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Chemspec 2009
Following IRC and R K Harrison’s appointment as Approved
Service Providers for REACH Ready, to provide their members with
CrisisPro - our Business Continuity Planning product,
Richard Miller of IRC and Paul Wallace of R K Harrison combined
together to successfully exhibit at Chemspec 2009 in Barcelona.
They were part of the prestigious REACH corner alongside REACH
Ready and other service providers.
With some 4,000 visitors this year, Chemspec is the world’s
largest platform for suppliers of fine and speciality chemicals
and associated products and services. It provided the perfect
opportunity for R K Harrison and IRC to connect with companies
from not just Europe but around the world and promote not only
Crisis Pro but also the depth and range of the groups services.
ABI/ICM Trade Credit Insurance Award (Level 2) - 3
August
Many congratulations to Jane Bletcher at IRC Glasgow and
Yvonne Marley and Amanda Swift, both from IRC Leeds, on
achieving the Institute of Credit Management / Association of
British Insurers Trade Credit Insurance Award Level 2.
Introduced in partnership by the two professional bodies earlier
this year, the Award is designed to enhance brokers and
underwriters general knowledge and understanding of the
principles of trade credit insurance. Well done Jane, Yvonne and
Amanda!
REACHReady - 10 June
We are pleased to announce that with effect from the 1st June
2009, R K Harrison in conjunction with IRC, have been made an
Approved Service Provider of REACHReady.
Following various consultations with REACH, and as a direct
result of feedback from some of their 6,000 members concerning
failure of the supply chain, we have now agreed to provide REACH
with CrisisPro - Business Continuity Planning product.
R K Harrison & IRC, will be officially launching and promoting
CrisisPro at our exhibition stand at the Chemspec Conference in
Barcelona on the 17 & 18 June.
REACH - Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals
is a regulation that is now in force and it is vital for all
manufacturers, importers and downstream users of chemicals, in
ensuring that they are fully prepared and fully aware of the
impact this legislation now has on their business.
REACHReady are a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Chemical
Industries Association.
For full details please contact Paul Wallace or Richard Miller
at 52 Leadenhall Street, London EC3A 2BJ, telephone: 020 7456
7950.
IRC supports FCIB'S annual Export Credit and
Trade Finance Summit in Europe -
3 June
Phil Simmons, Director of Broking, and Tim Lane, International
Business Development Manager, joined 100 fellow delegates in
Barcelona from 17 to 19 May. The Summit's highlight was a
keynote address on 'The New Global Market Place - A World of
Change' from Dr. Hans Belcsak, President of S.J. Rundt and
Associates, New York. Dr. Belcsak is widely regarded as one of
the world's leading economic commentators on international
credit and he did not disappoint in delivering a hard hitting
and up to the minute exposé of the key issues that must be
addressed today by global credit executives.
IRC and R K Harrison enjoy and benefit from membership of FCIB;
one of the world's leading international credit management
associations. Their Summit facilitated two days of lively and
relevant debate that was very much focused on the economic
difficulties of the day in addressing key issues that included
'European Insolvency Law', 'Warning Signs of a Troubled Company'
and 'The Sharing of Best Practice for an International Credit
Department'; all of which served to create an environment for
credit insurance as an enthusiastic topic for both conference
and networking debate.
Congratulations
Val - IRC Salutes a third ten year veteran -
2 June
Val Boyce, Client Support Team Leader at IRC's Glasgow Office,
celebrated 10 years with the Company on 2 June. She writes 'I
joined IRC on 2 June 1999, having spent 17 years with Trade
Indemnity as a Customer Service Advisor. My role with IRC was
Client Support Advisor, with my major responsibility being to
help clients work within their credit insurance policy by either
telephone or face to face visits. Five years later our Client
Support Group had grown and I was promoted to Supervisor/Team
Leader.
Highlights over the past ten years have been watching the
Company grow from just nine staff when I first joined to in
excess of fifty today. Our ethos has always been to focus on
customer service and this has won us some major clients over the
years. These wins were always suitably celebrated by a glass of
champagne in the office! Working with some great colleagues,
social nights out and team spirit has made the last ten year
most memorable - "It's a great place to be, at IRC"!
Joint MD Alan Wallace commented ' Val is fully occupied in the
servicing of some of the largest programmes we broker and
generously gives of her expertise to both clients and colleagues
alike'.
Many congratulations, Val. Your colleagues wish you many more
successful years with the Company.
R K Harrison Group expand Trade Credit operations -
12 May
We are pleased two announce two significant appointments to the
newly formed Trade Credit and Bonds Division of IRC (Europe).
