Global expertise combines with local focus

When Shelley Martin returned from Melbourne after multiple lockdowns to continue a career in her home province, it was a seamless transition for the Hawke's Bay broker. 

The path was made smoother thanks to the close international working relationship between Crombie Lockwood and its parent company Gallagher, the world's third largest insurance brokerage and risk management company.

“There is a very consistent corporate culture that runs through both entities, and a strong focus on training talent from within the business,” explains Shelley. “The ability to gain experience in this manner means there are more opportunities for brokers and, as a result, a broader knowledge base for our clients to receive sound advice from.”

Knowledge and advice on a global scale

After four years working for an insurer, specialising in heavy motor insurance. Shelley wanted a new challenge and took up a role as an assistant with the Melbourne Corporate team at Gallagher catering to a much more diverse client base.

“I absolutely love general broking. You can’t beat the variety of the role and you’re always learning – whether it’s engaging with a client to learn about their business, or researching a new policy. You need to react quickly and wear different hats - the job certainly keeps you on your toes,” she says.

“Crombie Lockwood’s ability to offer specialist advice is also well founded. The company’s specialist teams are second-to-none. Being able to call on advice and support from brokers who get to focus on one particular area or industry is very beneficial to our clients.”

Working Trans-Tasman

After eight years in Australia, in June 2021 Shelley made the decision to move back to New Zealand.

“I continued to work with clients for Gallagher once I had relocated to New Zealand and my manager, Crombie Lockwood Hawke’s Bay Branch Director Trevor Beard, organised for me to work remotely out of the Napier office two days a week.

“This was to ensure I had the opportunity to continue to absorb and learn more, within the office environment.

"Crombie Lockwood and Gallagher both have very robust IT, HR and corporate management systems and processes in place. They remain separate businesses, but there is a large pool of information and resource that is cross utilised for the advantage of employees and clients alike.”

Shelley is now working in Napier for local clients full-time.

“Despite having a local focus when it comes to looking after the needs of my clients, in a variety of ways I am reminded almost daily that ours is a global business,” 

“There is so much knowledge within the combined Crombie Lockwood team and our partners in overseas markets, that helps ensure the very best outcome for our clients.”