Insurance Times Advent Calendar: Carl Gurney

1. What was your insurance industry highlight of 2024?

For me, joining Gallagher and the welcome and support I’ve received from colleagues has been amazing. In our industry, we are seeing a shift towards brokers taking a more proactive role in providing their clients with risks management solutions and this has certainly been a focus for us and our clients are reaping the benefits.

We created our UK and Ireland retail renewable energy practice, which is focused supporting businesses in the sector and providing them with specialist products to help them on their energy transition journey.

It has been an exciting year for the Leicester team, with the appointment of Georgia Leigh as managing director of our office and Chris Noah taking on the role of managing director of our renewable energy practice. We also extended our partnership with Premiership Rugby earlier this year, it is brilliant that our business is supporting the growth of rugby and bring the game to new participants and viewers.

2. What is your Christmas message for your insurance colleagues?

Never undervalue yourself as what we all do is the best for our clients and the advice we provide is invaluable to businesses. Don’t forget we work in an amazing industry, which is challenging at times, but it can also be very rewarding in many ways. Remember to support those at the beginning of their careers – we were there once and wouldn’t be where we are without help and guidance.

3. What do you hope to find under the industry’s Christmas tree for 2025?

An increased willingness for the sector to come to the table to review emerging technologies and explore new solutions. This year, I have gotten to know my colleagues at Gallagher and look forward to having even more face-to-face meetings with colleagues and clients in the new year.