QBE restructures new business trade credit team to support growth opportunities

Authored by QBE Head of Media Relations & Content Sandra Villanueva

QBE has appointed Gary Payne as Senior Underwriter, Trade Credit to support and grow QBE’s presence in the North of England and Scotland as part of a restructure in the trade credit team supporting new business.

Gary joins from Coface where he was Senior Sales Executive for Trade Credit insurance. In his new role, he will be responsible for all new business with turnover in excess of £35m in the region. He will be based in Manchester and report to Dave Murray, Head of New Business.

In addition, as part of the team restructure:

• Jack Staniforth, Underwriter for Trade Credit will be taking on responsibility for all new business enquiries in the South West, Midlands, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland.
• Harry Bennion, along with Ruth Copperwheat, will now focus on servicing existing QBE customers in the South.
• Abbie Sandford will continue in role in London and the South East, but with increased responsibility for all new business with turnover in excess of £10m.
• Stephen Watson, will work side by side with Gary Payne servicing £10-35m turnover business in the North of England and Scotland.

Trevor Williams, Head of Trade Credit and Surety, QBE Europe, said: “Trade Credit Insurance has become an increasingly critical part of a business’s risk management as our customers navigate a turbulent economic outlook. The new business team restructure and the new appointments will help further support our customers throughout the regions we operate in.”

The changes follow those made in March 2023 which saw Dave Murray appointed to Head of New Business for Trade Credit with responsibility for new business generation, working closely with brokers to consider new opportunities for Trade Credit.