Mike Hallam, a former underwriting manager at Towergate, promoted into the role

Mike Hallam has been promoted to Biba’s new head of technical services.

He replaces Steve Foulsham who retired on Wednesday after eight years with the trade body.

Hallam’s role will include answering members’ technical enquiries, overseeing schemes and facilities on behalf of members, and responding to government consultations.

He will also work with the Law Commission and Biba’s technical committees; motor, property, liability and trade credit.

Before joining Biba, Foulsham was a broker and before that he worked as an inspector for the National Employer’s Mutual and Norwich Union (now Aviva). He was also a commercial underwriter at The Royal, before it became RSA.

Biba chief executive Steve White said: “Steve was still working well beyond 4.30pm on his last day and was giving us 100% even by the end. It is a real mark of the man that he is.”

“Steve is a very nice guy - technically spot on and you won’t find anyone to say a bad word about him. He is hugely respected in the industry and will be a tough act to follow, but we have every confidence that Mike can do the job.”

Hallam joined Biba about 16 months ago, reporting to Foulsham. He previously worked for Towergate Underwriting as underwriting manager, for their entertainment division and at Commercial Union, as commercial underwriter.