-
Jeremy Hughes, Head of
European Trade Credit and Surety at QBE, has resigned to
join R K Harrison’s financial risk solutions business – IRC
(Europe) Ltd, as the new Director of the Trade Credit and
Bonds Division.
-
Graham Bristow, former
Head of UK Corporate Trade Credit at Aon, has resigned to
join us as our new Head of National Trade Credit and Bonds.
IRC (Europe) is already the
leading independent Trade Credit broker in the UK and a wholly
owned subsidiary of the R K Harrison Group. R K Harrison is in
the process of enlarging IRC (Europe) by merging its Political
Risks and Credit operations, managed by Neil Galletti, with the
existing Trade Credit business, and through the formation of a
Specialty Reinsurance Division headed by Marcus Hopkins (ex head
of Guy Carpenter’s UK facultative team). The newly enlarged
operation will bring together the Group’s extensive resources
under one banner to deliver direct and reinsurance solutions
across the broad spectrum of political, structured and trade
credit risks.
Neil Galletti is to become the Managing Director of the enlarged
operation, and Alan Wallace, joint founder of IRC (Europe) Ltd,
will become its Chairman.
“We are building the leading independent financial risk
solutions business by bringing together the outstanding talent
already part of our Group with new leadership from the market.
We are delighted that Jeremy and Graham have agreed to join us
and help us to expand and strengthen IRC (Europe)’s capabilities
at such a challenging time in the global credit arena” commented
Neil Galletti.
IRC Makes Its Presence Felt At The UK's Largest Credit
Congress - 3 March
IRC (Europe) Ltd
made their presence felt at the icm09 Conference and Exhibition
at the ICC in Birmingham on 17 February. Organised by the UK's
Institute of Credit Management - Europe's largest credit
management association with over 9000 members - it was the first
time the event had been held outside London. And it was a
success; attracting over 300 delegates and leading speakers on
domestic and international credit from around the world.
Rob Farquharson, Business Development Broker at Birmingham
office commented 'With the event on our doorstep we thought it
vital to attend. Members of the Birmingham office manned the
stand throughout the day and we attracted a steady flow of
visitors enquiring about credit insurance Many were enticed with
an IRC stress ball which went down well in these testing times
and all will be subject to our professional follow up
programme'.
Many Congratulations David - Another IRC Ten Years Veteran!
- 3 March
Warmly embracing the season of March Hares, David Rose, Regional
Director at IRC's Glasgow office celebrated a fine ten years
with the Company on 1 March. Joint MD Alan Wallace commented
'David joined us in 1999 as a broker and has made a very
significant contribution to the firm both then and now in his
current role as Regional Director. Tracey Anderson and I thank
him sincerely for his commitment and dedication to the company
over the past 10 years, which we know will continue just as
enthusiastically in the future'.
And what of David himself? He writes ' I joined as a broker
trying to develop new business for the company; remember that
IRC was only 1 office at that stage. My employee number was 6! I
sought to exploit my previous client base at a major underwriter
with some success. At that time we had greater contact with IRC
NA in Columbus, Ohio, and I attended three or four of their
shareholder meetings in January...very cold! I became a
shareholder in 2001, Director in 2002 and gradually assumed
responsibilities for a number of areas, mainly those that Alan
and Tracey found boring! I was involved in the demerger from IRC
NA in 2003/4, spearheaded the company’s accreditation process
with the FSA during 2003/4 - gaining our formal permission in
January 2005 - and the successful acquisition of TDF in March
2005. The summer of 2005 was spent mainly in Birmingham, trying
not to eat my way through the entire menu at the Crowne Plaza
Hotel next to the office. 2006 saw the dreaded system migration
from Novell to Microsoft, commonly known as Vision. 2007 was
dominated by the RKH acquisition of IRC and during 2008 I slowly
divested myself of the myriad responsibilities assumed over the
previous few years. 2009 represents full circle; back selling
credit insurance to companies in Scotland, although now I have
responsibilities for the Glasgow team of 12 and a somewhat
larger target that I had in 1999.
Highlights for me over 10 enjoyable years are becoming a
Shareholder and Director in a small business that consistently
punched above it’s weight, being involved in the acquisition of
TDF and the successful FSA accreditation'.
Sincere congratulations, David. Your clients and colleagues wish
you many more happy and successful years with IRC.
IRC warmly welcomes
Maliza - 9 February
Maliza Herbert has joined IRC Birmingham after working for Aon
Trade Credit for the last 8 years. Maliza developed her position
with Aon through their training programme. She joins as a Broker
and will be responsible for a portfolio of clients and the
development of new business opportunities. We wish Maliza every
success in her new role
Great New Business - Well
Done Nicola and Graham - 26 January
IRC has great pleasure in acknowledging Nicola Smith in London
for the original referral and Graham Murray in Glasgow for the
successful conclusion of a significant new piece of business in
what is a particularly difficult trade sector at this time.
