July 20, 2024
Meet the Team – Lift Plan
Our latest blog series introduces our dedicated client teams and their members to help you get to know who’s behind your insurance cover, both professionally and personally.
This month we’re focusing on our Lift Plan team.
What does our Lift Plan Team do?
The RG Lift Plan Team takes care of more than 800 lift industry companies. With a deep understanding of the specific risks and issues faced within the industry, the team is able to offer tailored guidance and specialist insight to lift engineers, consultants, designers and manufacturers.
Meet the Lift Plan Team
Our Lift Plan Team is made up of Sarah Scotchmer, Ellie Jackson, Marcus Hill, Claire Matthews, Julie Robinson, Laura Morrison, Luke Weight and Teresa Cronin.
Meet Sarah Scotchmer
Sarah Scotchmer joined Robert Gerrard in 2023 as Lift Plan Team Leader, bringing with her over a decade of specialist commercial and motor trade experience.
Sarah is currently studying for her CII Certificate in Insurance. She particularly enjoys the fact that her role means she is constantly learning and contributing to the success of the business.
“I very much enjoy contributing to the company’s success and seeing staff prosper due to the input I’ve have had.”
Outside work, Sarah leads an artistic life as a seasoned ballroom and Latin dancer. Her hobby began when she started taking part in competitions at the age of 11, after which she went on to achieve a string of dancing exam successes, and finally qualified as a teacher in 2014. She now runs her own dance school and enjoys teaching adults the art of dance. And Sarah’s creative skills don’t end on the dancefloor… she’s also very handy with a sewing machine and relishes making her own clothes.
Meet Ellie Jackson
Ellie Jackson joined team Robert Gerrard in 2021 as an apprentice in our Lift Plan team. She soon went on to achieve her CII Certificate in Insurance, and is now furthering her career and expanding her knowledge by studying towards her Diploma in Insurance.
Ellie actually began her working life as a trainee in TV and film make-up, hair and prosthetics. But fate intervened, and after the Covid pandemic forced the industry to shut down and she heard about the apprentice opening at RG through a friend, she never looked back.
With her confidence in dealing with more complex risks growing, Ellie has taken to her Team Lift Plan role like a duck to water. She loves meeting with her clients regularly, and makes a point of staying in touch year-round, rather than just at policy renewal time.
“Although positive feedback and thank-yous are always nice to receive, the most important feedback is how I can find ways to improve. If someone gives me constructive feedback, this is really valuable to me.”
Ellie thrives on the support of her colleagues, which she says has been integral to the success of the business, and her career development. She loves seeing everyone motivated by winning new business, and is quite firm that insurance will never be a one man band!
Looking to the future, and with clients’ needs in mind, Ellie is conscious that cyber threats are growing, and is dedicating herself to making sure everyone has the appropriate cover in place to protect from the risks.
Ellie has her work cut out as RG’s resident fundraising organise and social secretary, handling everything from organising cake sales to partaking in a death-defying wing walks for RG partner charity Unique.
Meet Marcus Hill
Marcus Hill joined Robert Gerrard in 2021 and became an instant ally for our lift industry clients thanks to his combined experience in the insurance and lift sectors.
Marcus went into insurance straight from school where he remained for 16 years, specialising mostly in underwriting. He was then lured into a 15-year stint selling vertical platform lifts and working for a lift and escalator consultancy. Armed with a string of LEIA qualifications and front line experience in the lift sector, Marcus then returned to insurance, where his unique blend of skills caught our eye, and we instantly knew he would make the perfect addition to Team Lift Plan.
Marcus believes the best way to ensure individual client needs are met is to understand how they operate, for example whether they’re a labour-only subcontractor or working under their own brand.
His biggest rewards come through explaining to clients in-depth what their policy covers and being able to use ‘lift-specific’ analogies to help them recognise the unique risks posed to their specific business.
“Any form of appreciation from clients is great to receive. Whilst I feel I’m ‘just doing my job’, clients often tell me it’s a little more than that!”
In March 2024, Marcus was appointed to the Lift Industry Mental Health Charter committee. The committee promotes mental health within the lift industry by organising events to raise awareness and fund courses and assistance to lift industry members who need support. There are currently around 80 companies signed up to the Charter.
Out of the office, Marcus has three main passions: family, football and karaoke. A Leicester City FC season ticket holder, you’ll regularly find him on the terraces cheering on the Mighty Foxes. But his vocal cords are more likely to be put through their paces when he’s behind the mic, as Marcus is well-known as the ‘Karaoke King’.
Meet Claire Matthews
Claire Matthews joined Robert Gerrard in 2017 and has over three decades of experience in the insurance industry.
