Markerstudy Business has announced the appointment of long-serving executive Rich Morley as its new broking director. Morley, who has been with the Markerstudy Group for nearly 15 years, will lead the commercial division’s product development and growth initiatives, reporting directly to chief executive Ross Barrington as the company scales its operations.
Key takeaways
- Rich Morley promoted to broking director of the standalone commercial division.
- Appointment leverages 15 years of internal experience within the group’s retail niche products.
- The division aims to achieve £200 million in gross written premium.
- New van and fleet insurance propositions are scheduled for launch in the coming months.
Strategic internal appointment
The decision to appoint Morley from within the organisation represents a deliberate move to capitalise on established expertise. Rather than seeking an external candidate, Markerstudy has opted for a leader who is already intimately familiar with the group’s distribution infrastructure, data assets, and existing broker relationships. This continuity is expected to be vital as the standalone commercial division moves into a phase of rapid product build-out.
Morley’s remit is comprehensive, covering product development, the identification of new market opportunities, and supporting the wider team in driving growth. Brands operating under this division include Swinton Business, Hughes, CVD, One Insurance Solution, and the Lloyd’s broker, Clegg Gifford.
Market timing and expansion
Markerstudy Business is entering a critical period as it prepares to launch new van and fleet insurance propositions. The timing coincides with early signs of stabilisation in the UK van insurance market following a prolonged soft cycle. While premiums have seen a slight uptick, the company is prioritising disciplined underwriting to navigate the current financial landscape.
Industry analysis suggests that maintaining rigorous risk selection is essential, as the wider motor insurance sector faces ongoing pressure from claims and operational expenses. By focusing on niche areas such as motor trade, taxi, and courier insurance, Markerstudy aims to build a robust portfolio that balances growth with sustainable performance. Furthermore, the firm has indicated that a cyber product is in the pipeline, with an agriculture proposition currently under development.
Strengthening the group platform
This appointment occurs against a backdrop of significant expansion for the broader Markerstudy Group. Following the 2024 merger with the personal lines broking arm of Atlanta, the group now manages over £3 billion in annual gross written premium and maintains a workforce of approximately 7,000 employees. The group continues to refine its operational structure, most recently by bringing service functions in-house to ensure greater control over the customer experience. Under the leadership of Ross Barrington, the commercial division is well-positioned to leverage these extensive group resources to meet its ambitious financial targets.
Sources
- Rich Morley joins Markerstudy as broking director, Insurance Business.
