’I will be able to play a pivotal role with the board to ensure they meet their strategic ambitions,’ says appointee

Earlier this month (15 January 2024), Mark Huxley was appointed non-executive chairman of insurance agency BareRock.

The firm made the move as part of its plans to “fix the broken professional indemnity insurance (PII) system” via a tailored offering.

This aims to provide firms taking a risk-mitigation approach with “fairer and more stable” premiums.

Huxley will use his business expertise and strategic know-how to help further strengthen the management team and roll out the concept.

This is not the only board Huxley sits on, with him also being a special adviser for independent financial services consultancy Altus Consulting.

Huxley is also an adviser for the Forum of Insurance Lawyers (Foil), a position he has held for four years.

60 seconds with Mark Huxley

Mark Huxley NE Chaiman right

Mark Huxley (right), Jonathan Newell (left)

Speaking about Barerock’s proposition, Huxley told Insurance Times: “I really love both the team and their proposition. 

“As non-executive chairman, I will be able to play a pivotal role with the board to ensure they meet their strategic ambitions. I’d like to think my extensive industry experience will come in useful as I advise them across all the key operational areas too.”

Fraught with complexity

When asked why this was an exciting time to join BareRock, Huxley added that he “loved the approach BareRock is taking”.

“Insurance for financial advice firms has always been fraught with complexity, especially given the nature of how distribution works,” he said.

”This can make underwriting for these types of businesses difficult and experience shows many advisers struggle to obtain comprehensive cover at fair and stable premiums.

”By getting clients to invest time and effort at the outset in the level of information we ask them to provide, and by demonstrating the long-term benefits as the policy matures through discounts and stable premiums, we build a mutually invested relationship, built on transparency and trust.

“That’s something to get excited about.”