Meet the team

Karl's Bio

Karl started what’s known as Premier Insurance today in 1992, after purchasing a property in Winsford that was previously a hairdresser, turning it into an insurance centre. Alongside John, Karl co-owns Premier Insurance.

After leaving school, he attended college to study Business Studies including Economics, Accountancy and Law. Karl’s first love was the beautiful game but after failing to become a professional football player, he fell into insurance aged 19. Joining a high street brokerage as a Trainee Manager, progressing to Branch Manager in just 12 months. Over the next 2 years, Karl evolved to manage the largest branch in the region.

When Karl was 29, he had successfully opened a ‘cold start’ for a brokerage and decided to take the plunge to start up on his own, which would become Premier Insurance. At the time, Winsford had four other brokers, now Premier is the only one. In the years since, Karl has grown the business from strength to strength but has always kept the same vison since day one - “Service from start to finish”.

In his spare time, Karl enjoys watching football and has been a proud Stoke City FC season ticket holder for over 40 years. He also loves cooking, eating, drinking, and socialising with friends and family. As well as this, he’s also a keen fly fisherman.

John's Bio

John joined Premier Insurance in 2013 as Commercial director and later co-owner of the business.

In 1987, John started work in a High Street Insurance Brokerage -Deansgate Insurance, just before his 18th birthday. During his first couple of years, he worked serving customers at the counter, before deciding to make the switch to an insurer. John went on to work for Co-Operative Insurance Services, RAC Insurance Services and Guardian Royal Exchange which is now part of AXA Insurance.

John started work at Blackfriars Insurance Brokers as an Account executive, selling commercial insurance. Just after his 30th birthday, he was made Director and shareholder of the business.
In 2013, John resigned his directorship in Blackfriars and moved to Premier Insurance Centre to set up the commercial division.

John likes to be busy, apart from his role within Premier, he currently runs a property letting business, he has built his own pub in his garden, and he enjoys most countryside pursuits. John previously trained to be an Auto Electrician and feels just as at home in a garage, as he does behind a keyboard.

Carl's Bio

Carl joined Premier Insurance in 2020 initially as Motor Trade Development Manager, becoming the Commercial Lines Manager in 2021.

Carl has been working in the insurance industry for over 27 years, his career started at Independent Insurance in 1997, which was straight from school. He worked in the London market in Business Administration and Claims, later holding various roles in Commercial Underwriting at NIG, AXA and QBE.

Carl specialises in Motor Trade, and brings a wealth of experience and expertise, with exceptional communication skills and dedication to customer service.
He leads our Commercial and Sales team and is the lead underwriter for our in-house Motor Trade scheme.

Outside of work, he is kept busy by his 3 children and enjoys travelling with the family, swimming, and watching football.

Vanessa's Bio

Vanessa joined in 2014 and leads Premier Insurance Centres, dedicated Personal Lines team in delivering comprehensive solutions to meet the unique needs of our clients’.

With over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, Vanessa brings a wealth of knowledge, strategic vision, innovative thinking, and commitment to excellence.

Vanessa started her career at D W Laxton’s as an Office Junior straight from school and later went on to become Branch Manager. Vanessa has extensive Insurance experience in all Products and works closely with the team to ensure each client receives personalised attention and expert guidance, personally leading Premier Insurance’s Henderson Taylor Track Day Scheme.

Outside of work, Vanessa loves animals (more than people) and enjoys exploring the countryside with her dogs. She likes DIY and that sense of achievement when you have done a job yourself! One of the many stories Vanessa can tell you, is she has shared a bed with a baboon while working in an animal sanctuary in Namibia.

Sue's Bio

Sue joined Millers Insurance, which was acquired by Premier in 2002, she started as a Commercial Account Handler, Office manager and later moving over into the Accounts and Compliance team.

Sue started her career back in 1989 at the Stretford office for the AA before becoming a District Insurance Specialist covering the whole of South Manchester. She moved from the AA to Swinton in 1999 working as a Senior Customer Service Advisor. Sue plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth running of the office, with strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. She oversees a wide range of functions and supports the team in delivering exceptional service to clients.

Outside of work, Sue loves her holidays, watching football from grassroot to professional levels, and spending time with her family.

Claire's Bio

Claire started her insurance career in 1988 for Trentside Insurance in Hanley; starting on a Youth Training Scheme (YTS), studying for CII Certification of Proficiency Level 1 and 2, at 16 years of age.

Claire then joined Premier Insurance in 1997 within the Personal Lines department and moved over to Accounts in 2010. Claire specialises (in her own words) – “getting stressed every time Karl and John decide to acquire a new brokerage.”

Claire insists on not having much spare time due to having a husband and 3 kids. She does however, enjoy gardening in her 3 allotments.

Michelle's Bio

Michelle started working for a Commercial Insurance brokerage in 1996, initially involved in marketing. Within five years, Michelle had managed to develop her role to include marketing, organising, and visiting customers; helping to build a relationship between customers and the business. Between 2002 and 2013, Michelle worked for three other brokerages including a national insurance brokerage, and a commercial brokerage specialising in multinational clients, operating in Europe and the US.

In 2013, Michelle decided to follow her husband John and join the Premier team; helping to build what is now a large commercial department looking after new and existing clients alike. Michelle’s role has developed into a hybrid one, not only working dealing with a handful of long-standing clients but leading on Human Resources.

