Jelf : announces senior appointments at SME Insurance Services

Jonathan Webber and Lee Tetley to drive forward SMEI proposition for small businesses

Jelf, a division of Marsh UK & Ireland, today announced new leadership positions for SME Insurance (SMEi) in order to take the business to the next stage of its development. Jonathan Webber, formerly Finance Director, is appointed Commercial Director and Lee Tetley, previously a Director of SMEi, is appointed Operations Director. Together, they will drive SMEi's business strategy forward in the UK small business and affinity insurance markets. Both will report to Duncan Carter, CEO, Jelf's Direct & Partnership (D&P) division.

SMEi, which was acquired by Marsh in August 2015, provides specialist commercial insurance and advice to over 25,000 small businesses across the UK through its sophisticated operation in Leeds, which utilises an advanced technology platform and comprehensive call centre capabilities.

Over the last 12 months, SMEi has invested in its outbound technology platform and expanded its products and services for major UK franchise brands, enabling Marsh and Jelf to offer more competitive packages to their clients.

Jonathan Webber joined SMEi in 2010 as Finance Director. As Commercial Director, he will continue to develop SMEi's business model and technological capabilities for small businesses in the hair and beauty, food and beverage, and retail sectors.

Lee Tetley was a founding member of SMEi's management team and as Managing Director, he was instrumental in the firm's rapid growth, which ultimately led to its acquisition by Marsh last year. He will be responsible for SMEi's strategic and day-to-day operations.

Phil Barton, CEO of Jelf, commented: 'SMEi has an excellent business model and is central to the development of Jelf's proposition in the community broking and small business insurance marketplace in the UK.

'As we further integrate our businesses across Marsh, Jelf and SMEi and develop our full insurance solution for small businesses, we will continue to invest in our small business and affinities programmes by introducing new products and enhancing our digital presence for clients. We also have exciting plans in place for colleague development, which will provide more opportunity and scope to grow with the firm.'

Jonathan Webber and Lee Tetley replace SMEi's joint CEOs Jason Gandy and Roger Snowden. Mr Gandy leaves the firm after successfully overseeing the integration of SMEi into Marsh's business over the past 12 months. Mr Snowden will continue to work in a consultancy role on key projects.