In conversation with Anna Thornley, Assistant Underwriter in the Contingency team, we discuss how she’s combining her love of sport with a career in underwriting, what sets Arch apart in the digital underwriting space and the varied opportunities within the Contingency market.
Can you tell us a little about your background and how you came to join Arch?
I studied law at university and initially wanted to pursue a career in the sports sector. However, I did some work experience at Marsh which opened my eyes to the insurance industry. Insurance offered a great mix of using both technical and people skills which appealed to me. So, after working with England Rugby, I joined Arch within the Contingency team. It was the perfect fit for me as I’ve been able to combine my interest in sport with a commercial role in underwriting.
What makes Arch a leading broker partner for events insurance?
We’re proud to be a lead market for events insurance and the breadth of knowledge, expertise and appetite within the team, is a real differentiator for us. We have the capacity to write not only large risks worldwide, including sports events, major music tours and conferences, but also small and local community events, food festivals and wellness retreats.
How does Arch differentiate itself in the digital underwriting space?
Our online quote and bind platform, Arch IQ is a differentiator for us. We built this platform with our brokers in mind, giving them simpler and faster access to coverage for lower complexity risks. Not only does this save time for brokers, it allows them to focus on the more complex and nuanced business, particularly within speciality lines such as Contingency. However, what particularly differentiates Arch in the digital underwriting space is that Arch IQ is underwriter owned and managed. This means that brokers can continue to access the technical underwriting expertise when they need it and receive the same levels of service as they would placing a risk on the open market.
What type of event risks are your writing?
All sorts! My role is focused on our online quote and bind platform, Arch IQ through which, we underwriter a variety of risks. These range from conferences and music festivals to community events and charity abseils. I am also fortunate to have exposure across event cancellation, event liability and non-appearance.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
Definitely the people, both within my team and Arch, and also all the brokers within the Contingency market. It is an incredibly friendly market and there are plenty of opportunities to meet lots of people in my day-to-day and be able to discuss risks in person, which I believe makes a real difference to the role.
Outside of work, are there any events you like to attend?
I love going to see any sports events, particularly in the summer! When I’ve been lucky enough to go, Wimbledon is a real highlight. I have also recently seen Olivia Dean, which was amazing and when I manage to get tickets, Glastonbury is my favourite festival to go to. However, I think I might now struggle not to think about the cancellation risks surrounding events when booking!
What’s a fun fact about you many people may not know?
I completed a hand-poke tattoo course a year ago, although I’m not sure I’d recommend anyone to come to me for a tattoo yet!