Markel UK to go on recruitment spree after relocating office

Markel has revealed that it is aiming to boost its Leeds workforce by 25% over the next two years after relocating its office in the city.

In August 2024, the insurer announced that it had moved into City Square House, which offers 138,859 sq ft of space within Leeds’ commercial business district.

Markel is based across the ninth and 10th floors, which take up around 20,000 sq ft of space.

Now that it has settled in, the firm told The Yorkshire Post that it is looking to increase the number of employees based in City Square House by 25% over the next two years to over 200.

The roles will be a combination of underwriting and claims, as well as shared services such as IT, HR and finance.

Leeds growth

Markel first opened in Leeds in 1990 and since then, employee numbers have risen from three to around 160 people currently.

Neil Galjaard, Markel’s divisional managing director for the UK, said that “Leeds has been a fantastic base for the business”.

He added: “Over our time in Leeds, we’ve grown from a small operation to being a major employer and consider our people our greatest strength.

“As a people-first business, we’re excited to welcome employees, partners and customers to our new office.

“With continued projected growth, our new Leeds base will support our growing teams as they continue their award-winning work championing customers and creating bespoke solutions that provide meaningful support to businesses across the country.”