Stephen Duffin Dip CII

Experience

• 

  Swinton Insurance

  Mar 2008 - Apr 2011

  Senior Sales Executive

  This was my first role in the insurance industry, and during my time at Swinton, I worked primarily in branches while also contributing to two Company Projects for the Business Change Team. I was assigned to a branch to help improve performance and was nominated to champion the New Sales Process (NSP) following Swinton’s transition to a non-advised service. I traveled to various branches, providing coaching to Sales Executives. I collaborated closely with the Business Change team and played a key role in a project to monitor, evaluate, and report on existing processes, as well as assist in strategizing new solutions and driving business improvements. Show less

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  Quotax Insurance

  May 2011 - Jul 2014

  Renewals Manager

  I thrived in this role, successfully increasing renewal retention from 82% to over 90%, despite a hardening taxi market and a subsequent 40% rise in minimum premiums. I boosted earnings by introducing fees and reducing commission discounts. My focus was on maximizing opportunities, and I also developed, managed, and promoted both internal and external sales campaigns, driving significant growth.I enhanced efficiency by streamlining existing processes and creating new documentation that reduced processing time. I was also responsible for generating quotations under DUA and obtaining quotes from insurers. Additional responsibilities included performance management, data analysis, and interpretation to foster continuous improvement. Show less

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  Morton Michel Insurance

  Jul 2014 - Nov 2018

  Deputy Customer Service Manager

  I progressed from an Account Handler to Deputy Manager, leading a team of 7. In this role, I provided both strategic direction and hands-on, day-to-day management. I directly managed a team of Account Handlers and other professionals, focusing on training and upskilling to support their professional development. I held one of the highest underwriting authority levels under the company’s DUA, second only to the Directors.I played a key role in several projects, including increasing GWP, conducting gap analysis, and driving upselling and cross-selling efforts with clients. Throughout my time in this role, I facilitated strong cross-divisional communication by acting as a key referral point. Show less

• 

  Darwin Clayton (UK) Ltd

  Mar 2019 - now

  I am responsible for overseeing and managing the underwriting & technical team, ensuring the efficient and accurate assessment of risk, and the overall profitability of the underwriting portfolio. This role involves supervising the day-to-day activities of the underwriting department, developing strategies to improve processes, managing team performance, and ensuring compliance with company policies and industry regulations. As Underwriting & Technical Manager I am also be instrumental in building and maintaining strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. Show less Since my promotion, I have taken on the responsibility of managing the team, including conducting reviews and appraisals, providing support, and overseeing learning and development initiatives. I continue to lead the training and development of new team members, which also includes supporting their CII studies. I have been actively involved in a project to rejuvenate and relaunch our digital platform and new website. Since the company joined the Jensten Group, I have become a member of the Employee Engagement Champion Team, focusing primarily on the 'Love to Learn' initiative as part of Jensten's Grow As We Grow programme. This role has involved creating and delivering Masterclasses. Show less

  • Underwriting and Technical Manager

    Jul 2024 - now

  • Assistant Commercial Manager

    Jan 2023 - Jul 2024

  • Senior Client Advisor

    Mar 2019 - Jan 2023