Underwriting Team

Tony Usher

Managing Director

email Tony | call Tony on: +44 (0) 1943 882 700

The Concept Special Risks Ltd. that exists today is the result of decades of Tony’s hard work and successful management. After forging a highly successful career in the insurance industry, Tony took his expertise into the specialised field of pleasurecraft insurance in the Atlantic Hurricane region and later collected together a small group of staff here in Yorkshire. Tony is a keen golfer and enjoys spending time with his family and friends both in the US and UK where he splits his time.

Kathy Smith

Administration Manager

email Kathy | call Kathy on: +44 (0) 1943 882 702

Kathy has worked as an administrator and then as administration manager at Concept Special Risks Ltd. since 1996 and studied whilst working for a Higher National Diploma in Business and Management. She enjoys all aspects of her work and has developed a wealth of experience, she always strives to deliver a high level of customer service. Outside of the office she has two horses that she enjoys competing regularly.

Liam Gilhooly BA (Hons), ACII

Underwriting Manager

email Liam | call Liam on: + 44 (0) 1943 882 720

Liam has worked at Concept Special Risks Ltd. in the underwriting team since 2005, following his graduation from Durham University with a BA in Social Geography. Since joining he has completed the Advanced Diploma in Insurance and is also involved in the development of IT systems used in the company.

Sam Mitchell

Underwriter

email Sam | call Sam on: +44 (0) 1943 882 717

Sam has worked as an administrator at Concept Special Risks Ltd. since 2005 and now works in the underwriting team. She holds a FIT qualification and works with both of our underwriting teams, whilst also developing skills working in other departments as needed. Outside of the office Sam enjoys socialising and rural sports.

Tony Barker

Underwriter

email Tony | call Tony on: + 44 (0) 1943 882 706

Tony has worked in our Underwriting Team since 2004. He previously trained as a carpenter and yachtbuilder when he left school and later worked on a number of cruise ships in the Caribbean Sea. In recent years he has become our resident Microsoft Excel expert allowing him to provide detailed data analysis across our yacht portfolio. Tony's unique insight into yacht manufacture provides a valuable source of expertise in the underwriting team.

Neil Burton

Underwriter

email Neil | call Neil on: + 44 (0) 1943 882 708

Neil began his insurance career with Royal and Sun Alliance as a property and liability underwriter before becoming a broker with T L Dallas. After a few years as a broker, he switched back to underwriting after being offered the opportunity to join Tony Usher’s yacht department. Neil has been with the company through all developments and is approaching his 20th year of service. Neil is a passionate runner, online computer gamer and dog walker.

Alex Considine BA (Hons)

Underwriter

email Alex | call Alex on: +44 (0) 1943 882 705

Alex joined Concept Special Risks Ltd. after graduating from the University of Hull with a BA in English Literature and Creative Writing. He is currently working towards the CII Diploma in Insurance. Alex often uses his language skills to provide literature and content to many projects, such as this website. In his spare time, Alex likes writing various types of literature, watching live music shows and spending time with friends in Yorkshire's fantastic pubs.

Alexandra Thomas BA (Hons)

Underwriter

email Alexandra | call Alexandra on: +44 (0) 1943 882 714

Alex has worked at Concept Special Risks Ltd., initially as an administrator and now as an underwriter, since 2003 following her graduation from Northumbria University with a degree in Politics. More recently Alex has begun working on professional qualifications and has attained the CII Award in Insurance. At work Alex loves working on fleet accounts and specialises in policy endorsements. Outside of the office she enjoys cooking, gardening and walks in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside.

Kim Hatcher

Junior Underwriter

email Kim | call Kim on: +44 (0) 1943 882 710

Kim joined Concept Special Risks in March 2018 as a Junior Underwriter with a mortgage and insurance background. Kim prides herself on always delivering a very high level of customer service. In her spare time, Kim enjoys shopping, walks in and around Yorkshire, travelling and spending time with family and friends.

Claims Team

Alexander Mark Thomas LLB (Hons)

Claims Director

email Alexander | call Alexander on: +44 (0) 1943 882 712

Mark graduated in law and joined T L Dallas (as the company was then called ) in 1995 having previously worked with a local firm of solicitors. Holding the position of Director for many years, Mark has helped Tony Usher create the successful and trusted company that Concept is today. As a proud Welshman, he is a keen follower of rugby union. Mark is also a passionate dog owner, with six clumber spaniels.

Sarah Delacey-Simms LLB (Hons), FCILEx

Claims Manager

email Sarah | call Sarah on: +44 (0) 1943 882 719

Sarah qualified as a Legal Executive Lawyer in 2014 having completed her qualifications at The College of Law York, Newcastle Northumbria and Southampton. She joined the claims department at Concept Special Risks Ltd. in 2009 having previously worked at Aon as a Marine Claims Technician specialising in cargo claims. Outside of work Sarah enjoys great meals with friends and family, music events and has worked hard to be a competent runner completing her first 10k in 2016.

Samantha Thomas BA (Hons), Cert CII

Claims Assistant

email Samantha | call Samantha on: +44 (0) 1943 882 709

Samantha joined Concept in 2013 as part of the claims department. She graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2012 with a BA in Sports Management. Since working at Concept she has completed the CII Certificate in Insurance and is continuing her studies to achieve the Diploma in Insurance. Outside of work Sam enjoys going to the gym and has competed in powerlifting tournaments. Sam is a very sociable person and loves to spend time with friends and family.

Accounts Team

Mike Calvert BA (Hons), FCCA

Financial Director

email Mike | call Mike on: +44 (0) 1943 882 711

Mike began his professional career with a local accountancy practice and acted as the company auditor of T L Dallas for many years, following his graduation from Huddersfield University with a BA (Hons) in Accountancy Studies and achieving fellowship from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. Having joined Concept Special Risks Ltd. in 2003 Mike heads up the finance department and plays a pivotal role in all company operations. Outside of work Mike enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family, especially his dog.

Phil Davison

Accounts Assistant

email Phil | call Phil on: +44 (0) 1943 882 701

Phil has worked in accounts at Concept Special Risks Ltd. since 2009. Previously, Phil spent twenty-three years working in accounts at T. L. Dallas and prior to that his previous employment has also involved accounting. Outside work Phil enjoys watching most sports, especially football, and is a lifelong Huddersfield Town fan. Phil also enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Emma Tindall BSc (Hons)

Reporting and Management Information Officer

email Emma | call Emma on: +44 (0) 1943 882 704

Emma has worked as an administrator and more recently as an underwriter at Concept Special Risks Ltd. for over ten years following graduation from university. She holds a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Psychology and splits her time between underwriting and reporting. In her free time she enjoys walking her two dogs and spending time with family and friends.

Alex Almond

Accounts Administrator

email Alex | call Alex on: +44 (0) 1943 882 713

Alex is the newest member of the accounts team at Concept, having previously worked with a local accountancy firm and a national waste management broker. Outside of work Alex enjoys playing tennis and golf, watching football and spending time with family and friends.

Andrew Rose

Accounts Supervisor

email Andrew | call Andrew on: +44 (0) 1943 882 716

Andrew recently joined Concept having previously spent 8 years in a similar role for a national Waste Management broker. He graduated from Leeds University with a degree in Law but made the switch to accounts before starting work. He enjoys keeping fit and healthy and plays football for Rawdon FC.