Hosts Kathryn Knowles and Matt Rann chat about how mental health is underwritten for things like life insurance, how the industry is responding to mental health and thoughts on how insurance offerings could be improved.
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Cura Financial Services Ltd is Registered in England and Wales, Number 8478749, The Evron Centre, John Street, Filey, North Yorkshire, YO14 9DW
Administrator
I work within the admin team primarily contacting insurance companies for presales. From my background of working within the healthcare industry, I find this highly interesting with all the medical condition’s. In my free time I like curling up with a good book or baking my husband’s favourite chocolate brownies.
Key Areas: Administration
Fun Fact: I used to do some modelling and took part in York Fashion Week.
Head of Distribution
Hi I’m Austen, I live in Ainsdale with my partner Jane, and have two grown up children and a son who’s 12. I’ve worked in financial services for the past 25 years in a variety of roles. Having had personal experience of how a health condition can impact your life and financial situation, I truly understand the importance of having protection insurance in place.
I’m passionate about the work that Cura Financial Services does in enabling everyone to get the insurance that they need and their work across the industry for better access to insurance for all. At Cura I lead a team of expert protection insurance advisers to deliver a first-class customer experience.
Key Areas:
Fun Fact: In my spare time I am a keen painter and in particular abstract art.
Finance Executive
I have been with Cura since October 2018. In my role I handle company finances and liaise with insurers to monitor policy payments. I also deal with all areas of administration, speaking with clients, insurers and medical professionals. Outside of work I enjoy going to the gym (yes one of those people that actually enjoy going to the gym) going on long walks with my dog (more of a work out than going to the gym when you have a cheeky Jack Russell that doesn’t like doing as he is told) I also like socialising with friends whether that be a night in with a takeaway or a few beverages out.
Key Areas: Administration, Finance
Fun Fact: I have 18 tattoos, and counting!
Links: Linkedin
Executive Assistant
I joined Cura as an administration apprentice at the beginning of 2020. Joining the insurance industry was a massive change for me, as all previous employment and experiences have been either in the animal industry, or in customer facing roles. I now work as the executive assistance for Alan. I really enjoy my role, knowing that I can be a part of helping and supporting our client’s is very rewarding.
Qualifications: Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner
Key Areas: Administration
Fun Fact: I have a lizard (or dinosaur as they are referred to at home!)
Administrator
I joined he Cura team in November 2021. Before joining, I used to work in care and worked throughout the pandemic. My role as an administrator at Cura is looking after our new business. I am usually the one who calls GP surgeries, companies and regularly liaise with clients to keep them updated on their insurance journey. In my spare time I enjoy going out for a hack on my horse, walking my dog and going on cruises.
Key Areas: Administration
Fun Fact: I used to work with over 20 St. Bernards and would get them ready to attend crufts, and no I didn’t do this in my bath tub at home.
High Net Worth Adviser
I joined Cura in October 2019, previously working in banking and then within retail sales and management. I have completed my training and really enjoy helping our clients, who often have more complex insurance needs. It’s such a reward to get them the insurances that they need. I spend my free time with family and enjoy taking my dog for long walks along Bridlington beach.
Qualifications: CII – Financial Protection
Key Areas: Insurance
Fun Fact: I love musicals (unfortunately for others, I enjoy singing along to them too!!)
Administrator
I joined the team in November 2021 after seven years working in banking. My job involves checking and sending clients’ policy documents and trust forms, handling claims when they first come in and all other administrative duties for our existing clients. When I’m not working, you will find me out walking by the sea or in the countryside; my current longest walk is 18 miles which I hope to beat this summer.
Key Areas: Administration
Fun Fact: I trained as a tattooist for two years before swapping needles for numbers in banking.
Protection Insurance Adviser
I’ve been with Cura since 2016 and I thoroughly enjoy working here. My background is in Sport & Health Sciences, so the transition to the protection industry has been a real eye-opener for me; challenging but also very rewarding. When I’m away from the office, I enjoy catching up with my friends and family, and football is my passion!
Qualifications: BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching & Health Sciences. CII Financial Protection
Key Areas: Kidney Conditions, Sickle Cell Anaemia
Fun Fact: I’ve actually run the naked mile!
Links: Linkedin
Trainee Protection Insurance Adviser
I joined the Cura team in March 2019 having left a role working for a local authority. My experience in the insurance industry was incredibly limited, so I started working as an Administrator to build my knowledge and understanding. After recently being the Executive Assistant to Alan Knowles, I then moved onto a Paraplanning role and am now a Trainee Protection Insurance Adviser.
