MGA announces new hire who will help lead growth in UK broker market

Managing general agent (MGA) ARMD has appointed Mark Hands as its new director of business development.

The role will see Hands help enhance the firm’s position in the UK broker market and support its growth objectives as it continues to rollout its Tools In Transit product.

ARMD is currently focused on distributing the product via brokers after launching it on wholesale distribution platform Sparta in December 2023.

Hands is the second appointment the MGA has made in recent months as it looks to expand its proposition across the broker market, with it having brought Alan Hickman on board as a co-founder in March.

Devin Chawda, chief executive of ARMD, said: “We are delighted to have someone of Mark’s standing in the broker market join ARMD.

“In his new role, he will be pivotal in supporting the delivery of our ambitious growth objectives, as well raising our profile as the leading provider of tradespersons’ products in the UK.”

Experience

Hands will bring over 30 years’ worth of insurance sector experience to the role.

Prior to joining ARMD, he was the managing director of Construction Shield and a board director at Aedis Homeproof.

Before that, he was head of trading for the North at LV= Broker, which has now rebranded to Allianz, and the Northern head of regional operations at NIG.

“We’re delighted to welcome Mark to the team,” Hickman said.

“Having worked alongside Mark at LV=Broker and witnessing his contribution to the significant growth of the LV=Broker commercial business, we’re confident that he will make a big impact towards ARMD’s objectives and our commitment to the UK broker commercial market.”

Hands said he was looking forward to join the firm as it looks to distribute its Tools In Transit product to more brokers.

“I am looking forward to the challenge of delivering our ambitious growth plans by fully capitalising on the relationships I have developed with brokers over many years,” Hands said.

“There is undoubtedly a gap in the market for brokers who need a more comprehensive tradespersons’ product to cover the insured against the ever-rising risk of theft from vehicles.

“The ARMD leadership team identified this gap and have built a product that provides up to £10,000 for tools left securely in a van 24/7.”