With knowledge spanning both personal and commercial lines, Claire is able to take care of every aspect of cover for lift industry businesses, from vehicle fleet and premises to personnel. Focused on forging long term client relationships, Claire makes a point of understanding her clients’ individual needs.
Claire loves working alongside her Team Lift Plan colleagues, and also enjoys the wider connections with RG’s other specialists. She says that being able to refer clients who need cover in other aspects of their lives or specific advice on a complex query to someone she knows will give them the personalised advice they need is very satisfying.
“It’s nice to receive an email or call from a client thanking us for what we’ve done for them.”
Claire completed a two-day Lift Industry Mental Health Charter course in September 2023 and is now one of RG’s mental health first aiders, alongside Marcus Hill. As well as providing a listening ear for members of Team RG, Claire and Marcus are on hand to support our clients whenever they need help with a mental health issue.
Outside of work, Claire enjoys live music, as well as running and cycling. She has completed numerous charity runs for Cancer Research, and is also a dab hand with a needle and thread, regularly putting her arts and crafts skills to good use, hand-sewing keepsakes and baking cakes to add to her fundraising efforts.
Meet Julie Robinson
Julie Robinson joined Robert Gerrard in 2009 and has clocked up 40 years’ experience in the industry. Her specialist knowledge of motor trade and fleet insurance proves valuable to our lift industry clients, as does her ability to source cover solutions for complex situations and unusual risks.
“I was inspired to enter the insurance industry by my dad. He was the ‘Man from the Pru’, and his knowledge rubbed off on me from an early age.”
Julie leads a busy life outside of work. When she’s not walking her dog, she’s playing badminton or running a luncheon club for the more mature members of her village. She’s also chairman of a village charity, responsible for raising funds to restore their local church. Having spent three years pursuing a heritage grant to replace the roof, she was very proud when her efforts paid off, and the much-needed funding was secured.
Meet Laura Morrison
Laura Morrison joined Robert Gerrard in 2020. She previously worked for the Motor Insurance Bureau and Allianz before joining Team RG, and this valuable background in claims handling and underwriting has made her a go-to team member for hard to place risks.
A big fan of the variety and learning opportunities the insurance industry offers, Laura loves the social aspect of her job, in particular networking and meeting new people.
“What drew me to work for Robert Gerrard was the family feel of the business, as well as the opportunity to move into a client-facing role and expand my experience.”
Laura’s most memorable experience so far has been her involvement in the training of RG’s apprentices, and witnessing their career and personal growth. She’s also enjoyed putting new business structures in place and seeing how they’ve helped everyone individually and the company generally move forward.
Outside of work, Laura is a devoted mum to her young son, who came into the world in May 2023. When she’s not tending to his every need, she loves spending time with the rest of her family and friends.
Meet Luke Weight
Luke Weight joined Robert Gerrard in 2022 as an apprentice in our Lift Plan team, following what he described as an ‘interesting and enjoyable’ work experience placement here at our office when he was still in Sixth Form.
He soon went on to achieve his CII Certificate in Insurance, which he says has helped him develop not just in his daily role, but also in terms of understanding the reasons behind the processes followed within the industry. He will soon be commencing his Diploma in Insurance, and is looking forward to further developing his knowledge.
“I’m very much motivated by the variety offered by my job. There’s always something unique that intrigues me.”
With an eye on the future, Luke believes it won’t be long before cyber insurance becomes a legal requirement, perhaps for businesses of a certain size. The ever-increasing digital risks faced are a major issue, which he says could lead to new markets for cyber insurance, resulting in greater competition amongst providers, and more affordable premiums.
In his spare time, Luke is an avid follower of Chelsea Football Club, and enjoys attending all the home matches.
Meet Teresa Cronin
Teresa joined Robert Gerrard in 2024, bringing with her a number of years’ industry experience across a range of specialist commercial and motor trade lines both in Northern Ireland and England, all of which is set to prove valuable to our Lift Plan clients.
Known for her positive, ‘happy to help’ approach to work, Teresa takes time to listen to clients’ needs and enjoys sharing her in-depth knowledge, making sure everyone receives an impeccable and fully informed service.
Teresa is set to begin studying towards her CII Certificate in Insurance in 2025 to further expand her knowledge and ability to help clients. As she says herself, it’s important to keep learning and growing if you’re going to keep meeting clients’ evolving needs into the future.
“It’s really fulfilling when I build a relationship with a client and they rely on me for help. I get a lot of pleasure out of helping people.”
Outside of work, Teresa is a huge fitness fan and particularly enjoys Reformer Pilates, so much so that she attends no less than three classes a week. She also loves spending time with family and socialising with friends at the weekend.
How can Team Lift Plan assist you?
To learn more about the services of our Lift Plan Team and to discuss your lift industry insurance needs, you are welcome to get in touch.
