Cybercrime insurance specialist joins JMG Group

Andy Parkin has been appointed as JMG Group’s cyber, data and crime client director, in a move to increase awareness of the serious risk of cybercrime amongst its insurance clients.

Andy Parkin joins the firm as its client director responsible for cyber insurance across all Group businesses, based out of the Professional Risks insurance broking business in Guiseley. With 35 years in the insurance industry, Andy has gained top level experience in organisations including Heath Lambert and Towergate Insurance. He joins JM Glendinning from Bollington Insurance Brokers in Harrogate – an office he established.

Andy will work with businesses across the JMG Group to make clients aware of their exposures to cybercrime and help them to put suitable insurance protection in place. His appointment comes at a crucial time as cybercrime is now the fastest growing crime in the UK, heightened by COVID-19 restrictions increasing remote working at short notice and businesses underestimating their additional off-site risks and increased exposure to cybercrime.

Says Andy: “There’s no playing down how catastrophic cybercrime can be for its victims. Yet it is estimated that less than 8% of companies purchase cyber insurance, with many assuming their firewalls, antivirus and external IT company will manage this exposure, which is not the case. I will ensure that our clients can access the most up to date and appropriate cybercrime insurance and risk management support. I am thoroughly excited to be part of this fast-moving business and to add to what is already an exceptional client service offering.”

Jake Fox, JM Glendinning Professional Risks MD, says: “Andy is a great hire for us and will be a real asset as we look to grow our cyber liability insurance proposition. Having a dedicated director responsible for cyber, data and crime insurance shows that we are serious about ensuring that clients reduce their risk to keep both themselves and their businesses safe. With Andy’s experience, expertise and drive, our clients are in very safe hands.”