JM Glendinning Insurance Brokers in Blackburn has strengthened its team with the appointment of senior insurance professional, Michelle Harness, as an account director, to support its significant growth plans. 

Michelle brings with her over 30 years of insurance industry experience, including roles at Berry Insurance Brokers, CCV in Swinton and Lorica Insurance Brokers. As an account director based at the JM Glendinning Blackburn office, her new role will involve growing the company’s client portfolio and supporting the team as the business expands.

Currently vice president of the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) of Preston & Blackpool, Michelle will take over as the professional body’s president later this year giving her exposure to, and influence over, key industry decisions in the area. Something Michelle believes will be of added benefit to JM Glendinning clients.  

Michelle says: “I joined the CII of Preston and Blackpool four years ago and will take the reins of the president role in the next few months which will be rewarding and a great honour. I’m very excited to be joining JM Glendinning Blackburn because I know there are already extremely talented people working here and I wanted to be instrumental in the business’ journey. I also knew the business would support me in developing my own skills and I will learn from the best in the business.

“I am very committed to everything I do and have the ability to look at situations and find solutions for what at first might seem like a potential problem. I believe treating every client and colleague the way you would expect to be treated will never steer you wrong; customer service is everything when retaining client relationships.”

JM Glendinning Blackburn managing director, Matthew Stuttard, says: “I knew I had to work with Michelle as soon as I was introduced to her. Her professionalism, personality, technical knowledge and experience made her a perfect fit for us. Investing in great people creates a great insurance broker. It's as simple as that.  

“We are relentlessly focusing on delivering the very best service and proposition for Lancashire businesses and we have significant growth plans over the next few years. This will see us continue to invest in recruiting great people, like Michelle, along with looking to acquire high quality local brokers.” 

Part of the JMG Group and specialising in business and personal insurance, JM Glendinning prides itself on providing services to high professional standards and securing competitive terms on a wide range of insurance, including cyber liability; commercial risk; professional indemnity; public liability and personal insurance.