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Meet the Team – Lift Plan
Our latest blog series introduces our dedicated client teams and their members to help you get to know who’s behind your insurance cover, both professionally and personally.
This month we’re focusing on our Lift Plan team.
What does our Lift Plan Team do?
The RG Lift Plan Team takes care of more than 800 lift industry companies. With a deep understanding of the specific risks and issues faced within the industry, the team is able to offer tailored guidance and specialist insight to lift engineers, consultants, designers and manufacturers.
Meet the Lift Plan Team
Our Lift Plan Team is made up of Sarah Scotchmer, Ellie Jackson, Marcus Hill, Claire Matthews, Julie Robinson, Laura Morrison, Luke Weight and Teresa Cronin.
Meet Sarah Scotchmer
Sarah Scotchmer joined Robert Gerrard in 2023 as Lift Plan Team Leader, bringing with her over a decade of specialist commercial and motor trade experience.
Sarah is currently studying for her CII Certificate in Insurance. She particularly enjoys the fact that her role means she is constantly learning and contributing to the success of the business.
“I very much enjoy contributing to the company’s success and seeing staff prosper due to the input I’ve have had.”
Outside work, Sarah leads an artistic life as a seasoned ballroom and Latin dancer. Her hobby began when she started taking part in competitions at the age of 11, after which she went on to achieve a string of dancing exam successes, and finally qualified as a teacher in 2014. She now runs her own dance school and enjoys teaching adults the art of dance. And Sarah’s creative skills don’t end on the dancefloor… she’s also very handy with a sewing machine and relishes making her own clothes.
Meet Ellie Jackson
Ellie Jackson joined team Robert Gerrard in 2021 as an apprentice in our Lift Plan team. She soon went on to achieve her CII Certificate in Insurance, and is now furthering her career and expanding her knowledge by studying towards her Diploma in Insurance.
Ellie actually began her working life as a trainee in TV and film make-up, hair and prosthetics. But fate intervened, and after the Covid pandemic forced the industry to shut down and she heard about the apprentice opening at RG through a friend, she never looked back.
With her confidence in dealing with more complex risks growing, Ellie has taken to her Team Lift Plan role like a duck to water. She loves meeting with her clients regularly, and makes a point of staying in touch year-round, rather than just at policy renewal time.
“Although positive feedback and thank-yous are always nice to receive, the most important feedback is how I can find ways to improve. If someone gives me constructive feedback, this is really valuable to me.”
Ellie thrives on the support of her colleagues, which she says has been integral to the success of the business, and her career development. She loves seeing everyone motivated by winning new business, and is quite firm that insurance will never be a one man band!
Looking to the future, and with clients’ needs in mind, Ellie is conscious that cyber threats are growing, and is dedicating herself to making sure everyone has the appropriate cover in place to protect from the risks.
Ellie has her work cut out as RG’s resident fundraising organise and social secretary, handling everything from organising cake sales to partaking in a death-defying wing walks for RG partner charity Unique.
Meet Marcus Hill
Marcus Hill joined Robert Gerrard in 2021 and became an instant ally for our lift industry clients thanks to his combined experience in the insurance and lift sectors.
Marcus went into insurance straight from school where he remained for 16 years, specialising mostly in underwriting. He was then lured into a 15-year stint selling vertical platform lifts and working for a lift and escalator consultancy. Armed with a string of LEIA qualifications and front line experience in the lift sector, Marcus then returned to insurance, where his unique blend of skills caught our eye, and we instantly knew he would make the perfect addition to Team Lift Plan.
Marcus believes the best way to ensure individual client needs are met is to understand how they operate, for example whether they’re a labour-only subcontractor or working under their own brand.
His biggest rewards come through explaining to clients in-depth what their policy covers and being able to use ‘lift-specific’ analogies to help them recognise the unique risks posed to their specific business.
“Any form of appreciation from clients is great to receive. Whilst I feel I’m ‘just doing my job’, clients often tell me it’s a little more than that!”
In March 2024, Marcus was appointed to the Lift Industry Mental Health Charter committee. The committee promotes mental health within the lift industry by organising events to raise awareness and fund courses and assistance to lift industry members who need support. There are currently around 80 companies signed up to the Charter.
Out of the office, Marcus has three main passions: family, football and karaoke. A Leicester City FC season ticket holder, you’ll regularly find him on the terraces cheering on the Mighty Foxes. But his vocal cords are more likely to be put through their paces when he’s behind the mic, as Marcus is well-known as the ‘Karaoke King’.
Meet Claire Matthews
Claire Matthews joined Robert Gerrard in 2017 and has over three decades of experience in the insurance industry.
