Graeme Dempster
Glasgow,United Kingdom
Summary
Accomplished professional with extensive expertise in commercial insurance, client relationship management, and risk assessment. Demonstrates strong negotiation and broking skills, underpinned by chartered insurance knowledge and a strategic approach to business development. Proficient in technology and data analysis, with a proven track record in digital transformation and regulatory compliance. Adept at leading teams, managing projects, and solving complex problems. Committed to leveraging communication skills to enhance client satisfaction and drive organisational success.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Whisky Director
Howden UK Insurance Brokers
10.2023 - 08.2025
- Spearheaded the development and growth of a niche insurance division focused on the whisky sector, establishing the firm as a market leader in tailored insurance solutions for distilleries, wholesalers, and collectors.
- Built and led a high-performing team of brokers and support staff, fostering a culture of expertise, collaboration, and client-centric service delivery.
- Designed and implemented bespoke insurance products, including whisky stock insurance, covering risks such as cask maturation losses, transit damage, with policies tailored to the unique needs of the whisky industry.
- Cultivated strong relationships with key insurers, securing competitive coverage terms and exclusive partnerships to enhance product offerings and client value.
- Developed risk management frameworks for clients, including distilleries and warehouses, ensuring compliance with HMRC regulations and WOWGR (Warehousekeepers and Owners of Warehoused Goods Regulations) licensing requirements.
- Leveraged industry insights and market analysis to grow the whisky insurance book of business over 10 years, expanding client portfolios across Scotland, the UK, and international markets.
- Utilised advanced IT systems, including CRM platforms and insurtech tools, to streamline policy management, client communications, and risk assessment processes.
- Represented the firm at industry events, trade shows, and whisky expos, enhancing brand visibility and forging strategic partnerships with distilleries and trade bodies like the Scotch Whisky Association.
Commercial New Business Developer
Oval Insurance Broking Limited
Glasgow
04.2004 - 08.2025
- Arranging all commercial insurance requirements for companies with a turnover of up to £100m
- Experience in arranging insurance programmes for a diverse range of industries
- Cold calling businesses to speak with the decision maker
- Appointment setting
- Face to face client meetings
- Gathering information from clients to assess their insurance requirements
- Researching insurance companies' policies and negotiating with underwriters to find the most suitable insurance for clients at the best price
- Arranging specialised types of insurance cover in complex cases; this involves preparing reports for insurance underwriters and surveyors and negotiating with insurers
- Advising clients on risk management, and helping to devise new ways to mitigate risks
- Inputting data to a computer system, sending letters and keeping detailed records
- Arranging insurance cover for clients
- Winning accounts against competitors
- Marketing and acquiring new clients
- Developing relationships with underwriters and other professions such as accountants and bankers
Account Executive
Howden UK Insurance Brokers
10.2012 - 10.2023
- Comprehensive Commercial Insurance Expertise: Skilled in all facets of commercial insurance—property, liability, professional indemnity, cyber, marine, and business interruption—providing tailored coverage solutions.
- Client Relationship Management: Strong interpersonal skills for building long-lasting client relationships and delivering exceptional customer service.
- Risk Assessment and Analysis: Proficient in evaluating risks and recommending effective insurance strategies across various industries.
- Negotiation and Broking: Advanced negotiation skills to secure competitive terms, ensuring optimal coverage for clients.
- Chartered Insurance Broker Knowledge: Deep understanding of industry regulations and best practices, supported by Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) qualifications.
- Technology Proficiency: Expert in insurance software and tools to streamline processes and enhance client outcomes.
- Data Analysis and Reporting: Skilled in using analytics tools to assess risk trends and generate insights for clients.
- Digital Transformation: Experience in implementing insurtech solutions for improved service delivery and efficiency.
- Regulatory Compliance: Strong knowledge of FCA regulations and compliance standards in broking activities.
- Strategic Business Development: Proven ability to grow client portfolios through networking and strategic partnerships.
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written skills for presenting insurance solutions and training stakeholders.
- Team Leadership: Ability to manage teams effectively and collaborate with various stakeholders to achieve goals.
- Problem-Solving: Skilled at resolving client challenges and making informed decisions under pressure.
- Project Management: Competent in managing client accounts and overseeing technology projects for enhanced efficiency.
Commercial Insurance Account Manager
Adam & Rose Limited
Glasgow
03.2001 - 03.2004
- Responsible for a renewal book of business and continued growth of that account
- Gathering information from clients, assessing their insurance needs and risk profile
- Building and maintaining ongoing relationships with clients including scheduling and attending meetings and understanding the nature of clients businesses
- Foreseeing clients' insurance needs, such as policy renewals
- Researching insurance companies' policies and negotiating with underwriters to find the most suitable insurance for clients at the best price
- Renewing or amending existing policies
- Advising clients whether and when they need to make a claim on their policies
- Marketing and acquiring new clients
- Developing relationships with underwriters
- Administrative tasks such as dealing with paperwork, correspondence, keeping detailed records
- Winning accounts against competitors
- Keeping up with changes in the insurance market and in the clients' industries
- Collecting insurance premiums and processing accounts
- Reason for leaving: Career progression
Insurance Telesales Technician
Insurance Direct
Glasgow
02.1999 - 02.2001
- Responsible for telesales of shop and office insurance direct to business owners
- Establishing insurance requirements of clients and processing information on computer system to generate competitive quotes
- Securing new business over the telephone
- Issue of policy documentation
- Process of payments and accounts
- Reason for leaving: New Job Offer
Factory Worker
Compaq
Erskine
08.1998 - 01.1999
- Part of a computer assembly line
- Responsible for loading of parts, assembly of contents and testing of equipment
- Other factory duties included packaging, shrink-wrapping and housekeeping
- Reason for leaving: Change in career
Sales Representative
System 357
Glasgow
06.1997 - 07.1998
- Door to door sales representative
- Responsible for signing up new customers for gas suppliers
- Paperwork completion, order processing and finance arrangements
- Team leader of 3 responsible for induction to company and the sales process
- Reason for leaving: Company ceased trading
Education
Park Mains High School
01.1992 - 01.1997
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Lanark Grammar
01.1991 - 01.1992
Skills
- Commercial insurance expertise
- Client relationship management
- Risk assessment and analysis
- Negotiation and broking
- Chartered insurance knowledge
- Technology proficiency
- Data analysis and reporting
- Digital transformation
- Regulatory compliance
- Strategic business development
- Communication skills
- Team leadership
- Problem-solving
- Project management
Certification
Advanced Diploma – Chartered Insurance Institute (ACII)
References
Available on request
Hobbies and Interests
Football, badminton, fishing, reading, music, cycling
Affiliations
- Fishing, Sport, Walking
Accomplishments
I am an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute (ACII) and hold an Advanced Diploma in Insurance. This demonstrates my technical skills and in-depth understanding of insurance practice and its practical application.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Whisky Director
Howden UK Insurance Brokers
10.2023 - 08.2025
Account Executive
Howden UK Insurance Brokers
10.2012 - 10.2023
Commercial New Business Developer
Oval Insurance Broking Limited
04.2004 - 08.2025
Commercial Insurance Account Manager
Adam & Rose Limited
03.2001 - 03.2004
Insurance Telesales Technician
Insurance Direct
02.1999 - 02.2001
Factory Worker
Compaq
08.1998 - 01.1999
Sales Representative
System 357
06.1997 - 07.1998
Park Mains High School
01.1992 - 01.1997
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Lanark Grammar
01.1991 - 01.1992
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