Acrisure Nottingham, First Underwriting and Dale Underwriting Partners have each announced senior promotions and strategic hires in the UK, underscoring continued investment in talent and growth across the insurance market.
First Underwriting appoints commercial director
First Underwriting has appointed Simon Taylor as commercial director as the specialist MGA accelerates its expansion across new schemes, products and regions.
In his new role, Taylor will work closely with the underwriting and claims teams to strengthen insurance solutions for brokers’ consumer and commercial clients. The appointment forms part of First Underwriting’s broader strategy to diversify its portfolio and extend its UK footprint.
The move follows other senior hires, including the 2025 appointments of Chris Bernstead and Dominic Kelly, who were brought in to lead the firm’s real estate division.
Acrisure Nottingham strengthens teams following rebrand
Acrisure Nottingham has made a series of promotions and a key hire across its commercial and private client teams as it continues to embed the Acrisure brand in the UK market.
The broker has promoted Bridget Knowles and George Fox-Smith to commercial account executives, while Ed Hall has joined the business as a private client account handler.
Knowles joined legacy firm Russell Scanlan in 2001 after beginning her career at General Accident, where she worked across the Midlands, London and the North West. Fox-Smith joined the business eight years ago as a private client account handler, supporting high-net-worth individuals with bespoke personal policies and claims, before moving into the commercial team in 2021.
Hall joins with an Economics and Business degree from the University of Exeter, with the firm highlighting his strong academic background and positive approach to professional development.
Russell Scanlan formally rebranded as Acrisure Nottingham in January 2026, following its acquisition by the global, fintech-driven broker in 2022. The rebrand enables the business to continue operating with its established team while benefiting from Acrisure’s scale, technology and international reach.
Dale Underwriting Partners creates new leadership role
Dale Underwriting Partners has further expanded its specialist capabilities with the creation of a new head of portfolio solutions role, appointing industry veteran Kevin Flack to lead the function.
Flack joins from Atrium, where he spent 25 years and most recently served as head of North American property and casualty binders. He brings extensive experience in delegated authority arrangements and specialty insurance lines to the newly created position.