With knowledge spanning both personal and commercial lines, Claire is able to take care of every aspect of cover for lift industry businesses, from vehicle fleet and premises to personnel. Focused on forging long term client relationships, Claire makes a point of understanding her clients’ individual needs.
Claire loves working alongside her Team Lift Plan colleagues, and also enjoys the wider connections with RG’s other specialists. She says that being able to refer clients who need cover in other aspects of their lives or specific advice on a complex query to someone she knows will give them the personalised advice they need is very satisfying.
“It’s nice to receive an email or call from a client thanking us for what we’ve done for them.”
Claire completed a two-day Lift Industry Mental Health Charter course in September 2023 and is now one of RG’s mental health first aiders, alongside Marcus Hill. As well as providing a listening ear for members of Team RG, Claire and Marcus are on hand to support our clients whenever they need help with a mental health issue.
Outside of work, Claire enjoys live music, as well as running and cycling. She has completed numerous charity runs for Cancer Research, and is also a dab hand with a needle and thread, regularly putting her arts and crafts skills to good use, hand-sewing keepsakes and baking cakes to add to her fundraising efforts.
Meet Julie Robinson
Julie Robinson joined Robert Gerrard in 2009 and has clocked up 40 years’ experience in the industry. Her specialist knowledge of motor trade and fleet insurance proves valuable to our lift industry clients, as does her ability to source cover solutions for complex situations and unusual risks.
“I was inspired to enter the insurance industry by my dad. He was the ‘Man from the Pru’, and his knowledge rubbed off on me from an early age.”
Julie leads a busy life outside of work. When she’s not walking her dog, she’s playing badminton or running a luncheon club for the more mature members of her village. She’s also chairman of a village charity, responsible for raising funds to restore their local church. Having spent three years pursuing a heritage grant to replace the roof, she was very proud when her efforts paid off, and the much-needed funding was secured.
Meet Laura Morrison
Laura Morrison joined Robert Gerrard in 2020. She previously worked for the Motor Insurance Bureau and Allianz before joining Team RG, and this valuable background in claims handling and underwriting has made her a go-to team member for hard to place risks.
A big fan of the variety and learning opportunities the insurance industry offers, Laura loves the social aspect of her job, in particular networking and meeting new people.
“What drew me to work for Robert Gerrard was the family feel of the business, as well as the opportunity to move into a client-facing role and expand my experience.”
Laura’s most memorable experience so far has been her involvement in the training of RG’s apprentices, and witnessing their career and personal growth. She’s also enjoyed putting new business structures in place and seeing how they’ve helped everyone individually and the company generally move forward.
Outside of work, Laura is a devoted mum to her young son, who came into the world in May 2023. When she’s not tending to his every need, she loves spending time with the rest of her family and friends.
Meet Luke Weight
Luke Weight joined Robert Gerrard in 2022 as an apprentice in our Lift Plan team, following what he described as an ‘interesting and enjoyable’ work experience placement here at our office when he was still in Sixth Form.
He soon went on to achieve his CII Certificate in Insurance, which he says has helped him develop not just in his daily role, but also in terms of understanding the reasons behind the processes followed within the industry. He will soon be commencing his Diploma in Insurance, and is looking forward to further developing his knowledge.
“I’m very much motivated by the variety offered by my job. There’s always something unique that intrigues me.”
With an eye on the future, Luke believes it won’t be long before cyber insurance becomes a legal requirement, perhaps for businesses of a certain size. The ever-increasing digital risks faced are a major issue, which he says could lead to new markets for cyber insurance, resulting in greater competition amongst providers, and more affordable premiums.
In his spare time, Luke is an avid follower of Chelsea Football Club, and enjoys attending all the home matches.
Meet Teresa Cronin
Teresa joined Robert Gerrard in 2024, bringing with her a number of years’ industry experience across a range of specialist commercial and motor trade lines both in Northern Ireland and England, all of which is set to prove valuable to our Lift Plan clients.
Known for her positive, ‘happy to help’ approach to work, Teresa takes time to listen to clients’ needs and enjoys sharing her in-depth knowledge, making sure everyone receives an impeccable and fully informed service.
Teresa is set to begin studying towards her CII Certificate in Insurance in 2025 to further expand her knowledge and ability to help clients. As she says herself, it’s important to keep learning and growing if you’re going to keep meeting clients’ evolving needs into the future.
“It’s really fulfilling when I build a relationship with a client and they rely on me for help. I get a lot of pleasure out of helping people.”
Outside of work, Teresa is a huge fitness fan and particularly enjoys Reformer Pilates, so much so that she attends no less than three classes a week. She also loves spending time with family and socialising with friends at the weekend.
How can Team Lift Plan assist you?
To learn more about the services of our Lift Plan Team and to discuss your lift industry insurance needs, you are welcome to get in touch.