Leigh Symons

Relationship-focused Broker Relationship Manager within Investec Premium Finance, responsible for driving new business growth, managing established broker partnerships, and delivering high-quality service across the insurance premium finance market. Experienced in developing broker account plans, building long-term commercial relationships, negotiating rate and volume expectations, and working closely with internal credit and operations teams to ensure efficient deal processing and strong customer outcomes.

· Manage and develop relationships with insurance brokers, with a focus on maximising share of wallet and supporting continued growth in new business originations.

· Identify, originate and onboard new broker relationships within target regions, supporting rapid growth objectives for Investec Premium Finance.

· Create and maintain account management plans for broker partners, aligning relationship activity with business objectives, new business targets and key performance indicators.

· Negotiate commercial terms, including rate and volume expectations, ensuring outcomes remain mutually beneficial for both the broker and the business.

· Deliver training, presentations and ongoing support to broker teams at all levels to improve understanding of premium finance solutions and operational processes.

· Work collaboratively with internal credit and operations teams to assess broker proposals, resolve queries and ensure deals are processed efficiently and effectively.

· Attend industry events and networking opportunities to strengthen broker relationships, build market presence and identify new opportunities.

· Provide brokers with clear management information and service support, helping to maintain strong relationships and best-in-class customer experience.

· Apply sound commercial, underwriting and risk understanding when reviewing finance opportunities and supporting broker conversations.

· Act with integrity, ensuring regulatory expectations are met and customers are treated fairly at all times.

· Strong relationship management and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and influence stakeholders across broker businesses.

· Detailed knowledge of the insurance premium finance market, commercial lines broker marketplace and key profitability drivers.

· Proven ability to grow business volumes through proactive sales activity, structured account planning and disciplined follow-up.

· Confident presenter and negotiator, able to articulate value propositions and agree commercial expectations with broker partners.

· Good understanding of business financials, underwriting considerations, FCA requirements and risk principles relevant to broker-facing finance activity.

· Comfortable using management information, CRM systems and reporting tools to track performance, identify opportunities and support broker discussions.

As a Business Development Manager in the credit insurance industry, I was responsible for spearheading the growth of the company's market share and building strong relationships introducer, insurance brokers and with clients. My role involved a strategic blend of market analysis, client acquisition, and product innovation to ensure our credit insurance solutions meet the evolving needs of businesses and align with industry regulations. My main responsibilities included strategic market analysis and opportunity identification, client acquisition and relationship management, sales and revenue growth, risk assessment and policy structuring as well as cross-functional collaboration.

Develop interest and awareness in the Credit Insurance market in set geographical region to generate leads and secure profitable business for the company

• Identify opportunities for all product lines, maximising contribution to the business
• Develop and build a network of introducers and general insurance brokers to provide new business leads
• Generate and follow up on leads and appointments through networking and proactive prospecting
• Manage relationships with prospects, introducers and internal stakeholders
• Work closely with Commercial Underwriting and the marketing department to manage leads and feedback activity results
• Work closely with client services and contract services teams to ensure timely and efficient service to prospects and clients
• Liaise with the Commercial Department to ensure prudent Commercial Underwriting of Credit Insurance Business, adhering to Group and UK Rules and standards.
• To deliver business sales to meet individual targets
• Price cases and produce accurate contract documentation
• Full KYC and UBO checks on all policies
• Main Responsibilities:

Dedicated and results-driven Insurance Partner Account Manager with a proven track record of maintaining client retention and expanding market reach through strategic broker partnerships. Adept at cultivating new opportunities, nurturing a robust pipeline for new business, and establishing a strong presence as a bridge between prospects and closing deals.