Nicola was seeking to obtain financial information from the
customer of a current client as the underwriter had withdrawn
cover. During the conversation she asked the buyer about credit
insurance and obtained a lead as the company had looked at it in
the past but not bought. The name was passed on to Graham and he
worked assiduously on the company over several weeks. They had
looked at credit insurance via at least 2 brokers in the past 18
months and had not bought. Even with restrictions in the market
Graham successfully negotiated terms from HCC and closed the
deal in January with income due to IRC based upon turnover of
over £70 million. There are growth opportunities within the
Group as there are some 7 subsidiaries and the potential for
more acquisitions. Graham has involved RK Harrison’s Commercial
team in an effort to cross sell.
Congratulations on this success Nicola and Graham.
Congratulations Jane - A Ten Year
Veteran at IRC! - 19 January
Jane Bletcher, Office Manager
at IRC's Glasgow office, celebrated 10 years with the
Company on 19 January. Joint MD Alan Wallace commented
'Tracey Anderson and I are delighted to mark Jane's
anniversary. She is fully occupied in servicing some of the
largest programmes we broker and generously gives of her
experience to both clients and colleagues alike. Jane is a
typically 'safe pair of hands' whom we are delighted to have
been committed to us these last ten years'.
And what of Jane herself? She
writes 'My initial role in IRC was as part of the service
team looking after a variety of clients. The team was small
and very customer oriented and
the Directors at that time, Tracey, Alan and Ian Quinn were
then, as always, very focused on retaining clients and
putting on new business. We had a significant major client
and much of the service team's time was concentrated on
ensuring that they received the best possible service. And,
of course, they did! As this account grew and new
clients came on board, the service and broking staff
increased, including a couple of my former Trade Indemnity
colleagues, bringing new experience and personalities to the
team. All good! I gradually added new responsibilities to my
client support role in evolving into office manager and
looking after such as health and safety and IT. What can I
say about working for IRC? There have been times when it's
been tough, but the prevailing memories are of great
colleagues, interesting work and lots of laughs'.
Many congratulations, Jane.
Your clients and colleagues wish you many more happy years
with IRC.
IRC(E) join the British Exporters
Association (BExA) - 24 November
IRC(E) have been elected to membership of BExA, the independent
national trade association representing all sectors of the
export community. Membership representative Tim Lane –
International Business Development Manager based in London –
commented ‘BExA’s stated objective is to bring together the
export interests of manufacturers, export houses, bankers,
export credit insurers and related service providers. IRC(E)
intend to be an active and fully participative member of this
valuable Association’.
IRC(E) London Team move
to Leadenhall Street - 17 November
Effective 17 November, the
IRC(E) London team will join their R K Harrison
colleagues in Leadenhall Street. Joint MD Alan Wallace
commented 'We are delighted to be moving to excellent
new office facilities which will only serve to enhance
our unique 'one stop shop' trade credit and political
risk insurance broking capacities to our growing
portfolio of clients'. Full new office coordinates are:
-
52 Leadenhall Street,
London EC3A 2BJ
T: +44 (0) 20 7456 7950
F: +44 (0) 20 7456 7951
IRC(E) join in
'welcome' to new US President - 6 November
Rob Farquharson, Business
Development Broker at IRC(E) Birmingham, was among some
300 local business leaders who attended a post US
election seminar hosted by Lloyds TSB Corporate Markets.
A keynote presentation from Trevor Williams, Chief
Economist, focused upon the impact of then US economy on
the UK and managing risk in an uncertain world. Amongst
many daunting statistics he was able to deliver one
possible heart warming thought 'The IMF has suggested
that, from an analysis of the last eighteen rich country
recessions/market crashes, the standard deviations in
thirteen of them suggested that the economies and market
conditions improved within two years. And the remaining
five countries returned to GDP growth within three
years'. And in an increasingly difficult environment
it's always good to 'accentuate the positive'.
IRC(E) take the Trade
Credit Insurance message to FCIB's Lisbon conference -
12 to 14 October
IRC(E) warmly welcomed the opportunity to
participate in FCIB's Lisbon Conference. Finance, Credit
and International Business (FCIB) is one of the leading
international credit business associations in the world
with whom IRC(E) and R K Harrison enjoy membership.
