top of page

Our experience

 

Leslie James Associates (LJA) is a recruitment consultancy which specialises exclusively in the placement of experienced general insurance personnel throughout the UK.

 

Our relationships have been established with many of the top employers in this space, particularly top 100 UK brokers with many of whom we are an approved supplier but we are of course also involved in recruiting for firms of all sizes.

 

Our client contacts are predominantly at the level of CEO, MD and Senior Director so we are very close to the decision makers in our client businesses

 

Leslie James is involved in the full gambit of recruitment activity within the insurance sector, dealing with assignments for the recruitment of a full range of personnel through to Senior Directors and teams.

 

We have a special focus on the commercial broking sector - Account Handlers, Account Executives/Client Directors, New Business Producers, Appointed Representatives, Teams etc.

 

All of this serves to ensure we are able to provide a personal, effective, accurate and knowledgeable service to candidates and clients in all walks of the industry.

Our Knowledge

 

The British poet, Sir John Davies, once said "Zeal without knowledge is the sister of folly." We recognise that no matter how enthusiastic we might be, we need to stick to what we know...and know very well indeed. That is the cornerstone of our philosophy.

 

At Leslie James, what we DO know about is insurance recruitment. In fact, we have known about it for a very long time and, as a result, we have inevitably enjoyed much success matching the right candidates with the right jobs and vice versa. We  likewise take great pride in the fact that our clients and candidates come back to us time and again.

 

We are not, however, prone to complacency. We work in a market which is contantly changing and evolving. Mergers, acquisitions, restructures,  management changes, regulation and economic cycles are just a few of the factors which require our full attention on an ongoing basis. Without this, we would simply not adapt to the changes and needs brought about by these various transformations.

 

Our credibility

 

Credibility as well as respect are not given, they have to be earned. It is only by providing a service which truly and consistently meets the needs of both clients and candidates that any recruiter can hope to  engender the trust and respect of those with whom it deals. We never forget this fact and are extremely grateful for the repeat business and continual recommendations which we consider to be a testament to the quality of our service.

 

At Leslie James, we focus on the supply of quality rather than quantity and we believe that it is this which safeguards our reputation and ensures our high client retention and low candidate failure rates.

 

Dealing, as we do, with appointments at all levels through to Senior Managers and Directors, we are fully conscious of the need to maintain our credibility at all times. In our world, today's candidate is often tomorrow's client, tomorrow's candidate is often the source of our next referral and making a 'fast buck' will normally lead to a long term loss. All important principles which we dare not ignore.

 

We recognise the importance of providing a quality, personal service within what is, at the end of the day, a “people business”.

OUR CREDENTIALS

OUR APPROACH

Our Credentials
Candidates
Contact
Home
Leslie James Associates
26 York Street,
London W1U 6PZ  
0800 912 9994
admin@leslie-james.co.uk

CONTACT US

OUR CANDIDATES

When you register with Leslie James,  you will:

 

Be assigned an experienced Consultant who will have an insurance industry background - someone  who 'speaks your language' and understands your market.

 

Have the opportunity to clearly express your requirements and your preferences and not have these subsequently ignored.

 

Not find your CV being sent speculatively around the market and not be sent on interviews for positions which are inappropriate for you.

 

Benefit from a pro-active, accurate and highly targeted service with discreet and confidential approaches made to key decision makers.

 

Remain constantly informed of the progress of applications.

 

From the above, stand a far greater chance of securing the RIGHT opportunity for you, expediently and with minimal fuss.

 

Please do note that many of the opportunities developed for our candidates are derived from:

 

Clients who have not instructed any other recruiter.

 

Senior Manager and Director contacts within our clients' businesses who, because of the faith they place in our recommendations, will often meet with and create opportunities for candidates where no specific recruitment requirement has been stated.

 

If you wish to discuss or be considered for opportunities in your field of expertise, please feel free to contact us or submit your CV by email to admin@leslie-james.co.uk

Follow us

  • Grey LinkedIn Icon

Success! Message received.

Our Approach
Clients
Vacancies
Testimonials
Approach

TESTIMONIALS

Some key points about David are that he's a Professional in his field, knowledgeable, and delivers, a man full of experience."

 

Ketan Patel, Principal at Artemis Insurance Brokers

David Leslie has consistently produced a steady stream of quality candidates that have matched our business needs. He has done this by getting to know our business and our people and then demonstrating an extraordinary tenacity in everything he does!"

