in 1998 and is one of our longest serving members. He’s been in the insurance industry since 1986, and has worked closely with many of our longstanding business clients for over 20 years.
When Gary first started studying for his insurance exams, it opened his eyes to just how technical insurance can be. It helped him understand the importance of the broker in maintaining good communication, and in acting as a vital link between client and insurer.
“It’s always a pleasure finding the right solution for a client, knowing you’ve done your very best for them.”
Outside of work, Gary enjoys playing sports. He belongs to a local running club and takes part in road races, from 5km to marathons and cross-country. He’ll also be called upon when the club needs a nimble pair of legs for a steeple chase event.
Meet Mark Bayford
Mark Bayford has been a member of Team RG since 2014. He has more than three decades of insurance industry experience, including niche expertise in barrister, land surveyor and print manufacturer cover.
Having worked with barristers his entire career, Mark truly understands the complex insurance cover needs in this sector. He also has in-depth insight within the surveying sector, thanks to his 15-year background as a qualified land surveyor.
Mark also has a well-honed knowledge of Japanese business culture, placing him well to service the cover needs of the technical manufacturing industry.
“I like clients to feel they can ask me anything, and to know that I will go to any lengths to assist them.”
When he’s not working, Mark dedicates much of his time to fundraising for the likes of the Meningitis Trust, the British Heart Foundation, and Cancer Research UK, and has taken part in marathons and triathlons to help raise money for these causes. He also enjoys hiking, biking and kayaking with his family, and has a keen interest in motorcycles, photography and cooking.
Meet Ken O’Neill
Ken joined Robert Gerrard in 2013. He brought with him an extensive background in commercial insurance, now clocking in at over 50 years’ experience.
Being honest, keeping clients informed, providing clear explanations about their policies, and always doing everything possible to provide good value cover are all top priorities for Ken.
“When a client says, ‘let’s go with whatever you suggest – I trust you’ – that’s one of the most fulfilling things for me.”
After the working day is done, Ken’s biggest passions are his children and grandchildren who all make him proud. Spending time with family and friends, gardening and good food are his favourite pastimes.
Meet Jason Willis
Jason Willis became a member of Team RG in 2021. He has 16+ years’ experience across a range of specialist commercial lines, with extensive knowledge in property owners’ cover, commercial combined and packaged commercial products.
Particularly interested in the technical aspects of insurance, Jason’s qualifications have seen him become well-versed in the legal and regulatory framework of the insurance market, as well as in insurance underwriting processes.
“The purpose of insurance is to protect you from the unexpected. When there’s a claim, I see it as an opportunity to show the client what we’re here for, and the benefits of using a broker.”
Taking time to understand his clients’ business activities and their needs, and making sure underwriters are fully aware of the unique risks faced are important to Jason, who always makes time to carry out annual risk assessments for clients so he can proactively identify any gaps in cover.
Jason believes that technology has to date played a positive role in the insurance sector, streamlining admin processes and allowing brokers more time to focus on client needs, as well as providing access to a wider range of products and markets.
When he’s not working, Jason enjoys spending time with his family, as well as travelling and getting to know new places.
Meet Conor Palmer
Conor Palmer joined Team RG in 2021 as an apprentice, and has since worked his way up to Account Executive.
According to Conor, his apprenticeship and CII Certificate in Insurance studies helped him a great deal in his role by setting the foundations of his knowledge. He’s currently studying for his Diploma in Insurance to further his skills.
Working methodically through clients’ requirements and ensuring he’s got everything covered is important to Conor. He has a particular interest in property owners’ insurance and enjoys the variety it brings, not to mention the challenges that he relishes solving in finding the right cover to meet specific needs.
“Team RG is filled with people with vast knowledge across so many insurance types. Being able to tap into this support and learn from the knowledge of my colleagues is invaluable.”
Outside work, Conor takes a keen interest in science and computers, as well as enjoying a spot of gardening.
Meet Bobby Ryan
Bobby Ryan became a Team RG member in 2023 when he joined us as an apprentice.
Bobby is currently studying towards his CII Certificate in Insurance, and relishing the experience of broadening his knowledge and expertise.
“For me, making sure clients’ needs are met and that they are satisfied with what I do for them is most important.”
As the use of technology grows in the insurance industry, Bobby envisages it supporting the broker in providing enhanced services for clients, freeing up the team to focus more on client needs, and expanding the range of cover available.
Outside of work, Bobby is an avid Arsenal fan. But his love of football goes further than being a spectator. He also plays, and once captained his Sunday league team, reaching the playoff final in one of his proudest moments to date.
How can Robert Gerrard’s Commercial Team assist you?
To learn more about the services of our Commercial Team and to discuss your commercial insurance needs, you are welcome to get in touch.
Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!
Our latest blog series introduces our dedicated client teams and their members, helping you discover who’s behind your insurance cover, both professionally and personally.
This month we’re focusing on our Commercial team.
What does our Commercial Team do?
Every member of the RG Commercial Team personally ensures our clients have the right insurance in place to cover the typical risks businesses face today, from cyber threats and professional indemnity and liability cover, to legal protection, fleet, and commercial property insurance.