Sponsorship and presentations at their Middle East
Conferences held in Dubai in 2007 and 2008 have been key
planks to the building of a strong relationship with
this influential body. On this occasion Director of
Broking Phil Simmons moderated a Forum on 'Trade Credit
Insurance - Managing the Credit Crunch' and was able to
draw on the considerable expertise of three major
underwriters:-
Steve Capon - Head of Risk - ACE Global Markets
Mike Feldwick - Senior Risk Manager - Euler Hermes
Mike Holley - Director of Special Products Unit -
Atradius
Not an easy subject for the moderator and panellists in
the current and rapidly changing economic environment
and in the face of 90 plus delegates demanding to know
'will it be harder to obtain cover when you need it
most', 'will existing limits be reduced or cancelled',
'will premiums rise' and many other burning questions.
The underwriters were refreshingly candid in their
message for today and the foreseeable future, presenting
a profile of the trade credit insurance market place
that genuinely reflected the current reality for
underwriter and insured alike. The Forum offered a
professional environment within which to espouse the
Trade Credit Insurance message and certainly proved a
successful vehicle for the IRC(E)/RKH brand.
IRC(E) announce key new
role for David Rose - 13 October
Alan Wallace
and Tracey Anderson, Joint MD's of IRC(E) have much
pleasure in announcing that as
from November 1st David Rose will assume the
duties of Regional Director Glasgow. They write 'As
a division of RKHIB we are afforded many central service
operational benefits. David was keen to stay within the
division and we are delighted that he has agreed to
accept this new position. As you are all aware,
David has extensive experience within IRC(E), being
almost a ten year veteran, and we can think of no one
better to take up such a challenging role in this
principal office for the division.
We have made some changes to revenue recognition and
been careful to credit offices with the incomes from the
programmes they look after. With this exercise concluded
it has become clear that IRC(E) Glasgow’s importance has
increased and consequently we felt it appropriate to
offer our most experienced Director the reins.
David will transition his role from Operations Director
to Regional Director between now and 1st
November. He will retain only a few central services
tasks from then. Please join us in congratulating David
and wishing him every success in his new role'.
IRC Europe Golf Day - 18 September
Arriving from the four corners of the land, 34 players met for
the Annual IRC Europe Golf Day at The Carrick to participate in
warm hospitality and a golf experience par excellence, undaunted
by typical Scottish drizzle that always threatened but never
quite turned into something heavier. Teeing off after a hearty
lunch, players did battle with a real beauty of a golf course
with greens maintained like the finest of lawns. Nine holes
stick to classic Scottish Lowland along the banks of Loch
Lomond, while the other nine make you climb to tackle Highland
heath and tee off on sloping fairways. And if, by any chance,
you needed to take your mind off a poor shot - and, of course,
there were very few of these - then the views of Loch Lomond
were incredible.
And what of those present who had
neither the energy or the skill to tackle The Carrick? Why, they
variously enjoyed the opportunity for a luxury spa treatment -
full details were not made available to your scribe - or a
delightful trip out to Loch Fyne.
Presentations were made by Alan
Wallace at a splendid dinner which followed at The Cameron House
Hotel, where it was particularly good to see Tracey Anderson
among those present. Worthy winners were:-
4 player team: Scott Morrison,
AIG: Andrew Hudson, Hudson and Harvie: Chris Bovill, Lafarge:
Kath Collin, Nationwide Produce
3 player team: Graham Murray,
IRC(E): Tony Dent, Dent Steel Services: Tony Curley, Kingsgate
Law
Longest Drive at the 11th: Richard
Marriage, CIFS
Nearest to the Pin at the 14th:
Roger Johnson IRC(E)
And
so the bar resounded to good humour, camaraderie and some more
or less accurate accounts of the day until the wee small hours.
In short, a very good time was had by all!
IRC(E) present at the NMBS Credit Crunch Forum - 17 September
Estelle Nunes and Tim Lane joined 70 plus delegates at The
National Merchant Buying Society (NMBS) Credit Crunch Forum held
at The National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull. After an Agenda
covering Basic Credit Control, Cash Flow Management, Factoring
and Invoice Discounting and 'Going Legal', Tim gave the final
presentation of the day on Credit Insurance, covering the basics
of how it works, what influences credit limit decisions and the
effects of the Credit Crunch on major underwriters thus far. It
certainly seemed to be what the delegates had been waiting for,
because it raised by far the greatest number of questions on the
day and for IRC(E) is was satisfying to conclude that at least
some of the delegates left the Forum more comfortable with the
continuing validity and concept of Trade Credit Insurance than
they were at the start of the day.
Mark Martindale
Mark Martindale joins IRC(E) after 6 years with Coface, where he enjoyed
3 years as a Commercial Co-ordinator and, more recently, 3 years as a
Claims Account Handler. He has a degree in Credit Management and is
proud to be a member of the Institute of Credit Management. Mark's new
role is within IRC(E)'s Client Support Team looking after existing
clients with their ongoing credit insurance queries.
