Challenging tradition in the London marine sector.

(From Lloyds List)

TRADITION is a great asset to the marine insurance industry but it can be challenging too. Sonja Scantlebury, a consultant with Accredited Services, a London-based organisation which recruits for the Lloyd's and insurance company markets, enjoys dealing with the marine sector, one of her company's dedicated areas.

Ms Scantlebury, who works with firms specialising in hull, cargo, protection and indemnity and in neighbouring classes such as professional indemnity, says: 'I think it is great. I am always impressed that we still have some of the major brokers specialising in the niche of marine business in London, because the maritime industry was built on such foundations.'

However, she goes on to warn: 'Although this is good news, it is a shrinking sector as a result of consolidation, the increasing presence of other markets and the effects of Financial Services Authority regulation.

'This is one of the classes of business which is so specialised that even though it is one of the oldest disciplines, the skills are seen as not necessarily transferable.

'For instance, if we have someone with a reinsurance background, it might be difficult to get a direct broking firm to entertain the possibility of employing them.

'Looking for someone who has been in the bluewater sector, companies tend to confine themselves purely to that field.'