meet our people
Helen Richards
Business Leader Graduate
“The company has a strong culture and vision, and its size means you can forge strong relationships with colleagues from all business areas.”
I joined Ecclesiastical in 2007 as a graduate trainee after completing my degree in Business Management at the University of Gloucestershire. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do for my career, but fortunately my degree was a sandwich course and after enjoying my third year working as a claims handler at an insurance company I decided I’d like to work in the insurance industry.
I spent my first nine months at Ecclesiastical in the underwriting centre as a commercial underwriter. Throughout that time I would rarely find myself doing the same thing; some days I was in the office working on case underwriting, other days I was out visiting customers or brokers with surveyors or development underwriters – I could go on!
A real highlight of my experience so far was spending a week with one of Ecclesiastical’s brokers. I was involved in several of their client meetings and saw, at first-hand, the issues they face and how the insurers’ actions impact on their business. I was also involved in several of their client meetings, which included a trip to Monkey World! Another great experience was a week spent in the Dublin office, which provided me with an interesting insight into different market conditions.
Since that first placement I have been to our Business Statistics and Business Finance departments. In each of these areas I have been given an active role, which I very much enjoy. Recently, I have been to Ireland again to complete the budget and five-year plan.
My first year at Ecclesiastical has been both busy and enjoyable, and has absolutely flown by. The company has a strong culture and vision, and its size means you can forge strong relationships with colleagues from all business areas. In addition, there are always plenty of opportunities to work on business projects where you can really make a contribution outside your specific placement.
