Introducing Mark Feathers

We recently spoke to our new Regional Development Manager, Mark Feathers to find out more about his life and career so far.

Tell us about yourself Mark?

I’ve lived in Hebden Bridge for three years, moving from Otley with my wife, Louise. We have three kids: George, Betty, and Stan. Our lives revolve around sports - George and Betty love rugby, while Stan is into football. I support them and follow my own team as well: Bradford City. I have been a season ticket holder for over 20 years. I also love music and attending gigs.

As well as this, volunteering with Andy’s Man Club has been a significant part of my life. For six years, I’ve shifted from being a user of the club to facilitating support sessions every Monday night in Leeds. Being a part of Andy’s Man Club has also helped me in my career as it has made me a big believer in speaking up and made me a better listener.

My career has evolved unexpectedly. I started as a chef, then worked abroad as a holiday rep and entertainer before entering the insurance industry at Direct Line. A few years at Direct Line led me to a local brokerage JM Glendinnings. Here I earned my Cert CII, and during off-site training for this, a chance conversation led me to an underwriting role. I developed a successful product for rural clients and moved into various roles, including regional manager for ERS Lloyd Syndicate and a National Manager at City Net.

At the end of 2023, a position at Covéa Insurance opened, which I applied for. I was very pleased to get the job and become part of the Covéa family. I’m enjoying my role and often visit the Halifax office to show my face and work with the experienced team there.

What are your 1st Year Goals?

As I settle into my first year, my primary goal is to understand the internal workings of Covéa—who’s who, what their roles are, and how I can build a network to navigate any queries that come my way. Also understanding our appetite and ensuring we’re taking on the right risks is crucial. I’m also keen on getting to know the brokers better, especially those I’ve worked with in the past.

What Differentiates Covéa from our Competitors?

Differentiating Covéa from our competitors is all about continuing the good work we’re already doing. Our claims service and the quality of our people set us apart. I’m committed to representing the team well and ensuring that we maintain our unique position in the market. We’re not one of the big five insurers, but people love Covéa, and the service we provide so it’s up to us to build on that.

Are there any challenges to face?

The biggest challenge in the industry right now is the cost-of-living crisis. We need to demonstrate that we’re offering value for money, even if we’re not always the cheapest option. It’s about working with brokers who understand their clients and us, and who can justify why it’s worth paying a little more for the service we provide.

Another challenge we face is increasing market reach and customer engagement. This is all about being available and approachable. Whether delivering good news or bad, it’s essential to be upfront and honest. Consistency is key, people remember how you handle situations, especially the tough ones. The insurance world is small, and reputations are built on how we navigate challenges.

What Makes a Successful Distribution Team?

For me, open and honest communication is the cornerstone of a successful distribution team. Covéa has made a great impression on me with how they handle day-to-day business and client relationships. It’s a culture that I’m proud to be a part of and eager to mirror externally. As I continue to settle into my role, I’m focused on building strong relationships, both within Covéa and with our brokers. The business is in a great place, and I’m here to help it grow even further.

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