| |
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
|