Spotlight on… Alycia Thomson progressing from an apprentice to ACII chartered insurance broker

June 18, 2020

Alycia Thomson is a Client Services Manager. She features next in our series of spotlight stories on interesting and talented people across PIB Group. In this interview, Alycia discusses her career so far, what attracted her to PIB,  and a goal that is keeping her busy outside of work.

Tell us about a bit about yourself

I started my career at Hugh J Boswell insurance brokers as an apprentice in 2010. I decided I wanted to start a career which would allow me to gain work experience, as well as a qualification. An apprenticeship was the perfect path for me, as it allowed me to obtain my Certificate in Insurance and by the end of my apprenticeship, I was hooked. I continued studying until I achieved my ACII in 2016, and it took me a while, but it was worth it in the end. It not only taught me the industry but also the self-motivation required to achieve my goals.

I am now proud to say I am a Chartered Insurance Broker. The learning curve was steep, but I was surrounded by experienced and knowledgeable colleagues who helped with my development. My role evolved over time from being an Apprentice, to Corporate Account Handler, and working my way to become a Senior Account Handler.

In 2016, I joined PIB Insurance Brokers, which is part of PIB Group, as their Client Service Manager.

What do you do in your current role?

I work in the property and construction team, and my role as client service manager involves overseeing the account handling function based in Norwich. We have a great team of account handlers who provide support to the account executives in the London and Norwich offices. As well as managing the team, I work as senior account handler on a number of client accounts. My main priorities include making sure our renewal process runs smoothly, allocation of work and support and providing a high level of service to our clients.

What are you ‘famous for’?

Curly hair!

What attracted to you to PIB?

I was looking for the next step up in my career and PIB offered a great opportunity to work for a growing, client focused organisation and help to develop the account handler function for the London and Norwich team.

Best thing about being working for PIB?

The people and all my lovely colleagues I get to work with. I also really enjoy the variety of my work, there are constant challenges and never a dull day!

What is your biggest professional achievement?

I have recently taken on the role of President of the Insurance Institute of Norwich. I’ve been on the Norwich council for around four years as the Treasurer and now I will be in the Presidents role for the next 12 months. It’s a bit of a strange time to be leading the council but I am looking forward to keeping things on track for when things eventually return to normal.

How do you relax outside of work?

Prior to lockdown, I would have said spending time with friends, hitting the gym and going on holiday! Lockdown has given me a chance to slow down, so now it’s lots of reading, virtual catch ups and running. I’m currently training for my first marathon, which fingers crossed, will still be on in October 2020 in Amsterdam.

I also have a mischievous but very adorable little beagle, who keeps us busy.

Did you enjoy Alycia’s story? Her story follows on from our most recent spotlight on Sara Newell and you can read more about other colleagues around PIB from our website here www.pibgroup.co.uk.