Chris Blackham, Head of Endorphin Group

Former Chairman and CEO, Layton Blackham Group

Former Chairman and Joint CEO, Venture Preference Ltd (Bluefin 

"I'm not in the habit of recommending recruiters but in this instance I would make an exception."

Neon Mavromatis, MD Construction Division at Kerry London Ltd

Leslie James Associates have established themselves as one of the preferred recruitment agencies and partners for our offices in the City of London. Key to this partnership is a thorough understanding of the needs of our business and the calibre of the people we will employ.  Unlike many agencies, our time is not wasted by CVs that do not match the criteria we have supplied or that are provided by weak applicants. For Oval, our people have to be of the highest calibre even for the most junior of roles and therefore our recruitment partners are important for our growing business

Peter Young, Divisional Managing Director, Oval Insurance Broking Limited, London

I have dealt with Leslie James for many years – they stand apart from others by sending me only quality candidates who should fit my business requirement, no junk lists, no dumps of what are on the books when I have a vacancy, no time wasting – just targeted, thought-through potential employees

Mark Nevitt, Managing Director, Clarke Roxburgh Insurance Brokers Ltd (Part of Jelf Group plc

From Clients

David is a straight forward, honourable professional and takes a huge amount of pride in what he does. If your looking for someone to understand your needs and provide solutions then David is your man. I would recommend David and his firm to any firm looking to use a true recruitment professional.


Scott Sayce, Owner and Managing Director at Sayce Insurance Brokers

From Candidates

 

I am delighted to recommend David. He is supportive, enthusiastic and just does not give up. Always a pleasure. July 18, 2015


Clive Smith, Account Executive, Jelf Group

David has been a pleasure to deal with. He is both professional and friendly and has found me a wonderful opportunity to work with. I cannot recommend David enough and can only suggest that if you are seeking to change employment that you speak with David before going anywhere else.

July 15, 2015


Marc Hyman, placed at Towergate as Account Executive
 

A good friend / old work colleague had worked with David in the past and recommended. I found my contact with David extremely pleasant and insightful. From our first phone conversation I felt he took the time to get to know me, my career and asked the right questions about my current role and the new opportunity I was looking for. I would highly recommend David. Thank you for all your help! 

Apr 5, 2015


Phil Smith, Account Executive, placed at Lorica Insurance Brokers

I had the pleasure of working with David when hunting for a new role within the insurance industry. David and I talked through my requirements and very soon afterwards he was able to source an interview via his very many connections. The whole process was dealt with professionally and efficiently and thankfully I managed to secure the position I needed. I would strongly recommend Leslie James Associates to anyone searching for a new role that wants to be placed in front of the right people.

May 19, 2015

 

John Stringer Cert CII, placed at Stackhouse Poland

"David was instrumental in getting me in front of the right people. He used his contacts within the industry to find several roles to suit me, within a short period of time. He also offered excellent advice on evaluating offers to pick the right role. I have and will continue to recommend David's services. 

Feb 6, 2015

 

Adam Drawwater, Account Manager at GKS IB

For more testimonials Please 

I am very happy to recommend David. He has been very supportive to our growth plans by promoting a number of suitable candidates - long may it continue.

 

Clive Edwards, Operations Director, Sanctuary Holdings

David has been a clear cut above the rest throughout my search for a role in a new and foreign market to me. Davids ability to recognise strengths and outside of the box thinking has provided an outstanding result. A tenacious work ethic coupled with a desire to make a deal work for all parties combined with Davids extensive local and international network of insurance profesionals has achieved results that others can not. I highly recommend David to any future clients on both sides of the fence. 

Dec 24, 2015

Reilly Price, New Business Executive, placed at Clear Group

I would recommend David to anyone who is looking for a new role. He is supportive, enthusiastic and never gives up in finding you a role. " Jan 5, 2016

 

Helen Simmons, Education Account Executive, Marsh

I have known David since 2005 and he has successfully assisted me with finding new positions on two occasions. The last time being my current role. From my experience David is well connected and works hard on your behalf. He keeps in touch, provides updates and will return your phone calls. Interviews are arranged only for those positions that are suitable. I found that even when making contact with him after a number of years he remembered me and the role he last placed me in, emphasising that person touch. If you are serious about changing your role then do speak with David. 

