News & Insights

With over 35 years’ of experience, Nigel started his career on the underwriting side of the insurance market working for a Lloyd’s syndicate. He moved to the broking side in 1995 where he has held various roles in the Fine Art, Jewellery & Specie sector. He was an Executive Director of one of the largest FAJS teams in the market where he worked on some of the leading worldwide jeweller’s block accounts including many household names, before specialising in the cash in transit area, running the team that placed the largest CIT operation in the world, including being involved with running and reinsuring their captive in the London market. After some time at another small independent broker, Nigel was one of the founders of WSG London in 2019, helping achieve Lloyd’s broker status in October 2020 and also setting up Wilson Smith Europe.

John has over 35 years experience in the Lloyd’s insurance market. Having qualified as an accountant with Deloitte, he initially spent time working at the Corporation of Lloyd’s in the Underwriting Agents Dept., and then with Willis in the Marine Division. He has held the Finance Director role at both SSL Insurance Brokers Ltd and ATL Marine and Energy Limited before becoming full-time with Wilson Smith Group London.

With over a decade in the Lloyd’s insurance market, Aaron joined as one of the first employees at WSG London. Having worked his way through a variety of broker technical roles including IBA Accounts, Documentation and Accounts Handling, leading him to become a Broker at Wilson Smith Group London dealing with a variety of classes in different territories across the world. Now as a Director, Aaron continues to work on various product lines including Cash in Transit, Financial Institutions and Directors & Officers.

Sophie has been part of the WSG London team since the company was founded in 2019. Beginning her career in the Marine sector, Sophie has over eight years’ experience in the Lloyd’s insurance market, working with clients and underwriters across a number of different classes worldwide. Sophie has progressed through various broker roles within the business and has obtained the CII Diploma in Insurance.  Now as a Director, her role at WSG London involves broking the Fine Art and Specie book of business along with managing the client services team.

Laura-Jade (LJ) has sixteen years of experience within the insurance industry, spanning multiple classes of business including Kidnap & Ransom, Property and Aviation. For the past eight years, she has specialised in Financial Lines developing deep expertise and a client-focused approach. Her expertise spans across D&O, EPL, PTL and Crime for clients based in UK and internationally in territories such as Australia, Canada, US and Europe.

Robert has worked in the Lloyd’s Insurance market for over 40 years. He started working for Anslow-Wilson and Amery carrying out numerous duties for this small family run business within the non-marine department. Robert first experienced Specie business in the early 90’s working for a large international insurance broker and continues to this day working within this class predominantly handling European Jewellers Block business.

Catherine has been working in the London market for many years and is specialised in the Jewellers Block and Fine Arts market. Catherine’s proficiency in languages being French, Spanish, Italian and German, has facilitated placements of facilities and risks for brokers across Europe.

Since starting his career at Bayly Martin and Fay as a junior broker in 1979, Simon dealt with a small portfolio of jewellery accounts whilst attending jewellery shows and cold calling the exhibitors. Simon continued to work for various Lloyd’s brokers producing and placing both UK and International Jewellers Block insurance. Nearly three decades ago, the broker Simon was working for were acquired by Besso where Simon worked as head of UK Jewellers Block until he joined WSG in 2023. With over 45 years’ experience in dealing with all aspects of specie business, across both direct and wholesale, and building a portfolio of clients for this whole time, Simon continues to be one of the most experienced jewellers block brokers in the market today.

Grant joined WSG London in 2023 and brings a wealth of experience in speciality broking in the jewellery, watch and fine art sector. With over 20 years’ experience looking after the insurance needs of many top jewellery designers, luxury watch and timepiece specialists and in all areas of the UK jewellery and watch industries.

James joined WSG London in January 2024 and brings 25 years’ Insurance Experience to the Team. Mainly specialising in UK Jewellers Block but can also assist with polices for Construction and Contractors All Risks, Professional Indemnity Combined, Property, Landlord Insurance, Commercial Combined, Fleet, Directors & Officers and Cyber amongst others. James was educated at Westcliff High School for Boys and currently resides nearby in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, but regularly travels throughout the UK to visit new and existing Clients.

Francesca has almost 15 years’ experience within the Jewellers Block insurance industry providing a vital technical role in the support of brokers and producers. She is responsible for the management and development of new and existing accounts whilst ensuring all client and broker needs are met to an optimal standard.

In 2021 Rohan completed his degree at the University of Derby and graduated with a First Class Honours in Marketing and Public Relations. He then joined WSG London as a document processing technician in February 2022 and began working towards the CII qualifications. After attaining the Certificate in Insurance, he is now studying for his Diploma and in March 2023, took on the role of Account Technician providing support to clients across various lines of business.

Ryan joined WSG London in 2023 and has since been contributing to the team as an Account Technician. His role involves providing essential support to brokers during various stages of the insurance placement process. Before joining WSG, Ryan earned a degree in Mathematics with Economics from the University of Loughborough. He is currently dedicated to advancing his career by pursuing a professional diploma, having successfully obtained the CII qualification in his first year with us.

Will joined WSG London at the beginning of 2024 as a Document Processing Technician, transitioning from roles in IT and the motor industry. Along with producing and dealing with clients on the documentation, Will also provides support to the Jewellers Block and Fine Art teams.

Starting her insurance career over eighteen years ago in the London insurance market, Ashley brings a wealth of knowledge, professionalism, and insight to her role. Having begun her career in 2007 as a Marine Claims Executive, she has since developed a deep and diverse.

understanding of both domestic and international markets. During her career, Ashley has spent three and a half years working within the Singapore Insurance market, initially as a PEC placing broker and later as a Property Placing Broker, gaining invaluable exposure to the nuances of global insurance placement and client management. Over the years, Ashley has built an extensive and impressive repertoire of experience spanning a wide variety of insurance classes, including but not limited to Power, Energy, Construction, Marine Hull and Machinery, Protection and Indemnity, Ports and Terminals, Entertainment, Jewellers Block, Fine Art and Specie and Cargo. Her comprehensive experience allows her to approach every challenge with both technical expertise and strategic vision. Ashley’s career progression is a testament to her dedication and capability. She has successfully held a number of roles, including Claims Manager and Senior Claims Executive, prior to being appointed as our Claims Director at WSG. In this role, she continues to deliver exceptional service to clients, ensuring claims are managed efficiently, transparently, and with the utmost care. Ashley is a key member of our team, driving forward our commitment to integrity, responsiveness, and results.

Holly joined WSG at the start of 2024 as a Claims Technician, bringing a passion for supporting brokers and underwriters. Over the past year, Holly has worked closely with industry professionals, assisting with claims and gaining valuable insights into the world of insurance. Her role includes collaboration with all the teams, offering her the opportunity to manage a diverse range of claims.

Will joined WSG London in 2024, where he plays a key role in managing the daily processes of receiving and releasing premiums to and from both Lloyd’s and company markets ensuring efficiency and accuracy.