📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: New Business Account Handler - Corporate & Commercial
🔹 Company: Howden
🔹 Location: Brentwood - Jubilee House, United Kingdom
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Insurance
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-15
🔹 Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Achieving client retention targets through excellent service
- Processing new business quotes and handling open quotes
- Ensuring premiums are collected and documentation is accurate
- Cross-selling products from other divisions and liaising with other branches
ASSUMPTION: This role is ideal for individuals with sales experience looking to transition into the insurance industry or those with personal lines experience seeking to move into commercial insurance.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Assist in achieving client retention targets by providing excellent service
✅ Process new business quotes on a daily basis from warm leads
✅ Deal with open quotes from a managed team inbox
✅ Ensure premiums are collected prior to the commencement of cover and in line with Howden procedures
✅ Handle all queries, whether written or by telephone, in a professional manner and process effectively in line with service standards
✅ Record all relevant information, correspondence, and documentation on Acturis and make effective use of the diary system
✅ Produce accurate and professional documentation at all times using relevant Howden templates
✅ Process adjustments in line with procedures, including notification to insurers, issue of revised documentation, and collection of additional premium
✅ Actively cross-sell products from other divisions
✅ Liaise with and assist other branches and Group Resources as necessary
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: GCSEs A-C in Maths & English
Experience: A minimum of 12 months' experience in a sales role
Required Skills:
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Ability to process work quickly and efficiently
- Ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines
- Excellent client service skills
- Good negotiation and broking skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Ability to gather and analyze information from the client
- Ability to identify and respond appropriately to an individual client’s level of understanding
- Ability to persuade and influence others
Preferred Skills:
- Cert CII (desirable)
- Acturis (desirable)
ASSUMPTION: While not strictly required, having relevant insurance industry knowledge or certifications would be beneficial for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £20,000 - £25,000 per annum (Estimated based on industry standards for entry-level insurance roles in the UK)
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package
- Career development opportunities
- Flexible working arrangements (hybrid or flexible hours, where possible)
Working Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (with a 30-minute lunch break)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for entry-level insurance roles in the UK. Actual salary may vary based on individual performance and company policy.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Insurance
Company Size: 201-500 employees
Founded: Not specified (Howden was founded in 1994)
Company Description:
- Howden is a collective of talented and passionate people united by a shared passion and no-limits mindset
- Their strength lies in their ability to collaborate as a powerful international team comprised of 18,000 employees spanning over 100 countries
- Howden supports their clients through the complex landscape of commercial risk, meticulously crafting bespoke solutions to empower businesses to navigate uncertainty and achieve unwavering growth
Company Specialties:
- Life & pensions
- Mortgages
- Commercial insurance
- Personal insurance
- Financial services
- Employee benefits
Company Website: Howden Ireland
ASSUMPTION: Howden is a global insurance group with a strong presence in the UK and Ireland. Their Brentwood office is part of their UK operations.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Entry-level to mid-level, with opportunities for growth and progression
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the New Business Team Manager
Work Arrangement: On-site, Monday to Friday
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression within the New Business team
- Opportunities to move into other divisions or specialties within Howden
- Potential to take on more complex accounts and responsibilities over time
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a clear path for career progression within the company, with opportunities to learn and grow within the New Business team and beyond.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, professional office environment
Office Location(s): Jubilee House, Brentwood, United Kingdom
Geographic Context:
- Brentwood is a town in the borough of Brentwood, in the county of Essex, England
- It is located approximately 20 miles northeast of Central London
- The office is easily accessible by car and public transportation
Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (with a 30-minute lunch break)
ASSUMPTION: The office environment is professional and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and support.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video screening
- Face-to-face interview with the New Business Team Manager
- Final interview with the Head of New Business
Key Assessment Areas:
- Sales and negotiation skills
- Client service and communication skills
- Attention to detail and organizational skills
- Understanding of insurance industry and products
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant sales experience and transferable skills
- Prepare examples of your sales achievements and how you've handled challenging client situations
- Research Howden and their corporate & commercial insurance offerings to demonstrate your understanding of the business
ATS Keywords: New Business, Account Handler, Insurance, Sales, Client Service, Commercial Insurance, Corporate Insurance, Acturis, Negotiation, Broking
ASSUMPTION: The application process is designed to assess your sales and client service skills, as well as your understanding of the insurance industry and Howden's products.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Acturis (insurance software platform)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Zoho CRM)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with insurance software platforms and CRM systems is beneficial but not strictly required for this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Bravery
- Support
- Determination
Work Style:
- Collaborative
- Results-driven
- Adaptable
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
- Are you comfortable handling multiple tasks and prioritizing your workload?
- Do you have a proven track record of achieving sales targets?
ASSUMPTION: Howden values individuals who are brave enough to try new things, support each other, and are determined to make a positive difference at work and beyond.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Handling a high volume of client queries and quotes
- Meeting client retention targets and sales quotas
- Adapting to the unique requirements and complexities of commercial insurance
- Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
ASSUMPTION: This role may present challenges in terms of workload, sales targets, and the complexity of commercial insurance products. However, these challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to providing excellent client service.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to other New Business Account Handler positions within the insurance industry, with a focus on commercial and corporate clients
- However, Howden's unique culture and collective approach set it apart from other insurance companies
- Career progression opportunities may vary depending on the company and its specific structure
ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other New Business Account Handler positions, Howden's unique culture and collective approach make it a distinct opportunity within the insurance industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Managing a portfolio of commercial clients, ensuring their insurance needs are met and renewals are processed efficiently
- Collaborating with other divisions to cross-sell products and services, increasing client retention and revenue
- Developing and implementing strategies to improve client communication and service standards
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the day-to-day responsibilities and strategic initiatives that a New Business Account Handler might undertake in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does this role fit into the overall New Business team structure, and what opportunities are there for growth and progression?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to succeed in them?
- How does Howden support the professional development and career growth of its employees?
- What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how will my success be measured?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help you better understand the role, the company culture, and the opportunities for growth and development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the linked job posting
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant sales experience and transferable skills
- Prepare a cover letter explaining your interest in the role and how your skills and experience make you a strong fit
- If applicable, prepare examples of your sales achievements and how you've handled challenging client situations
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