Jodi Martin
Jodi Martin joins IRC (E’s) Fenchurch Street office after working with
Aon Trade Credit in London for just over 2 years, where she supported 2
very busy brokers with the day to day running of their portfolio’s. That
support will continue in Fenchurch Street, where Jodi will be working
with Nigel Heap, Gary Brooker and Kevin Finch. Jodi enjoys a number of
leisure pursuits, including horse riding and swimming.
Joe Hodgson
Joe Hodgson joins IRC’s Leeds office as an account handler, after 3
years in General Insurance with RBS and 5 years in Credit & Political
Risks with Marsh. He will primarily work as support for Senor Broker
Susan Coleman. Outside of work Joe is a keen musician and is currently
finishing an album with one of his 2 bands.
Rob Farquharson
Rob Farquharson has recently joined IRC (Europe), based at the
Birmingham office. He previously worked for four years at Euler Hermes
UK PLC as a Commercial Business Consultant. His remit is to grow the
existing client base through his wealth of Bank and Funding introducers
and sales experience gained over the past ten years. Rob claims that he
has been made most welcome at Birmingham office due to his fantastic tea
making abilities!
Janice McGinlay
Janice McGinlay has recently joined IRC (Europe) at their Glasgow
office. She has been in Sales all her working life; initially in Fleet
Vehicle Leasing with two major players, TLS Vehicles and Northgate Motor
Holdings, then moving into the credit risk market for the last six years
with Euler Hermes Collections covering Northern Ireland, Scotland and
North East England. Janice’s role is as Business Development Executive,
responsible for the expansion of purely new business.
IRC sponsors Scottish
Accountancy Awards - 22 May
IRC Europe Ltd were delighted to Sponsor the Scottish Accountancy
Awards with Alan J Wallace, Joint Managing Director presenting the award
for “Best Large International Firm” to KPMG in front of 600 guests at
the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow. IRC’s table included Alan J Wallace & David
Turpie from IRC Glasgow plus a number of our Glasgow office clients,
contacts from Royal Bank of Scotland and Grant Thornton Accountants. The
event celebrated the successes of the Accountancy profession in Scotland
over the past 12 months and awards were presented to high profile
individuals from many of the mid/large practices in Scotland.
Tim Lane has joined
IRC Europe, based in London, where he will be responsible for
international business development. This new role is designed to provide
the key international clients of IRC Europe and R K Harrison with a
focal point that will stress the capacity of the expanded organisation
in terms of both its geographic reach and its ability to bring each
party’s expertise, products and services to bear for the benefit of its
clients.
Tim was previously
Director of European Operations for FCIB for 8 years. During a long
career in international finance he has also served as Treasurer with
Rothmans of Pall Mall International where he enjoyed responsibility for
the company’s business in Central and Eastern Europe, Africa, the Middle
East and South East Asia. He also served as Chairman of the FCIB
Advisory Council in Europe and as a member of the FCIB-NACM Board of
Directors.
Birmingham
As part of the continuing growth of IRC Europe, the following staff announcement was made by our Director of Broking, Phil Simmons; "I am pleased to confirm changes to the Management team in Birmingham that became effective on 1st January 2008.
After a successful period as Regional Director, Mike Weller has decided to step down from that position. I am pleased to advise that he has agreed to continue working within IRC as a Consultant.
This is a new role, but Mike will be available to provide his expertise and experience to all of our offices. Mike will visit Leeds, Glasgow and London shortly to provide further details.
I am pleased to announce that Barry Higgott has been appointed Regional Director for the Birmingham office.
Barry brings many years of experience to this position, and is ideally placed to build on the success Mike has achieved.
I am sure you will join me in wishing Mike and Barry every success in their new roles."
Barry can be contacted on barry.higgott@irc-group.eu.com and Mike on michael.weller@irc-group.eu.com
We would also like to welcome Sarah Hennessey who has joined IRC in Birmingham as an Administrative Assistant working alongside Cathy Brayne in the Client Support Group. Sarah is new to the Credit Insurance industry and we wish her well in her new career. Sarah can be contacted on sarah.hennessey@irc-group.eu.com
Glasgow
The Directors are pleased to welcome David Hughes, a 16 year veteran of the Credit Insurance industry, who has joined our Client Support Group in Glasgow. His expertise, built up working for both Aon and Marsh, will be of great benefit in delivering high quality service to our clients. David is a great addition to our group and we look forward to his contribution. He can be contacted on david.hughes@irc-group.eu.com
Pamela McKeag has joined IRC Europe on a permanent basis as our Receptionist/Administrator in our Glasgow Head Office. Pamela has been working with IRC on a temporary basis for the past 3 months and she is a welcome addition to the Glasgow team.
