Insurance sector raises a toast to young professional of the year

The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) of Exeter has presented Lloyd & Whyte’s Commercial Development Manager Judy Harris with the coveted David Grimley Young Professional of the Year Award at its 93rd annual dinner, held at Sandy Park.

Judy joined Taunton based Lloyd & Whyte in 2000. As well as developing her career through a series of senior roles she has been pivotal in mentoring colleagues towards achieving industry – recognised qualifications through study groups and 1-2-1 coaching as well as helping to develop the company’s in-house sales training programme.

The David Grimley Award for Young Professional of the Year recognises the professional development and achievements of young professionals across Exeter, Taunton, Torquay and North Devon.

It was first presented in 2006 in remembrance of the late Claims Manager of St Paul Travelers. David Grimley began his career in 1963 in the motor department of the Co-operative Insurance Services in his home town of Manchester and joined Shipton Insurance Services in 1966. A year later he left to join Minster Insurance before joining St Paul Travelers as personal lines claims manager in 1990. Thoughout his career David mentored and trained generations of claims handlers.

Lloyd & Whyte is one of the largest independent insurance brokers in the South West providing specialist insurance services to professional affinity groups and their members including the British Medical Association, British Dental Association, British Veterinary Association, Association of Optometrists and British Chiropractic Association.

Pete Lishman, Managing Director at Lloyd & Whyte Ltd, said:

“Judy is one of the major driving forces behind the company’s growth in recent years and we are delighted she has won the award which is richly deserved.”

Mark Fowles, partner at insurance law firm Browne Jacobson who sponsored the award, added:

“This prize is awarded each year to one local insurance or financial services professional who has demonstrated the highest levels of attitude, performance and achievement in their career.

“It is an award that recognises those individuals that have gone the extra mile and delivered exceptional levels of service.

“Judy is a worthy recipient of this prestigious award. The quality of her work, professionalism and commitment to personal development and mentoring her colleagues through a multi-channel approach really impressed the judges.

“The CII is fully committed to developing the professionalism and capability of the market and initiatives such as The David Grimley Award can make a valuable contribution in this area.”