Meet the Commercial Team
Our Commercial Team is made up of Gary Atkins, Mark Bayford, Ken O’Neil, Jason Willis, Conor Palmer and Bobby Ryan.
Meet Gary Atkins
Gary Atkins joined Robert Gerrard in 1998 and is one of our longest serving members. He’s been in the insurance industry since 1986, and has worked closely with many of our longstanding business clients for over 20 years.
When Gary first started studying for his insurance exams, it opened his eyes to just how technical insurance can be. It helped him understand the importance of the broker in maintaining good communication, and in acting as a vital link between client and insurer.
“It’s always a pleasure finding the right solution for a client, knowing you’ve done your very best for them.”
Outside of work, Gary enjoys playing sports. He belongs to a local running club and takes part in road races, from 5km to marathons and cross-country. He’ll also be called upon when the club needs a nimble pair of legs for a steeple chase event.
Meet Mark Bayford
Mark Bayford has been a member of Team RG since 2014. He has more than three decades of insurance industry experience, including niche expertise in barrister, land surveyor and print manufacturer cover.
Having worked with barristers his entire career, Mark truly understands the complex insurance cover needs in this sector. He also has in-depth insight within the surveying sector, thanks to his 15-year background as a qualified land surveyor.
Mark also has a well-honed knowledge of Japanese business culture, placing him well to service the cover needs of the technical manufacturing industry.
“I like clients to feel they can ask me anything, and to know that I will go to any lengths to assist them.”
When he’s not working, Mark dedicates much of his time to fundraising for the likes of the Meningitis Trust, the British Heart Foundation, and Cancer Research UK, and has taken part in marathons and triathlons to help raise money for these causes. He also enjoys hiking, biking and kayaking with his family, and has a keen interest in motorcycles, photography and cooking.
Meet Ken O’Neill
Ken joined Robert Gerrard in 2013. He brought with him an extensive background in commercial insurance, now clocking in at over 50 years’ experience.
Being honest, keeping clients informed, providing clear explanations about their policies, and always doing everything possible to provide good value cover are all top priorities for Ken.
“When a client says, ‘let’s go with whatever you suggest – I trust you’ – that’s one of the most fulfilling things for me.”
After the working day is done, Ken’s biggest passions are his children and grandchildren who all make him proud. Spending time with family and friends, gardening and good food are his favourite pastimes.
Meet Jason Willis
Jason Willis became a member of Team RG in 2021. He has 16+ years’ experience across a range of specialist commercial lines, with extensive knowledge in property owners’ cover, commercial combined and packaged commercial products.
Particularly interested in the technical aspects of insurance, Jason’s qualifications have seen him become well-versed in the legal and regulatory framework of the insurance market, as well as in insurance underwriting processes.
“The purpose of insurance is to protect you from the unexpected. When there’s a claim, I see it as an opportunity to show the client what we’re here for, and the benefits of using a broker.”
Taking time to understand his clients’ business activities and their needs, and making sure underwriters are fully aware of the unique risks faced are important to Jason, who always makes time to carry out annual risk assessments for clients so he can proactively identify any gaps in cover.
Jason believes that technology has to date played a positive role in the insurance sector, streamlining admin processes and allowing brokers more time to focus on client needs, as well as providing access to a wider range of products and markets.
When he’s not working, Jason enjoys spending time with his family, as well as travelling and getting to know new places.
Meet Conor Palmer
Conor Palmer joined Team RG in 2021 as an apprentice, and has since worked his way up to Account Executive.
According to Conor, his apprenticeship and CII Certificate in Insurance studies helped him a great deal in his role by setting the foundations of his knowledge. He’s currently studying for his Diploma in Insurance to further his skills.
Working methodically through clients’ requirements and ensuring he’s got everything covered is important to Conor. He has a particular interest in property owners’ insurance and enjoys the variety it brings, not to mention the challenges that he relishes solving in finding the right cover to meet specific needs.
“Team RG is filled with people with vast knowledge across so many insurance types. Being able to tap into this support and learn from the knowledge of my colleagues is invaluable.”
Outside work, Conor takes a keen interest in science and computers, as well as enjoying a spot of gardening.
Meet Bobby Ryan
Bobby Ryan became a Team RG member in 2023 when he joined us as an apprentice.
Bobby is currently studying towards his CII Certificate in Insurance, and relishing the experience of broadening his knowledge and expertise.
“For me, making sure clients’ needs are met and that they are satisfied with what I do for them is most important.”
As the use of technology grows in the insurance industry, Bobby envisages it supporting the broker in providing enhanced services for clients, freeing up the team to focus more on client needs, and expanding the range of cover available.
Outside of work, Bobby is an avid Arsenal fan. But his love of football goes further than being a spectator. He also plays, and once captained his Sunday league team, reaching the playoff final in one of his proudest moments to date.
How can Robert Gerrard’s Commercial Team assist you?
To learn more about the services of our Commercial Team and to discuss your commercial insurance needs, you are welcome to get in touch.