Leeds-based Gauntlet Group has appointed a much-respected local insurance expert to the role of business development manager, to drive its growth and mentor its network of appointed representatives, who own their own insurance brokerages in partnership with Gauntlet.

Nick Etell is charged with utilising his extensive insurer relationships and market knowledge for the benefit of new and existing clients, as well as opening up new insurance scheme options for niche and specialist risks.

Etell has vast experience in the Leeds, Manchester and London markets, having spent five years at Henderson Insurance Brokers, and boasts a track record of developing impressive books of business and managing portfolios both large and small. His expertise is rooted in being able to structure an entire insurance package for any client, right up to multi-national.

Having brokered all new and existing business for past employers, Gauntlet’s new business development manager is perfectly placed to mentor appointed representatives within the Gauntlet Enterprise network. He also has sporting prowess and understands the importance of teamwork, having played in the 15-17 age group for Berkshire County Cricket and been a national prep school rugby union champion when aged 12.

Gauntlet’s managing director, Roger Gaunt, says:

“We have been excited to create a role for Nick that not only utilises his experience in key sectors such as construction, healthcare, technology and manufacturing, but also provides our self-employed appointed representatives with a sounding board, an informed ear and a valuable broking asset. Nick has great insurer relationships and has already proved his worth since joining us.”

Etell’s experience in broking for haulage fleets that struggle to find insurance options due to poor claims histories, makes him the perfect fit for a commercial insurance broker with a two-decade-long history of broking haulage and bus and coach risks.

Gaunt adds:

“Nick’s appointment will strengthen Gauntlet as its impressive growth continues and there is a real buzz about our new business team since he joined. Our team of business development managers is hugely talented and much-praised by the appointed representatives that they nurture and mentor. Our team members each have different strengths and areas of expertise, but together they are becoming a force of nature.”

Gauntlet Enterprise now boasts 40 top insurance professionals running flourishing and successful insurance brokerages against an industry backdrop of redundancies and mergers and acquisitions. More information about the appointed representative opportunity is available at www.gauntletenterprise.com