The new Northern Ireland-based specialist trade credit insurance team at major broker Lockton will be led by key arrival Nigel Birney (pictured above).
“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,” said Birney, who made the switch from Willis Towers Watson where he served as trade credit head for Northern Ireland.
“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,” he asserted.
“The last number of years has been a tumultuous period for the local market here in Northern Ireland. Our 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.”
Birney – whose credentials include decades spent at Northern Bank and Trade Credit Brokers – added: “What sets us apart is that we have a very experienced and dedicated team fully committed to building relationships who will work very closely with all our clients to really understand and make a difference to their business.”
Immediately above, he is pictured with team members Julie McCallion, Leah Smyth, and Ruth Hawkins. They will give clients access to intelligent market monitoring, a debt collection service, protection from bad debts, as well as the potential for a greater link to working capital facilities.
Lockton partner Gary Ennis, who is head of office in Northern Ireland, commented: “Nigel will play a crucial role in the development of our trade credit insurance offer here in Northern Ireland 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.”
Similarly, Ennis pointed to the crucial role played by credit insurance as business returns to a level of normality.
“With vast levels of debt amassed by companies of all shapes and sizes since March 2020, businesses must take sensible and proactive steps to protect themselves, particularly as they seek new markets or recalibrate their supply chains,” he said.
“Our new trade credit insurance team, with years of considerable and combined experience in the sector, is here to help businesses get back on their feet post-lockdown and restore confidence as they begin trading again.”