Main Responsibilities:

• Built and maintained strong relationships with insurance partners, fostering collaboration that ensured mutual success.
• Articulated value proposition of Samsara's IoT solutions to insurance partners, enhancing adoption and integration.
• Collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams (Sales, Product, Marketing) to create tailored strategies and solutions for insurance partners, resulting in higher partner satisfaction and retention rates.
• Served as main point of contact for insurance partners, providing guidance on Samsara's insurance solutions and benefits.
• Identify new opportunities for partnership growth and expansion within the insurance sector contributing to revenue growth and market expansion.
• Provide strategic insights to both internal teams and insurance partners, enabling them to leverage Samsara's technology effectively.
• Conduct regular business reviews, presenting key metrics, performance indicators and actionable recommendations to insurance partners, enhancing transparency and accountability.
• Keep abreast of industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies to maintain a competitive edge in the market.
• Led and managed a portfolio of insurance partners, overseeing their integration and utilisation of Samsara's IoT solutions to generate client referrals into the business.
• Played a key role in driving revenue growth through the identification of upsell and cross-sell opportunities within existing insurance partnerships.
• Successfully negotiated and closed partnership agreements, resulting in strengthened collaborative efforts and increased business impact.
• Developed and executed go-to-market strategies for insurance-focused initiatives, resulting in successful product launches and increased market penetration.
• Demonstrated strong analytical skills by interpreting data to provide meaningful insights, driving informed decision-making for both internal teams and insurance partners.
• Established a reputation as a trusted advisor, providing consultative support to insurance partners on leveraging technology to mitigate risk and improve operational efficiency.
• Demonstrated expertise in onboarding new brokers, effectively positioning our telematic products for recommendation, and driving revenue growth.
• Proactively generated a consistent flow of new business opportunities, resulting in a substantial pipeline for future growth.
• Host and attend work events, playing a pivotal role as a key liaison between prospects and closing new business, solidifying the company's market presence.

I started the role as Regional Sales Manager for specialist lending in June 2021 after 4 years supporting our partners in the insurance division. I was responsible for managing 12 key accounts initially. Driving growth and identifying large new business opportunities. Within the first 6 months, I had exceeded my original budget of £32m by £14m, predominantly through the work achieved with existing partners. I brought on 8 new accounts and secured 3 long-term contracts with an additional £9m in advances from competitors secured into 2022 budget.

• Achieved agreed sales targets by appointing new partners and developing existing partner accounts within the North covering all markets. Currently at 180% against prior year.
• Developed and managed products, creating innovative solutions aligned with Specialist Lending strategy to capture new business opportunities.
• Building long lasting and effective relationships with all partners and prospects
• Producing annual business plans for the region and reporting monthly on statistics including existing accounts and new business as requested within specified time scales for my allocated portfolio.
• Compiled and maintained up-to-date pipeline producer report, effectively tracking opportunities and optimising sales efforts.
• Provide all necessary fulfilment and training to new and existing partners with regards to paper-based and electronic trading systems and procedures
• Supported Credit Control in resolving debt issues with partners, facilitating stronger financial relationships.
• Supported Underwriters in gathering necessary information for deal approval.
• Participated in roadshows, exhibitions, and functions.
• Develop list of allocated non-performing credit brokers. Currently at £2.9m year to date.
• Main Responsibilities:
• No 1 Insurance Premium Finance Company in the UK and Ireland

• Reporting to the Sales Director, my role was central to the delivery of the Value Creation Plan to drive advances. I was brought into PCL to set up the partner support team, responsible for managing broker accounts by driving sales growth and reducing broker leakage through training and support across the UK.
• Managing performance to drive advances and achieve targets and KPIs
• Improved broker engagement and drove penetration through targeted courses and account management, achieving sales targets.
• Planned, prepared, and executed training in territory, providing follow-up support to brokers for enhanced performance.
• Analysing broker performance, creating business training plans, maintaining and reviewing performance
• Supporting new partners and driving performance
• Identified new business opportunities through strategic networking to expand market reach.
• Using data to identify and exploit opportunities to grow business
• Design, delivery and implementation of learning interventions to ensure learning is engaging, relevant and most important of all memorable and utilised in the business and delivered across multiple platforms such as face to face, webinar and e-learning.
• Communicating our brand identity and corporate vision
• Delivering double-digit year-on-year growth, and measuring activity against targets
• Recognised as leading insurance premium finance provider in UK and Ireland
• Outlined key responsibilities for team operations
• Resolving all actions from direct interaction with customers quickly and using as a platform for growth.