Michelle loves spending time with her family and friends, sharing her love of cooking and entertaining. Her other interests extend to her local community, becoming a town councillor in 2003 and later Mayor of Sandbach Town Council in 2004/5. Michelle is passionate about supporting and sponsoring two charities close to her heart, Prostate Cancer and Multiple Sclerosis.

Lousie's Bio

Louise joined Premier Insurance in 2022 as Commercial Account Executive, bringing years of experience in the industry.

Louise started her career in insurance in 2007, working at Swinton with a background in Private Cars, Home Insurance, Landlords Policies and Motor Trade. She is proactive and works closely with clients to understand them and their specific needs and takes pride in building long-lasting relationships.

Outside of the office, Louise enjoys running and spending time with her dogs.

Aled's Bio

Aled started his career insurance in February 2020, and began an accelerated training programme at Premier Insurance centre and looks after some of the most complex risks they deal with.

He studied journalism at the University of Chester and graduated in 2019 with a 2:1 BA Hons. He came into the industry straight from university, previously working in retail where he gained customer service skills.

Aled specialises in Property & Casualty and Motor Fleet; mostly working on high-end property portfolios and heavy liability based products. Aled primarily focuses on Premier Insurance’s major clients and maintaining those relationships and writing new business across different products.

Outside of work, Aled is a big rugby and football fan, supporting Everton, Sale Sharks and Wales. He’s a collector of vinyl’s and CDs, loves listening to music and attending gigs. Keen craft beer drinker and can ‘often’ be found in Chester’s Independent bars. As a teenager, Aled achieved a grade 7 in Piano and also enjoys playing the guitar.

Alex's Bio

Alex has been with Premier Insurance since May 2022, when he started his insurance career. Alex has completed the relevant study work in the summer of 2024, and very quickly established himself as a proactive account executive.

Before becoming an insurance, broker Alex was involved in a number of sports and worked as a Lifeguard and Swimming Coach until the age of 23 to pay his way.

Alex is a specialist Motor Trade broker, but he has a working knowledge of most commercial insurance products.

In his spare time, Alex enjoys spending time with friends and family as well as watching and playing football.

Julie's Bio

Julie joined Premier in 2021 and plays a vital role in ensuring an efficient and effective process for all Premier’s commercial clients.

Julie previously worked in healthcare before joining, she has a keen eye for detail and is known for her professionalism and ability to multitask.

She enjoys spending time with the family and is fascinated with true crime documentaries.

Val's Bio

Val joined Premier Insurance as a Clerical Assistant in 2006 and brings a wealth of experience to her role as a Commercial Account Handler.

Val started work straight out of school and gained experience in customer facing roles prior to joining, working in Administration and as a Teaching Assistant. Val has been specialising in Motor Trade since 2012, her hands-on experience brings invaluable expertise to the team and her exceptional communication skills and dedication to service guides our clients through every step of the insurance process.

In her spare time, Val has been involved with Scouts for over 25 years, currently acting as Chairperson supporting the Group Scout leader. Family is important for Val, she loves spending time with her sons and grandchildren. In fact, she is enjoying travelling around following her sons career path as a football Referee Assistant.

Charlotte's Bio

Charlotte joined Premier Insurance as Commercial Account Handler in 2022, specialising in Motor Trade.

Prior to joining our team, Charlotte worked in several positions in Conveyancing, Pensions administration and was previously a Personal Assistant. Known for her exceptional administration skills and commitment to customer service, Charlottle takes pride in building strong relationships with clients.

Charlotte is well travelled, living overseas for 10 years. She loves spending time with her two boys, escaping on City breaks, and going to the theatre.

Max's Bio

Max kickstarted his career at Premier Insurance in 2021 and has gone from strength to strength. Alongside his role, he is currently working towards his Cert CII insurance qualification.

Max is new to insurance, having previously worked for a local council. In his previous role, Max developed strong communication skills and a proactive approach, which he has brought to his role. He takes the time to understand each client’s needs and challenges, collaborating closely to provide tailored plans, specialising in Fleet and Property Insurance.

Away from the office, Max regularly plays football and enjoys watching most sports.

Danny's Bio

Danny started his career in insurance in 2019 when he joined Premier, first in the Personal Lines Team and now in the Commercial Team, specialising in Property Owners and Liability Insurance.

Since joining the team, Danny has completed his CII qualification and has gained extensive hands-on experience, working closely with clients to guide them through every stage of their insurance journey.

Danny is a keen golfer and a huge music lover, often going to festival and gigs.

Jane's Bio

Jane joined Premier in 2015 and has extensive experience with all aspects of insurance including Personal, Commercial, Motor Trade, Pensions, and Life Insurance to name a few.

Jane started working at Tomlinson Heath Insurance Co Ltd in 1984 for a summer job, she enjoyed it so much she left college to make Insurance her permanent career. Jane went on to become Company Director of Tomlinson Heath in 1989 until she and her business partner sold it to the Swinton group in 2004.

Within her 40 years insurance career, she has gained extensive knowledge and experience; maintaining that she has remained in the industry for so long, the most enjoyable aspect of her role is dealing with clients and being able to provide the highest standard of service for their insurance requirements. She has formed long established, trusting, and professional relationships over the years.

In her free time, as well as spending time with her family, she loves travelling, hiking, Pilates, being by the sea, reading for her book club, cooking, socialising, music and is always the first and last on the dance floor!