Woodgate & Clark expands broker support with BIBA tie

Woodgate & Clark has expanded its broker support operations with new hires and an association with BIBA, as the claims specialist seeks closer ties with insurance brokers.

It has become an associate of the British Insurance Brokers’ Association, appointed Jack Steel as Director of Major Loss Operations, and hired a client relationship manager in Manchester to develop broker relationships across the North West.

The changes are part of a broader push to strengthen its position with brokers, at a time when demand for external claims and loss adjusting support has risen as firms seek responsive service and clear communication with policyholders during claims.

Woodgate & Clark has also expanded its major loss and liability operations. Alongside Steel’s appointment, Gary Eaton has joined as Technical Director in Third Party Property Damage and Gareth Hadfield has been promoted to Technical Director for Injury.

The business operates in loss adjusting and claims management, serving insurers and brokers across personal and commercial lines. Since joining parent group Van Ameyde in 2015, it has gained access to wider European claims handling and survey expertise.

Broker focus

The Manchester-based broker relationship role reflects the company’s regional approach as it looks to build links with intermediaries outside London. The North West remains a significant insurance hub, with a concentration of regional brokers and claims activity.

Becoming a BIBA associate also gives the firm a formal route into the UK broker network. Trade body associations often help raise supplier visibility in the broking market, particularly for service providers that rely on nominated partnerships and long-term claims relationships.

In recent years, loss adjusting firms have faced pressure to demonstrate not only technical expertise in complex claims but also strong customer communication, especially in property, business interruption and liability cases where claims can become prolonged and contentious.

The recent investment is intended to respond to those expectations. The business works across specialist personal lines, commercial property, business interruption, entertainment and media, the London market and contractor networks.

Mike Higgins outlined the company’s approach to broker relationships.

“BIBA is always an important event for us and we are really looking forward to connecting with brokers from across the market. As a nominated loss adjuster and claims partner, our expertise across the claims lifecycle can help set brokers apart, supporting their relationships with insurers while boosting customer retention rates. Our aim is to give brokers confidence that when a claim occurs, their clients will receive expert, responsive support,” said Mike Higgins, Managing Director of Woodgate & Clark.

The appointment of a Director of Major Loss Operations points to continued focus on large and technically complex claims, where insurers and brokers often seek experienced external specialists. In liability, the addition of senior technical roles in property damage and injury suggests the company is also strengthening discipline-specific oversight.

Across the insurance market, claims service has become a more visible factor in brokers’ selection of external partners. Poor claims handling can affect client retention and insurer relationships, particularly when customers judge an insurance product by the quality of support they receive after a loss.

Woodgate & Clark serves most parts of the insurance market, including heritage and high-net-worth personal lines as well as commercial risks. Through Van Ameyde, it also has access to marine and non-marine claims handling services, loss prevention consultancy and technical surveys across Europe.