Avid hires specialist underwriter to boost growth plans

04 September 2020

Avid hires senior specialist underwriter to boost growth plans.

Avid Insurance Services [Avid] has hired specialist underwriter Michael Patchett. Patchett joins Avid on 1 September from his previous role at Lloyds Syndicate DTW 1991. His specialisms include equine, motorsport and leisure.

Patchett’s appointment follows the announcement last week (24 August) that Mark Cliff has joined the Leeds and London-based MGA as chairman. Avid, an MGA which is majority owned by Beech Tree Private Equity, specialises in social housing, council leasehold markets and travel.

Avid MD Stephen Gibson said Patchett’s appointment marks the first step in his plans to build out the underwriting expertise of the business. “I’m delighted to welcome Michael to Avid. He is hugely experienced with nearly 35 years in the industry, and brings added breadth to our proposition.”

“The pandemic put a temporary hold on our search for senior underwriting talent but we now want to move ahead at pace and make more appointments during the next few months.”

Michael Patchett said that he had focused on sport, leisure and equine sectors for the past 20 years. “Personal relationships have been key to the long-term success of my portfolio and many of my brokers and contacts have traded with me during this entire period.”

“I am excited to be joining Avid at this stage in its journey. Steve Gibson, John Inwood (commercial director) and the team share the same business philosophy as me and are the perfect partner for the next stage of my career.”

Michael Patchett brief biography:

Michael has held senior underwriting roles at some of the UK’s leading insurance providers. including R&Q Just Underwriting Group Limited (2011-13), and Aon Limited (1999-2008). Prior to joining Avid, Michael was head of specialty, Lloyds Syndicate DTW 1991, which he joined in 2013.

About Avid

Avid Insurance is an established general insurance Intermediary and managing general agent. It holds both Lloyd's cover holder and broker status placing a wide variety of personal lines and commercial products into the market.

Avid specialises in the social housing sector, travel and associated insurance and property insurance, together with niche insurance schemes and products.

With its range of Insurer partners, Avid Insurance will be able to produce a bespoke insurance solution to meet clients’ specific needs together with ongoing product and management support.

Visit http://www.avidinsurance.co.uk

More information contact: Ben Welsh – 07568 382040