Managing a quarter of the UK's total worth, the country's insurance industry is the largest in Europe and employs around 300K staff nationwide. The insurance industry is an extension of the financial services and covers job roles within the claims, investment, actuarial and underwriting areas of work. Manchester is the largest financial and insurance centre outside of London and is worth around £3 billion. Specialist Manchester insurance recruitment agencies are therefore in demand to supply permanent, temporary and contract personnel for this competitive market.
As with the financial services, salaries can prove to be wide ranging but highly skilled, experienced and executive / management professionals can expect a salary far above the national average. Actuarial staff tend to earn the highest average salaries at over £70K per annum, whereas brokers, claims and account handlers can expect between £25K-£35K. Manchester and North West based insurance companies offer some of the best job opportunities outside of London, with high profile names such as Zurich, Reich and Towergate having offices in the city.
Qualifications
Qualifications are generally required in order to enter the insurance industry and a number of relevant degrees / apprenticeships are available. A Certificate in Insurance is the standard industry qualification, although an Advanced Diploma (ACII) is the most recognised insurance qualification worldwide. Other relevant degrees can be found at the University of Manchester. Most of the high profile firms also offer graduate schemes and this perhaps provides the best route into the industry. Other relevant areas of insurance work include marketing, sales and accounting and employers will recruit for these jobs based on the vocation's specific qualifications. A Manchester insurance recruitment agency will specialise in sourcing candidates with these necessary credentials and supplying them to their local clients across the city.