Insurance broker and financial adviser Lycetts has announced a series of senior leadership promotions as part of its strategy to drive growth and reinforce its position across the UK.
Simon Aitken has been appointed head of office for general insurance in Newcastle, while Cristina Ion takes on the same role in Edinburgh. They are joined by Dorothy Pigg, who becomes chair of the commercial leadership group, and Toby Heathcoat Amory, who will chair the household and private client leadership group. Collectively, Pigg and Heathcoat Amory bring more than 25 years of experience at Lycetts, providing both continuity and depth to the leadership team.
The firm has also introduced a newly created chief of staff role, appointing Gill Teasdale to the position.
Responding to Market Pressures
Lycetts’ latest announcement comes against the backdrop of intensifying competition in the UK broking market, where independent firms continue to face mounting pressure from large consolidators and private equity-backed intermediaries. In response, many small and mid-sized brokers are reinforcing their leadership structures, investing in technology, and placing greater emphasis on client-centric service models to stand out.
At the same time, both insurers and brokers are contending with a challenging environment shaped by regulatory change, rising costs, and increasingly demanding client expectations.
For firms like Lycetts, strengthening leadership teams is seen as critical to sustaining growth and safeguarding their independence in a sector where scale is becoming ever more influential.
Part of the Benefact Group, Lycetts is among the UK’s leading independently operated insurance brokers, specialising in farm and estate, commercial, household, and equine insurance, alongside financial services advice.
