I’m sure it’s not surprise to most people that know me, that if an insurer uses ‘he’ in their materials, that I start to get my back up. When we were told ‘yeah, but we have a statement that says he means she, so it’s ok’ that was like a red flag to a bull.
This is something that we will keep calling out as it is simply not ok, there are many gender identities and it really isn’t that difficult to use wording that is inclusive to all.
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.
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!!)
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
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
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.
