ARMD appoints Mark Hands as Director of Business Development to lead UK broker growth

ARMD, the award-winning insurance MGA that flies the flag for the £6.5bn underserved tradespeople market in the UK, announces that Mark Hands has joined as Director of Business Development to support delivery of ARMD’s ambitious growth targets and create long-term value with broker partners.

Prior to joining ARMD, Mark was MD of Construction Shield and Board Director of Aedis Homeproof. Before that, he was Head of Trading (North) for LV= Broker & Head of Regional Operations (North) at NIG.

Devin Chawda, CEO at ARMD, said: “We are delighted to have someone of Mark’s standing in the broker market join ARMD. In his new role, he will be pivotal in supporting the delivery of our ambitious growth objectives, as well raising our profile as the leading provider of tradespersons’ products in the UK.

“Mark is a proven business leader, with over 30 years’ experience in the insurance sector, known for his successful track record in growing profitable insurance businesses. His results-orientated approach and focus on developing long-term and mutually beneficial relationships around the UK will all be a huge asset to ARMD.”

ARMD’s co-founder, Alan Hickman, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Mark to the team. Having worked alongside Mark at LV=Broker and witnessing his contribution to the significant growth of the LV=Broker Commercial business, we’re confident that he will make a big impact towards ARMD’s objectives and our commitment to the UK broker Commercial market.”

Mark Hands, commented on his appointment, saying: “There is undoubtably a gap in the market for brokers who need a more comprehensive tradespersons’ product to cover the insured against the ever-rising risk of theft from vehicles. The ARMD leadership team identified this gap and have built a product that provides up to £10,000 for tools left securely in a van 24/7.

“With cutting-edge technology that captures the tools’ inventory at inception via an app we promise claims settlement within 5 days. I am looking forward to the challenge of delivering our ambitious growth plans by fully capitalising on the relationships I have developed with brokers over many years.”

ARMD is now 100% focused on distributing its insurance offering via brokers, and is actively recruiting broker partners up and down the UK and going live on the commercial broker platform, Acturis, in July to distribute their market-leading product.

UK tradespeople are currently under protected, with a tool theft happening every 12 minutes. Furthermore, 83% of tradespeople do not have tool insurance. While larger firms may have insurance, often it may not provide adequate cover, for example by requiring their trade staff to empty their vans every night.