Gallagher has expanded its Manchester-based trade credit and surety team with two new hires, who will help the firm build out its footprint in the north of England.

Colin Cunningham and Rachel Smailes both join from Marsh, a rival brokerage firm.

Cunningham (pictured) becomes Gallagher’s national sales leader for trade credit and surety, a UK-wide role. He brings 28 years of experience, having spent the past 17 at Marsh, where he most recently held a similar position. At Gallagher, he will support the wider national teams and look to maximise opportunities arising from customers across the firm’s network of regional branches.

Smailes has joined as account executive, bringing 27 years of experience in trade credit. She joined Marsh in 1998 and was most recently client advisor leader. In her new role, she will take responsibility for managing and building client portfolios and support the business development agenda for the north.

Gallagher writes in a statement that the decision to scale up the practice in Manchester “comes on the back of strong 20% organic revenue growth across the UK niche” and “a growing proportion of both clients and new business opportunities arising in the north”.

Commenting on the two hires, Tim Fisher, UK managing director of trade credit and surety, says: “Colin’s proven track record in sales planning, delivery and leadership will ensure not only our trade credit and surety team members, but also our wider Gallagher colleagues, are fully supported in helping clients manage their evolving risk exposures. Rachel is another great addition to our growing team bringing huge experience, market insight and customer service skills as we look to build out our footprint across the north.”