In our latest edition of ‘MERJE Meets...’, our in-depth series where we interview business leaders across our core recruitment disciplines, we caught up with Clive Nathan, who is the CEO for the Underwriting Division of Global Risk Partners, one of the top Insurance intermediaries in the UK. Here, we took the opportunity to explore Clive’s professional background, his personal interests and how GRP are standing out in a competitive market.
Can you provide a brief overview of your career and the journey which has resulted in the role you hold at Global Risk Partners today?
I began as a graduate entrant at Commercial Union in 1987 starting out in the Ilford branch and worked all over the country for 12 years with my last role being National Broker Development Director. I then moved to AXA operating as Regional Director for 4 years and whilst there I managed the relationship with Towergate which was then a fairly new and growing business. I joined Towergate in 2003 and stayed for 13 years where I helped to create Towergate Underwriting and was a member of the group executive. I left in 2016 and joined Primary Group for two years before I joined GRP in 2018 to manage the MGA businesses.
Can you summarise Global Risk Partners, its ethos/culture and what it does differently / make it unique to its competitors?
GRP is a business that combines entrepreneurial flair with a degree of corporate discipline. We buy good businesses and support and challenge them to make them even better. We focus heavily on data and underwriting performance in all our divisions. We have a very strong and experienced senior management team that works closely with the individual business unit leaders who in most cases continue to own a share of their businesses.
What do you consider to be your top 3 challenges in the business, how is the firm adapting to meeting clients’ needs in these challenging times?
Data, Digital and Development. Making sure we have the best data to enhance decision making, being able to harness the growing requirement for a digital, on line experience and developing our people in the current challenging environment. We are investing heavily in all these areas to ensure we can continue to meet and exceed the expectations of our customers.
Strategy and growth plans for the next 12 months?
Despite the current market volatility, we have a continued focus on acquisition together with organic growth.
How has the current landscape affected your business?
We have reacted fantastically well to the Covid 19 challenges. We got working from home up and running immediately and our service has been unaffected. Clearly areas such as taxi, hospitality and tour operators have been hard hit but we have worked hard to stay close to our clients and set up a Technical Working Party to support our businesses and their clients through the pandemic.
What advice would you give to rising talent in your industry?
It’s a great industry to be part of. You get a bit of everything: economics, finance, law, IT etc. all in one. Have integrity, work hard and you will do well.
If you could go back in time what advice would you give to your former self?
Get an accounting qualification early on.
If you could instantly gain a new skill what would it be?
To ride my bike at 4 watts per kilo!
Name 3 positives that have come out of lockdown?
Walking with my family
That our businesses are so resilient and have taken care of their customers so well
Gareth Bale signing for Spurs
Something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I love poetry and work on memorising poems (it’s tough!)
Thanks to Clive for his contribution.. if you enjoyed catching up with him as much as we did, do stay tuned for the next instalment of “MERJE Meets…” If you are a business leader and would like to contribute to our Q&A blog series going forward, then please get in touch with our PR & Marketing team at info@merje.com
If you would like to talk about your recruitment needs in more detail, whether you are seeking an interim or permanent hire, please do not hesitate to contact any of the team at MERJE.