Outside of work I enjoy reading, writing and painting.
Qualifications: BA (Hons) Tourism & Business
Key Areas: Administration
Fun Fact: I’m the most boring person you will ever meet.
Links: Linkedin
IFA Relationship Manager
Qualifications: CII Financial Protection
Key Areas: Offshore Workers, Group Protection
Fun Fact: You can’t beat a good zombie show and if there’s ever a zombie apocalypse, I’m your man.
Client Relationship Adviser
I joined the team in October 2010 after a stint working for Saga. I was previously a trainee navigation officer in the merchant navy and have fond memories travelling the world in this role. I am a mum and love spending time with my daughter. It is interesting trying to fit some sort of personal life around work and mummy duties!
Qualifications: CII Financial Protection, Group Risk
Key Areas: Armed Forces, Diabetes, HIV, Merchant Marine, Transgender, Women’s Health
Fun Fact: I am seriously tall and have to buy all my trousers online.
Links: Linkedin
Managing Director
“I am proud that we have built a company that insures the “uninsurable”, just by taking the extra time and care with each client to understand their needs and show them that there is insurance out there for them, whatever the circumstance.”
After completing my PhD in Business Management I joined the insurance industry in 2010. A big part of my work involves producing educational videos and blogs for charities and the general public, to improve access to insurance. I have three boys and they definitely keep me on my toes! I love to dance and be outdoors playing in the mud with my kids.
Qualifications: PhD Business Management. CII Financial Protection, Group Risk, Customer Service in Insurance. London Institute of Banking and Finance Certificate in Protection. LIBF CertPro. Financial services, regulation and ethics.
Key Areas: Protection Insurance, Group Insurance, Mental Health, Content Marketing, Social Media, Training
Fun Fact: I may have a PhD, but push pull doors absolutely floor me, I always do the wrong way!
Links: More About me
Protection Insurance Adviser
I joined Cura in July 2021, previously working in banking and then within commercial insurance. I am still going studying and training but really enjoying helping our clients, who often have more complex insurance needs. It’s such a reward to get them the insurance that they need. I spend my free time with my wife and two rabbits, traveling and watching F1.
Qualifications: LIBF CertPro
Key Areas: Insurance
Fun Fact: Although I love to boast about getting my black belt in Karate (12 years ago) I’d probably struggle to kick higher than 3 feet today!
Administrative Manager
I have worked for Cura since 2010. I started within the Administrative team and after a while decided to further my career by becoming an Insurance Adviser. I have now been the Administrative Manager for over 3 years and use my knowledge from working as an adviser, to enable our administrative team to support advisers and our clients. I have two little girls and I love to share my passion for baking with them. I often bring in my sweet treats for the office and use them as guinea pigs for new recipes.
Qualifications: National Diploma in Uniformed Public Service Level 3. CII Financial Protection
Key Areas: Administration, Systems Management, Training, Trusts, Claims
Fun Fact: I have been PADI qualified since age 11 and have swum with sharks.
Links: Linkedin
Protection Insurance Adviser
With previous experience in general insurance I joined Cura in October 2020 to help broaden my knowledge and try something new. I enjoy advising clients on their protection needs and find it rewarding finding them cover. Away from the office I enjoy time with my family, long walks and a cheeky gin with my friends.
Qualifications: Currently studying for a degree in business management with the open university, LIBF CertPro
Key Areas: Insurance
Fun Fact: I enjoy dancing, I have competed and performed from a young age
Protection Insurance Adviser
I joined Cura in July 2021 as I was looking for a change of direction in my career and this has been a great opportunity, especially considering I am also gaining qualifications alongside the job itself which I am currently studying through the London Institute of Banking and Finance. I have recently started advising my own clients which has been exciting!
Qualifications: National Diploma in Uniformed Public Service Level 3
Key Areas: Insurance
Fun Fact: I have pet rats (they’re actually extremely intelligent, loving and hygienic creatures, contrary to many people’s beliefs!)
IT Development Officer
I have worked with Cura for many years and joined the team fully in 2020. I think I’m best known in the team for saying ‘Have you tried turning it off and turning it back on again?!’ I live in Sheffield with my partner and our two young children.
Key Areas: Database Management, Website Development, System Administration
Fun Fact: In college I created a multi user network chat program in Microsoft Excel so me and my friends could chat when in different rooms
Managing Director
“I am proud to be a part of Cura Financial Services, working alongside the insurance advisers who work tirelessly to source the best insurance policies for our clients.”
