Chris Norton is a Client Executive, who joined Pound Gates in August 2016, and is as part of the Client Services team.
Chris, what does your role involve?
My role is within commercial insurance broking. When a client comes to us, I take time to understand their business, discuss their insurance requirements, current and recommended covers, obtain quotes from insurance companies, and then present recommendations. Once the policy is agreed, I keep in touch with clients throughout the year providing ongoing cover maintenance, advice and support.
Tell us about your career path
I started my career at AXA Insurance in Ipswich, back in 2002, in a claims role. I moved to London in 2005 and took on a claims handling role within a Lloyd’s syndicate. I later emigrated to New Zealand, and became a commercial underwriter. When I moved back to Ipswich, I was given the opportunity to further my broking path at Pound Gates.
What do you like most about the insurance industry?
Insurance is such a diverse field, with plenty of sectors to get to grips with and there’s always capacity to learn more.
Tell us something interesting about yourself?
I represented England at Indoor Cricket between 2002 and 2005. It took me to Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka!
What advice would you give to someone looking to develop a career within the insurance industry?
This is an industry where you get plenty of opportunities to develop your skills: English, maths, law… to name but a few. It also helps you with your inter-personal skills. To really get ahead, it’s important to undertake the CII qualification. This provides you with a core knowledge that is transferable across underwriting, broking and claims. But this is only the start, as you can’t really learn insurance in a classroom. You have to do it, and absorb as much as you can from every experience you have with a client and the wisdom of your colleagues. Go above and beyond and you will have a rewarding career.