Meet the Team

Paul Goldsmith – Managing Director

Paul has been in the insurance industry for over 30 years owning Gardners from 1992 to 2006 when he sold the business to Cullum Capital Ventures. As Managing Director he is responsible for planning the continued growth of the business which has seen it grow by over 400% since 2006, as a result of organic growth and acquisitions. He continues to ensure that Gardners provides a level of service second to none for all clients.

Ann Charlwood – Commercial Account Executive

Ann originally worked and trained with the Royal but change sides and started working in broking. The opportunity arose for Ann to buy the business, which she did in 1995. The business dealt with Personal Lines and Commercial insurance with the main business coming the way of commercial insurance. Ann sold the business to Cullum Capital Ventures in 2009.

Bob Paton – Personal Lines Account Handler

Bob’s insurance career started in 1970. He worked as a broker for Aron insurance which he joined in 1988. Bob then joined Gardners Insurance Services in 2009 when Aron insurance was brought by Cullum Capital Ventures. Bob currently deals with personal lines and commercial insurance.

Andy Mills – Personal Lines Account Handler

Andy started working for Gardners Insurance Services in 2009 dealing with Taxi, Private Car, Commercial vehicle, Household and Travel insurance. Andy has worked in the insurance industry for 11 years dealing mainly in fleet insurance, personal lines insurance and taxi insurance. Andy has worked in underwriting and broking.

John Fuller – Sales Director

We saw the arrival of John in February 2008 having transferred from sister company Towergate. With over 35 years experience of commercial and private client insurance broking in sales, marketing and management roles. John brings practical experience of providing service to clients and affinity groups. Combining a strong technical grasp of insurance with experience of running businesses. John is well placed to guide business owners on how to achieve the balance of insurance, self-insurance and value that is right for their needs.

Chris Watson – Account Executive Commercial and fleet Insurance

Chris joined the team in April 2010 to handle the placing of new business. He has been in the insurance industry since 1971 having gained a wealth of knowledge in all classes of the business through experience in both underwriting and broking markets. Chris is fully focused on customer satisfaction in order to tailor the needs of our clients’ commercial insurance requirements.

Fred Cerva – Account Handler Commercial Insurance

Fred has worked with us since 2001 and has 40 years experience handling complex insurance solutions with skill and integrity. With a background of working in the tough South African insurance market, Fred combines first hand knowledge of multi-site, multi-country risks with a wry wit. Fred brings a tenacious approach to the settlement of claims on behalf of our clients.

Sally Franklin – Account Handler Commercial Insurance

Sally is an account handler dealing with commercial clients. Sally has been with the company since 2007 and prides herself in her customer relationships and high service standards ensuring professionalism and commitment to her clients at all times.

Paul Robinson - Account Executive Commercial and Fleet Insurance

Paul is a seasoned professional with a strong following from clients based in London and the Home Counties. Like other colleagues, Paul joined the company in 2009 with 30 years professional experience in the insurance industry both as an underwriter and broker. Clients advised by Paul are in all industries and professions but Paul specialises in the haulage and motor trade sectors.

Chelsie Phillips – Account Executive Personal Lines and Small Fleet Insurance

Chelsie joined the Personal Lines department in 2008. Since joining the team Chelsie has concentrated on providing clients new insurances for home, car and travel insurance, while also assisting clients with claims and queries on existing personal policies. Chelsie’s commitment to ensuring customer satisfaction means our clients always receive the highest quality service.

Ami Evans – Account Handler Personal Lines

Ami is a talented account handler who focuses on the renewal of policies for families and private clients. Valued by clients and colleagues, Ami is very hard working and detailed in her approach to helping clients secure the best value for home or car insurance. Ami has worked with us since 2007 and has a very thorough understanding of client needs.

Steven Barnard –Personal Lines Account Handler

Steve Joined Gardners in August 2011.He started working as a broker in 1985. Steve has extensive knowledge of all Personal Lines insurance including Commercial vehicle. Steve’s knowledge of the personal lines markets ensure he provides a very high level of service.