Meet the team
Michael Brooks - Director
Michael began his career in insurance as a property and business interruption underwriter for The Prudential in the mid 1980’s. Following a time working in Italy and becoming fluent in the language, he joined the family business in 1993, broking for corporate and commercial clients. He was appointed Director in 1999.
In order to better assist clients with their overall risk management, Michael qualified in 2008 as Nebosh Level 3 in Fire Safety and risk Management. This was then complimented by being awarded Nebosh Level 3 in Occupational Health and Safety. Michael is happy to use his knowledge and experience to offer insurance advice to any business or private client.
Michael believes passionately that being your broker is not just about finding a competitive premium but offering quality of cover and advice in order to meet your requirements. He believes in building long standing relationships and is happy to attend insurer surveys and help clients with regular reviews of their insurances.
Julie Exley – General Manager
Julie joined Brooks Braithwaite as a credit controller in 1995 and then transferred to the claims department in 1999, dealing with both personal lines and commercial claims. Julie then progressed to Claims Manager where she works together with clients, insurers and loss adjusters to achieve successful settlements in the unfortunate event of a claim.
Julie is now General Manager at the company and whilst still overseeing the Accounts and Claims Departments, she is also responsible for the day to day running of the office, reporting to the Director.
Christina Dowsett – Fleet and Logistics Account Executive
Christina has over 40 years insurance experience having worked for provincial brokers, as well as an Insurer within the London market. She also gained knowledge of the needs of the property market whilst working for 8 years at an in-house broker for a property owner business. Having been directly involved with the Logsitics Industry for the past 30 years, Christina came to Brooks Braithwaite in 2011 when they purchased the broker Christina worked for.
Christina’s experience includes Fleet, Goods in Transit, Marine Cargo, Property and Hauler’s Liabilities.
Nanci Gardner - Commercial Account Executive
Having previously worked for 2 of the top global brokers Nanci brings a wealth of experience to the team with a back ground in Personal Accident, Travel, Professional Indemnity, Liabilities and Commercial lines since 2008.
Nanci is a keen and enthusiastic personable team player who always places the clients ethos as top priority together with finding the right product and coverage to suit their needs.
Max Orrin - Commercial Account Assistant
Max joined Brooks Braithwaite in 2022 as an apprentice within the commercial team. He is currently studying for his Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) Accreditation alongside his Insurance Practitioner entry level qualification as part of his apprenticeship.
Max is very keen to progress in the insurance industry and offer the professional and personalised service that Brooks Braithwaite has always delivered, Max will be working alongside the Commercial Department, to support client renewals, new business and help develop the Small, Medium Enterprise Accounts.
Louise Cook - Private Client Adviser
Louise comes from a strong Motor Fleet background, having previously worked at Cornhill, Amlin, John Holman & Sons and Towergate London Markets. Whilst working at Lloyds of London as a Motor Fleet Broker Louise handled new business, re-marketing and negotiating on existing renewals. During this time she also supervised her own administrative team and as part of this role regularly travelled around the country.
Lousie then had a number of years away from insurance whilst raising her two sons and is now enjoying working at Brooks Braithwaite in the High Net Worth and Home Department