I originally joined financial services as a web programmer at the age of 21 but was quickly tempted by financial services and became a protection adviser. I now run Cura, a multi award-winning protection intermediary, specialising in hard-to-place protection cases, such as people with health conditions. I dislike excessive red tape and have a passion making the insurance industry more inclusive and accessible for everyone.
Qualifications: Bsc Hons Computer Programming. CII Financial Protection, Group Risk. London Institute of Banking and Finance Certificate in Protection. LIBF CertPro.
Key Areas: Protection Insurance, Group Insurance, Cancer, Heart Conditions, Foreign Travel
Fun Fact: At college I was nearly 20 stone, had bright green hair (which I sometimes wore in big spikes), and wore a dog chain as a ‘fashion’ accessory.
Links: More About me
Compliance Officer
I am a Compliance Officer and have been with Cura since early 2017. I help the advisers coordinate their busy schedules inside of Cura and across the insurance industry, and ensure that their clients get an expert service.
Qualifications: Studying for a degree in business management
Key Areas: Administration, Compliance
Fun Fact: I can knit the most amazing blankets.
Third Director of Cura and Chief Cuteness Operative
I joined Cura in June 2021, providing absolute joy and 100% cuteness to the Cura team.
Qualifications: Highly trained if fish skin and mackerel is on offer!
Key Areas: Making my presence known on the Practical Protection Podcast
Fun Fact: I particularly enjoy stealing my Mum’s (Kathryn Knowles) stationary when she’s not looking!
Administrator
I joined Cura in September 2020 after completing my Masters degree. I thoroughly enjoy being part of the administration team and learning more about the insurance industry. Outside of work I enjoy taking long walks on Filey beach and spending time with my family.
Qualifications: MA Education
Key Areas: Administration
Fun Fact: I travelled around Italy and Spain for 2 years whilst teaching English as a second language.
Protection Insurance Adviser
I have worked in the financial services industry for over 14 years and joined the team in 2011. Having previously worked at Yorkshire Bank, I came to Cura to further my ability to secure people’s future financial security. I advise in protection and general insurance and have a keen interest in the benefit of income protection. Outside of work I enjoy playing tennis and hockey.
Qualifications: BSc (Hons) Economics. IFS Financial Advice, Mortgage Advice and Practice. CII Financial Protection.
Key Areas: Accident, Sickness and Unemployment Cover
Fun Fact: I don’t have any.
Links: Linkedin
Marketing Executive
I joined Cura in 2019, after completing my degree. I didn’t think of insurance as a potential career for me, but I really enjoy being a part of the work that we do. I love to travel and am always planning my next holiday.
Qualifications: BA (Hons) in Tourism Management and Marketing
Key Areas: Administration, Social Media Analysis, Website Management
Fun Fact: *to follow*
Links: Linkedin
Marketing Executive
I joined Cura as Marketing Executive in July 2019. I bring over 10 years of Design & Marketing experience to the team. I co-ordinate and design marketing material, as well as getting everyone involved in various charity events throughout the year! Which is lot’s of fun!
I enjoy keeping fit & active, Zumba and running. Going for walks with my husband and 2 kids in the beautiful North Yorkshire surroundings. I do love a good charity shop or car boot find!
Qualifications: BA (Hons) Visual Communication, Edinburgh College of Art
Key Areas: Design, Copywriting, Marketing, Branding & Identity
Fun Fact: I can play the flute & saxophone.
Links: Linkedin
Insurance Adviser
I have been lucky enough to work at Cura since 2016. I initially started as an apprentice and spent a couple of years building my knowledge of what our clients need, so that I can support them as best as possible. I am now the Executive Assistant to the Head of Protection. I really enjoy my role as none of our clients are ever the same. Outside of work I enjoy horse riding, spending time with my family and a having good night out! I am rather partial to hosting sing-offs with Victoria in the office.
Qualifications: Level 3 Diploma in Business Administration
Key Areas: Insurance
Fun Fact: I am the songbird of my generation.
Links: Linkedin
Compliance Officer
My main role in Cura is compliance monitoring, alongside my training in HR, to support the whole team. I have worked here since November 2016, and have enjoyed the ability to put my HR knowledge into practice, as well as developing my skills in compliance. I work here part-time and I also teach English as a second language; languages are a love of mine. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, and trying to watch my favourite Netflix series’, although it’s difficult to do with two young kids at my feet!
Qualifications: BA (Hons) German Studies, MA (CIPD) Personnel and Employee Development
Key Areas: Compliance, Human Resources, Management Reporting, Outreach Activities, Training
Fun Fact: I once went for an interview for a HR position, that took place in a bedroom!!
Links: Linkedin