R K Harrison acquires International Risk Consultants (Europe)
R K Harrison Holdings Limited, the parent company of R K Harrison Insurance Brokers Limited, is delighted to announce the acquisition of Indemnity & Risk Management Limited, the parent company of International Risk Consultants (Europe) Limited.
IRC Europe is the leading independent trade credit insurance broker in the UK. The company provides consultation and tailored coverage to a wide variety of UK and international clients against the risk of bad debt due to the insolvency or protracted default of their customers. Founded in 1993, IRC Europe now employs over 50 staff, operating from offices in Glasgow, London, Birmingham and Leeds.
Paul Bridgwater, Chief Executive Officer of R K Harrison Holdings, said “IRC Europe has developed as an extremely strong business, recognised as a leading expert within this specialist field. As such they are an excellent addition to R K Harrison’s group of outstanding specialist teams and businesses and we are delighted to have them join us.
IRC Europe will operate as a standalone entity within the enlarged group, recognising the strength of the IRC Europe brand in their specialist field. I am confident that both R K Harrison Insurance Brokers and IRC Europe will benefit from significant cross selling opportunities as we bring each party’s expertise, products and services to bear for the benefit of our existing and prospective clients”.
Tracey L. Anderson and Alan J. Wallace, Joint Managing Directors of IRC Europe commented, “We are delighted to announce this positive development. As part of R K Harrison, IRC Europe will progress to the next stage in our evolution and have access to additional insurance disciplines. In particular, IRC Europe working with R K Harrison’s benchmark Political Risks & Credit Team will create a powerful tangible force within our sector.”
Graham Murray joined IRC on July 1st as a Broker concentrating on the SME sector within Scotland. His remit will be to maintain and develop our existing client base within this sector, whilst attracting new business to IRC. Graham spent the last 7 years with Marsh, Glasgow and is well known within the credit insurance market. He has a BA in Risk Management from Glasgow Caledonian University. Both Graham and the Directors share ambitious targets for the growth of our business within Scotland, and we wish him good luck in these endeavours. Graham can be contacted on graham.murray@irc-group.eu.com
Promotions
The Directors are delighted to announce that David Turpie has been promoted from Associate Broker to Broker with effect from July 1st. David joined IRC Europe in September 2006 and has rapidly established strong relations with clients, insurers and colleagues alike. In the last 9 months he has achieved significant new business for IRC and we wish him continued success in the future. David can be contacted on david.turpie@irc-group.eu.com
Mark Bourne is the latest addition to our growing Client Support Group in Glasgow. Mark has a BA Degree in Risk Management with 1st class honours from Glasgow Caledonian University. Whilst he was studying he also achieved several sponsored awards from Marsh, Aon, Airmic, Grant Thornton and Cigna. Mark will assist in the servicing of our Scottish clients and we will use his skills and interest in Information Technology to the benefit of his colleagues. The Directors would like to wish Mark good luck as he embarks on a career in credit insurance. Mark can be contacted on mark.bourne@irc-group.eu.com
Welcome back:
We are please to welcome back Tracy Roberts to our London Client Support Group, after 6 months maternity leave to look after her new son, Jack. Tracy is rapidly reacquainting herself with clients, colleagues, insurers and our new computer system. She can be contacted on tracy.roberts@irc-group.eu.com
Linda McColgan has joined IRC Europe as Financial Controller based in our Glasgow Head Office. Linda worked with DuPont EKC Technology Ltd for 10 years in a similar role. She has a BSc in Technology and Business Studies and qualified as a CA in 1995. Linda has the task of fully implementing our new financial system, Navision, whilst providing advice and financial information to the board. She is a welcome addition to our staff and the Directors look forward to her input as we grow our business. Linda can be contacted on linda.mccolgan@irc-group.eu.com
Leavers
Gavin McKenzie has accepted the role of Finance Director within a small multi national medical research company, which is a great opportunity for him at this stage in his career.
Lynn Leonard has decided to emigrate to Australia with her husband and young son. The Directors wish both Gavin and Lynn good luck in their new ventures and thank them for their contributions to the success of IRC Europe.
