Fuelled by Freedom
From Graduate to Head of Third Party Claims
Stephen joined us as a graduate back in 2010. Fifteen years later, he’s Head of Third Party Claims, but what’s kept him here has never been about job titles.
“For me, it’s always been the shared purpose,” Stephen says. “We’re all here to achieve the same goal. That creates trust, openness and strong relationships, and that’s what makes a team work.”
Over the years, Stephen’s career has taken him through multiple teams, from hands-on claims handling to people management and strategy. That breadth of experience is something he values deeply.
“I’ve always felt like an important part of the business,” he explains. “Everyone’s role here matters.”
Stephen credits much of his development to the people around him, particularly Lynne Clark.
“We joke that she’s tried to get rid of me for 15 years,” he laughs. “But she’s always been someone I’ve learned from and looked up to. Having leaders who genuinely invest in you makes a huge difference.”
Freedom and autonomy have also shaped Stephen’s journey. From early on, he was encouraged to be innovative, challenge thinking and find better ways of doing things. Some of his proudest achievements have been transforming how the business handles credit hire claims, building strategic partnerships, driving efficiencies, and delivering significant savings.
“We’re constantly trialing new ideas,” he says. “Not everything works, but there’s trust in us to experiment, learn and improve. Being asked to help develop industry-leading reports and strategies shows the confidence others place in us.”
Stephen is proud of how far the business has come, especially the shift in how Somerset Bridge Group is perceived across the industry.
“There was a real moment in 2025 when it felt like we’d arrived. Being approached by some of the UK’s biggest insurers to talk strategy showed just how far we’ve come.”
At the heart of it all is the customer. “Claims are emotional,” Stephen says.
“Our job is to make things simpler, fairer and less stressful. That commitment is what fuels me every day.”
