THE world’s largest privately owned insurance broker Lockton has appointed industry veteran Nigel Birney to lead its new specialist trade credit insurance team.
He will head up Northern Ireland’s largest team of trade credit specialists providing trade credit insurance services, assisting with business growth and protecting against bad debts.
His appointment comes as the company expands its service offering in Northern Ireland, and it now has more than 90 staff providing business and commercial insurance services.
Lockton is the only insurance broker in Northern Ireland to provide an in-house claims team and risk management service, providing clients with industry expertise and consistent qualified advice.
The trade credit insurance service will give clients access to intelligent market monitoring, a debt collection service, protection from bad debts and the potential for greater access to working capital facilities, which combined will help facilitate confident and secure trade both at home and abroad.
Gary Ennis, partner and head of office for Lockton in Northern Ireland said: “Nigel will play a crucial role in the development of our trade credit insurance offer here as we enhance our services to a range of clients across the private sector.”
“This is a strategic hire for us and as a key player in the insurance industry, Nigel brings years of experience. His insights, market knowledge and expertise will significantly enhance the Lockton offer and strengthen our position within the local market and the island of Ireland.”
Nigel Birney added: “I’m thrilled to be joining the Lockton team during a period of ambitious growth for the company, particularly in the specialist area of trade credit insurance. The availability of trade credit insurance and its many benefits will be absolutely vital as we emerge from the pandemic and look to reinvigorate the Northern Ireland economy.”
“The last number of years has been a tumultuous period for the market in Northern Ireland. Businesses have gone through many big moments including Brexit, the pandemic, and an absent Stormont, which have affected their confidence when trading locally and overseas.
“The trade credit service we can now provide at Lockton means businesses using our service can trade with confidence and explore new markets knowing that their business is protected against credit risk such as the insolvency of one of their customers.”