Amanda Swift
Following the retirement of Colin Thomas in December, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Amanda Swift as his replacement. Amanda brings a wealth of credit insurance experience to our Leeds team and will assist in maintaining the high level of service that our clients enjoy. She can be contacted on amanda.swift@irc-group.eu.com
Maggie Brotherson
Maggie Brotherson has been promoted to the position of Associate Broker, Birmingham. Maggie has been employed within our Birmingham service team for several years and has always had the ambition to become a broker. During 2006 she successfully made the transition to the Associate Broker role and the Directors are delighted to confirm her promotion with effect from January 1st 2007. She will now become an integral part of the drive to achieve our ambitious growth targets within the West Midlands. She can be contacted on maggie.brotherson@irc-group.eu.com
Jane McCormick
IRC are pleased to have secured the services of Jane McCormick to work within the Client Support Group, Birmingham as the replacement for Maggie Brotherson. Jane has a law degree from Leicester University and has worked within the insurance industry for several years. She has worked for 2 credit insurance brokers and will bring a fresh outlook to the servicing of our clients within the West Midlands area. Jane can be contacted on jane.mccormick@irc-group.eu.com
Colin Thomas
The Directors would like to thank Colin Thomas of our Leeds office and wish him, and his wife Christine, a happy retirement. Colin has worked for over 46 years within the credit insurance industry and has provided valuable expertise for our clients and his colleagues during this time. An appreciation of Colin prepared by Roger Johnson, Regional Director Leeds, can be viewed here.
Trade Credit, Bonds and Political Risk Insurance Dinner
On November 2nd 2006, IRC Europe hosted the annual Trade Credit, Bonds and Political Risk Insurance Dinner in the Cafe Royal, London. 3 pipers from the London Scottish Pipe Band piped in the 370 guests, The night was a great success with the after dinner entertainment being provided by Jim Tavare. Alan Wallace, Joint MD IRC Europe, conducted the raffle and auction raising in excess of £6,000 as a charitable donation to the Childrens Critical Care Appeal at the Royal London Hospital. The Directors would like to thank all IRC staff who were involved in the organisation along with Denis McCourt, Awesome Events and his team for their expertise. The baton has now been passed to AIG who will organise the 2007 event.
Nicola Smith
We are please to announce that Nicola Smith has joined our Client Support Group based in London . Nicola has a law degree from the University of Glamorgan and has previous credit insurance experience working for the in house broker of a Japanese buying group. She is a welcome addition to our expanding London team and can be contacted on nicola.smith@irc-group.eu.com
David Turpie
David has joined IRC Glasgow as an Associate Broker to concentrate on growing our business penetration into the medium to large corporates in Scotland. David is an Accountant by training with Financial Controller experience, along with involvement in a business start up. He joins us from Business Gateway Dumbarton. Therefore he brings a wealth of practical business experience to the role and is well qualified to provide advice to Scottish corporates. David can be contacted on david.turpie@irc-group.eu.com
Gavin McKenzie has been appointed as Financial Controller based in our Glasgow office. Gavin has 12 years accounting experience in a variety of industries, and is a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. He can be contacted on gavin.mckenzie@irc-group.eu.com
We are pleased to welcome Jessica Johnson, who is joining our London office as Receptionist Administrator. Jessica is embarking upon her career in the Credit Insurance Industry, and the Directors would like to wish her a long and happy career. She can be contacted on jessica.johnson@irc-group.eu.com
Awards Nomination
The Directors of IRC are pleased to congratulate Fergus Fergusson on his recent nomination as "Export Credit Professional of the Year" by the Credit Today magazine. The award dinner was held in the prestigious Grosvenor Hotel, London and was attended by up to 1500 credit industry professionals. Fergus specialises in Bespoke and/or Political Risks requiring innovative solutions which are often placed in the London market. He can be contacted on fergus.fergusson@irc-group.eu.com
Birmingham
We are please to announce that Cathy Brayne has joined our Birmingham office as Customer Service Group Team Leader. She has a great deal of experience within the credit insurance industry having worked for an insurer, a bank and another broker during her career. Cathy will spearhead our drive to remain the industry's leading provider of customer service.
Leeds
Yvonne Marley, formerly with UK Credit, and with over 15 years experience within the credit insurance broking industry has joined the IRC Leeds office as a Broker. Yvonne will concentrate in the North and assist in achieving our ambitious growth targets for 2006.
Teri Diaz
IRC Europe are pleased to announce the appointment of Teri Diaz to the expanding Client Support Group in our Fenchurch Street, London Office. Teri is a qualified Accountant and has spent the last 4 years with Atradius, London.
Graham Steward
Our commitment to the training and development of our staff is well known. Therefore we have engaged the services of Graham Steward as Training Consultant within our Glasgow head office. Graham has over 31 years of experience with the major international credit insurer, Atradius, and will allow us to provide an intensive injection of technical knowledge to our Client Support Group based in Glasgow.
