Management Team

Ian Gosden, Managing Director

Ian is the founder and Managing Director of Higos and has built the business from the ground up. He started his business life in 1986 working for GAN Life and Pensions, mainly as Branch Manager with a team of 18. He set up a new GAN office within 18 months of being with the company and in 1990 he set up Ian Gosden trading as Higos Financial Services. His key skills are developing new business areas, maintaining and developing relationships and negotiating contracts with insurance companies.


Claire Blaymires, Facilities Director & Group Company Secretary

Claire is the Director of Facilities and Group Company Secretary. She is responsible for the portfolio of property including maintenance and Health and Safety matters. She is also responsible for acquisitions and post sale integration. She has been in the Financial Services industry since 1994 joining Higos in 1997. Claire is CeMAP, and FPC qualified and has achieved her Diploma in Company Direction via the Institute of Directors.


Julian Unthank, HR Director

Julian is Human Resources Director and joined Higos in August 2007 following 22 years with Lloyds TSB in various Senior HR roles both in the UK and abroad. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development he is responsible for implementing and delivering the “People Strategy” focusing on resourcing, talent management, training, career development and learning opportunities.


Ian Shelton, Accounts Manager

Ian is Accounts Manager and joined Higos in February 2007 having gained 3 years experience as the financial and reporting accountant of Sinclair Pharma PLC where he was responsible for drafting the annual and interim reports, corporate governance and managing the transition from UK GAAP to IFRS. In addition over the last 10 years he has held financial controllership and senior management accounting roles within the main operating subsidiaries of several large PLC’s. Ian qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant in 1996 and subsequently worked in asset finance at Kredietfinance Corporation Limited a division of the major Dutch Bank KBC Bank NV.


Craig Clark, ICT Manager

Craig is the ICT Manager and is responsible for the day to day running and maintenance of the IT and communication systems. He has widespread knowledge and experience which is used when managing and implementing our IT strategies.

Ben Rowe, Compliance Manager

Ben is the Compliance Manager and is responsible for the Company’s compliance with regulation, overseeing management systems and modular training. He joined the Company in 1994 and is currently working towards his Diploma in Insurance qualification.




Donal Henry, Corporate Business Manager

Donal is our Corporate Business Manager, he has 20 years industry experience with Zurich (as a key account manager), RSA and McCarthy Insurance Group (as Commercial Manager). His responsibilities include the account executives, commercial claims and Chipping Sodbury branch.

Sarah Neale, Commercial Manager

Sarah is responsible for the Corporate Business team, Higos Underwriting and Business Enterprise. She joined the Company in 1994 and has her Diploma in Insurance qualification and is now working towards her ACII.





Trudy Brown, Personal Lines Manager

Trudy is Personal Lines Divisional Manager and is responsible for all personal lines insurance (non motor) including the Let Property scheme and Platinum team. Trudy had 8 years experience in the insurance industry before joining Higos in 1997. She successfully gained her Diploma in Insurance qualification and is now working towards her ACII.