A day in the life of a broker

Name: Wes Richards
Job title: Broker
Specialist area: Professional liabilities
Joined Miller: August 1996

What qualifications did you have when you joined Miller?

I joined Miller after completing my A Levels.

Can you explain your career journey so far at Miller?

I started my career at Miller on an A Level training scheme. I spent one month in each business unit; one week was spent broker shadowing and learning about the different types of business we deal with, and three weeks were spent as an Office Assistant. The scheme was due to run for 12 months, but after six, I applied for a position as a Claims Technician / Broker.

After two and a half years, I decided to move from claims to a placing broking role. So I became what I am today - a Placing Broker of professional risks, working in the professional indemnity / errors and omissions team.

How would you describe a typical working day for you?

There is no typical day - the job changes all the time. I tend to start by going through my broking case from the previous day, preparing for the day ahead of me. I manage a team of four and each morning I divide the tasks between us. Our work comes from the account handlers of the errors and omissions team, as well as from clients and underwriters. On a daily basis, I work on between five and ten accounts. This involves going to the Lloyds market / London Underwriting Centre twice a day, negotiating with underwriters and placing risks.

What aspects of your role do you most enjoy?

I enjoy my job immensely. The most challenging part is when you are trying to win an account against a competitor. You have to work immensely hard to get the best terms and conditions and an appropriate quote. I get a real buzz when the whole risk is placed and we win the account.

Do you get to travel for Miller?

My area of business is not as glamorous as others because my clients are based in the UK. I attend a lot of seminars across the UK and get to do some client entertaining, which in the past has included sailing trips and playing golf in France!

How would you describe the Miller culture?

The ethos is very professional. In preparing for FSA authorisation in January 2005, Miller set its standards above the scope of what was required. We always aim to be a cut above the rest and to exceed expectations. Miller is also a friendly and supportive place to work. I am part of the Miller football and go-karting teams. The team spirit at Miller is second to none.

Are you studying for any professional qualifications?

Apart from the Miller Technical Development Programme, I have not begun studying for any professional qualifications yet. However, I am a buddy for one of our 2004 graduates and I have committed myself to taking the same professional examinations as him over the coming two years.