Debbie Peters
IRC Europe are delighted to announce that Debbie Peters has joined the expanding team in our Birmingham office. Debbie is well known for delivering expertise and high levels of service to her clients. She will take on the role of Senior Broker and be fully involved in growing our Birmingham book.
Barry Higgot
As part of the drive for growth IRC has appointed Barry Higgott as a Senior Broker in our Birmingham office. Barry has enjoyed success over the past 23 years within the credit insurance broking community and is well respected by clients, insurers and colleagues alike.
Mike Weller
IRC Europe are pleased to announce that Mike Weller, a doyen of the credit insurance industry with over 30 years experience, has agreed to join our company. His role, as Regional Director, will be to lead the growth and development of our Birmingham office. IRC views the Midlands as an area of great opportunity for the credit insurance industry.
Scots Insurance Firm Buys Competitor to Become Largest UK Independent
A Glasgow-headquartered credit and political risk insurance broker has bought a rival company to become the largest non-quoted credit and political risk consultancy in the UK. International Risk Consultants (IRC) Europe has acquired TDF Credit Insurance Services – with offices in Leeds, Birmingham and London – from US-based financial services company GE Capital. read more...
New London Premises
Ongoing demand for IRC’s services in London has prompted us to expand our operation at 118/119 Fenchurch Street. We are now based on the third and fourth floor and have the capacity to grow considerably. All contact numbers remain unchanged.
FSA Approval
We are delighted to advise all our colleagues and website visitors that the Financial Services Authority has confirmed that IRC Europe has been authorised to carry out general insurance business with effect from 14th January 2005. Our Firm Reference number is 308300 and will appear on the FSA register by 14th January. Clients are welcome to view our approval on the FSA website at www.fsa.gov.uk
New Glasgow Premises
After seven years in our comfortable lower ground suite at 18 Blythswood Square, IRC Europe decided to prepare for the year ahead by moving into the Ground Floor of the building. With treble the space to operate in our Head Office staff can now enjoy high quality working conditions to match the high quality service we provide our clients.
Industry Dinner
IRC Europe hosted one table and was represented at many others at this year’s industry dinner, held in the Chelsea Village Hotel, Fulham. The dinner, organised by AON, was a great success. A charity auction was augmented by IRC who donated a fourball on the Ailsa Open Championship course at the Westin Turnberry Hotel and Golf Resort.
New Addition For IRC London Broking Team
Gary Brooker joins IRC Europe’s London broking team bringing with
him a wealth of experience. Gary’s most recent posting was National
Sales Director of one of Europe’s largest independent brokers. Gary
will augment our London broking effort and will play an important part of
our continued growth.
New Role For Lynn Leonard
September saw Lynn Leonard join our Glasgow broking team after a successful
2-year period in our client support group. Lynn has a degree in Risk Management
and will have a UK remit based from Glasgow.
Turnberry Hosts IRC ‘Open’
IRC Europe held their annual golf day at the Westin Turnberry Hotel and
Golf Resort on the 19th and 20th of August. The event was a great success
with two days of Stableford competitions played on the Ailsa and Kintyre
courses. Both days were blessed with strong sunshine and light winds, an
unusual combination for Links golf in Scotland, that augmented the experience
for all.
Phil Simmons Joins IRC In London
Our London broking team was recently strengthened with the recruitment of
Phil Simmons. Phil, a respected credit professional with 29 years experience
in the Credit Insurance industry as both underwriter and broker, is a great
addition to our strategic account team.
IRC Europe Appoints A New Chairmain
IRC Europe is delighted to announce the appointment of a new chairman, Ralph
Snedden. With over 30 years experience of senior management within insurance,
legal and accounting circles Ralph brings a wealth of knowledge to the company.
He has worked extensively throughout Europe, based in Brussels and Paris
for many years and is the ideal candidate to lead our management team.
National Languages For Exports Awards 2003
IRC Europe has been recognised for their commitment to the use of languages
to aid the acquisition and retention of export trade with a Merit Award
certificate on behalf of UK Trade and Investment.
In 2002/3 all staff within IRC were encouraged to take part in a 10 week
Languages for Business programme run in conjunction with the University
of Strathclyde. The programmes were tailored to suit the differing levels
of competency in several major European languages. All staff successfully
passed their courses.
The Scottish Council for Development and Industry administered the National
Languages for Export Awards 2003 programme in Scotland, on behalf of the
UK Trade and Investment.
New London Offices
Due to a continuing requirement for growth IRC Europe has moved its London
operation to bigger premises in the City. We can now be found at:
118/119 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 5BA
Please note that the telephone and fax numbers have changed, and the following
should now be used:
T: 020 7337 9050, F: 020 7337 9056
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