Apr 12, 2015 
 

Toby Edwards, Account Executive, placed at Stackhouse Poland

VACANCIES

As explained elsewhere on this site,  we do not operate in the same way as many of our competitors. In particular:

 

Many of our vacancies are not advertised in order to maintain discretion for our clients and similarly, many of the assignments we handle are exclusive to us.

 

Being largely 'candidate driven', many of our vacancies are harvested through the discussion of potential candidates with our clients.

 

Our vacancies can be viewed and applied for on the Insurance Times Jobs website - click on the link below:

 

LINK TO VACANCIES

 

What you should know is that our client and therefore candidate reach is nationwide. If you are interested in us acting for you, do email a copy of your CV to us, in confidence, at admin@leslie-james.co.uk

OUR CLIENTS

Sadly, of course, the paramount priority of "customer satisfaction" is all too often lost in some organisations' quest to make a fast buck or sometimes the idea that the right approach is to 'throw mud at the wall and see how much will stick'. Others operate in the mistaken belief  that "It's ok if we mess up, we can always get it right next time". At Leslie James, we treat each assignment from each of our clients as if it is our last, knowing full well that if we mishandle it, it may indeed be our last!

 

As a client of Leslie James, we are committed to providing you with the following:

 

A no nonsense, quality driven approach with a focus on excellence.

 

A dedicated, knowledgeable and insurance industry experienced Consultant who will provide you with a personal service and ensure continuity and consistency for you.

 

Adherence to the principles of proper conduct set out by the industry's Trade Body, the Institute of Recruitment Professionals.

 

A steady flow of relevant and high calibre candidates who are drawn to us through our advertising as well as being attracted by recommendation and referral. Additionally, our wide and long established contact network enables us to undertake headhunting assignments effectively, expediently and discreetly.

 

Competitive rates and Terms of Business incorporating generous refund and credit provisions offering protection and security for our clients.

 

If you need a high level of service, call us on 020 7873 2271 or email us at admin@leslie-james.co.uk

FINANCE AND EXITS

Starting up, expanding or selling? 

 

Are you an individual or team with a book of business, considering the possibility of "going it alone" or staging a Management Buyout? 

 

Are you an existing broking operation with an ambition to expand and/or diversify into other classes of business and/or geographies but lacking the finance to realise your ambitions? 

 

Are you considering selling your broking operation or becoming part of a network? Would you prefer to raise finance, avoiding the pitfalls of going down the traditional clearing bank route i.e. the requirement for collateral security and personal guarantees? If you fall into any of the above categories then we can almost certainly add value to your endeavours and introduce you, in strict confidence and FREE OF CHARGE, to our established connections which include: Venture capitalists offering high level broking pedigrees and expertise.

Investors in startups.

Network broking providers.  Broking groups seeking to make acquisitions. 

 

We have a track record of providing solutions in all of the above circumstances so for an initial discussion, in confidence, contact David Leslie today on 020 7873 2271 or by email to david.leslie@leslie-james.co.uk MAKE US YOUR FIRST POINT OF CALL

 

How many times have we heard an organisation say "We're different", only to endure an experience which simply confirms "they are the same"?

 

We know that it's no good just saying it, you have to back up your statement with actions! So, what truly makes Leslie James different from the "rest of the pack"? Well, it's not rocket science but it is extremely effective and here is how it  works:

 

We LISTEN and so we don't waste anybody's time - that means only appropriate candidates  are submitted to clients and only appropriate vacancies are suggested to candidates. 'Round pegs into round holes'.

 

Unlike many of our competitors, we are essentially candidate rather than client driven. We are really not interested in "farming" vacancies for the sake of it, many of which we know we will be unable to fill because, in a market where there is a skills shortage, how could we pretend we can? All this does is degrade our reputation with clients. What we do instead is to very discreetly market selected candidates to a directly relevant audience . In this way, our clients know that they only hear from us when it is relevant and our candidates know that they can rely on us for an accurate and targeted approach. A 'win win' situation all round.

 

The vast majority of our client contacts are senior executives, mostly at Board level which means that, if a decision needs to be taken, we are speaking to the right person!

Leslie James Associates is a boutique, specialist insurance recruitment consultancy, recommended by candidates and clients alike and offering an unrivalled level of service, knowledge, expertise and professionalism.

 

Our personal, bespoke service is the solution to your recruitment needs.

 

Access current vacancies here

 

Follow us

  • Grey LinkedIn Icon

The UK's No.1 recruiter to the insurance industry with vacancies nationwide

finance and exits
bottom of page