Name: Cura Gets A New Home
Uploaded: 2019-05-13T15:32:57-04:00
Duration: 1 min 9 s
Channel: Kathryn Knowles
Description: We are growing!! Our team is getting bigger and we needed to find somewhere that fit our team, and also give us a chance to put our mark on the place aka it needed…

Alan Knowles, Managing Director

“I am proud to be a part of Cura Financial Services, working alongside the insurance advisers who work tirelessly to source the best insurance policies for our clients.”

I originally joined financial services as a web programmer at the age of 21 but was quickly tempted by financial services and became a protection adviser. I now run Cura, a multi award-winning protection intermediary, specialising in hard-to-place protection cases, such as people with health conditions. I dislike excessive red tape and have a passion making the insurance industry more inclusive and accessible for everyone.

Qualifications: Bsc Hons Computer Programming. CII Financial Protection, Group Risk
Key Areas: Protection Insurance, Group Insurance, Cancer, Heart Conditions, Foreign Travel
Fun Fact: At college I was nearly 20 stone, had bright green hair (which I sometimes wore in big spikes), and wore a dog chain as a 'fashion' accessory.

Kathryn Knowles, Managing Director

“I am proud that we have built a company that insures the "uninsurable", just by taking the extra time and care with each client to understand their needs and show them that there is insurance out there for them, whatever the circumstance.”

After completing my PhD in Business Management I joined the insurance industry in 2010. A big part of my work involves producing educational videos and blogs for charities and the general public, to improve access to insurance. I have three boys and they definitely keep me on my toes! I love to dance and be outdoors playing in the mud with my kids.

Qualifications: PhD Business Management. CII Financial Protection, Group Risk, Customer Service in Insurance
Key Areas: Protection Insurance, Group Insurance, Mental Health, Content Marketing, Social Media, Training
Fun Fact: I may have a PhD, but push pull doors absolutely floor me, I always do the wrong way!
Links: More Info

James Barton, Head of Protection

Qualifications: CII Financial Protection
Key Areas: Offshore Workers, Group Protection
Fun Fact: You can't beat a good zombie show and if there's ever a zombie apocalypse, I'm your man.

Kellie, Administrative Manager

I have worked for Cura since 2010. I started within the Administrative team and after a while decided to further my career by becoming an Insurance Adviser. I am now the Administrative Manager and use my knowledge from working as an adviser, to make our administrative processes support advisers. I have two little girls and I love to share my passion for baking with them. I often bring in my sweet treats for the office and use them as guinea pigs for new recipes.

Qualifications: National Diploma in Uniformed Public Service Level 3. CII Financial Protection
Key Areas: Administration, Systems Management, Training, Trusts
Fun Fact: I am PADI qualified and have swum with sharks.
Links: Linkedin

Krystle, Insurance Adviser

I joined the team in October 2010 after a stint working for Saga. I was previously a trainee navigation officer in the merchant navy and have fond memories travelling the world in this role. I am a single mum and love spending time with my daughter. It is interesting trying to fit some sort of personal life around work and mummy duties!

Qualifications: CII Financial Protection
Key Areas: Armed Forces, Diabetes, HIV, Merchant Marine, Transgender, Women's Health
Fun Fact: I am seriously tall and have to buy all my trousers online.
Links: Linkedin

Victoria, Executive Assistant

I am the Executive Assistant for Alan and Kathryn, I have been with Cura since early 2017. I help them to coordinate their busy schedules inside of Cura and across the insurance industry, and ensure that their clients get an expert service. I hold the fort when they are away from the office as well as holding duets with Evie, much to our colleague's delight!

Qualifications: Studying for a degree in business management
Key Areas: Administration
Fun Fact: I can knit the most amazing blankets.

Mark, Insurance Adviser

I have worked in the financial services industry for over 14 years and joined the team in 2011. Having previously worked at Yorkshire Bank, I came to Cura to further my ability to secure people's future financial security. I advise in protection and general insurance and have a keen interest in the benefit of income protection. Outside of work I enjoy playing tennis and hockey.

Qualifications: BSc (Hons) Economics. IFS Financial Advice, Mortgage Advice and Practice. CII Financial Protection.
Key Areas: Accident, Sickness and Unemployment Cover
Fun Fact: I don't have any.
Links: Linkedin

Evie, Executive Assistant

I have been lucky enough to work at Cura since 2016. I initially started as an apprentice and spent a couple of years building my knowledge of what our clients need, so that I can support them as best as possible. I am now the Executive Assistant to the Head of Protection. I really enjoy my role as none of our clients are ever the same. Outside of work I enjoy horse riding, spending time with my family and a having good night out! I am rather partial to hosting sing-offs with Victoria in the office.

Qualifications: Level 3 Diploma in Business Administration
Key Areas: Administration
Fun Fact: I am the songbird of my generation.
Links: Linkedin

Nick, Insurance Adviser

I've been with Cura since 2016 and I thoroughly enjoy working here. My background is in Sport & Health Sciences, so the transition to the protection industry has been a real eye-opener for me; challenging but also very rewarding. When I'm away from the office, I enjoy catching up with my friends and family, and football is my passion!

Qualifications: BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching & Health Sciences. CII Financial Protection
Key Areas: Kidney Conditions, Sickle Cell Anaemia
Fun Fact: I've actually run the naked mile!
Links: Linkedin

Suzanne, Compliance Officer

My main role in Cura is compliance monitoring, alongside my training in HR, to support the whole team. I have worked here since November 2016, and have enjoyed the ability to put my HR knowledge into practice, as well as developing my skills in compliance. I work here part-time and I also teach English as a second language; languages are a love of mine. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, and trying to watch my favourite Netflix series', although it's difficult to do with two young kids at my feet!

Qualifications: BA (Hons) German Studies, MA (CIPD) Personnel and Employee Development
Key Areas: Compliance, Human Resources, Management Reporting, Outreach Activities, Training
Fun Fact: I once went for an interview for a HR position, that took place in a bedroom!!
Links: Linkedin

Emma, Trainee Insurance Adviser

I have recently joined Cura as a Trainee Insurance Adviser, I have over 23 years experience working in General Insurance and the Financial services industry and I am Cert CII qualified. In my spare time I like to read and I enjoy long strolls along the beach with the dog.

Qualifications: CII Financial Services Regulation and Ethics, Financial Protection
Key Areas: Insurance
Fun Fact: I learned to say the alphabet backwards before forwards.

Rheanna, Finance Executive

I have been with Cura since October 2018. In my role I handle company finances and liaise with insurers to monitor policy payments. I also deal with all areas of administration, speaking with clients, insurers and medical professionals. Outside of work I enjoy going to the gym (yes one of those people that actually enjoy going to the gym) going on long walks with my dog (more of a work out than going to the gym when you have a cheeky Jack Russell that doesn't like doing as he is told) I also like socialising with friends whether that be a night in with a takeaway or a few beverages out.

Key Areas: Administration, Finance
Fun Fact: I have 16 tattoos, and counting!
Links: Linkedin

Sarah, Sales Support

I have been with Cura since June 2015 and I've recently returned from maternity leave after having my first daughter. I'm now undertaking a new exciting role of extending our current client portfolio which focuses on keeping in touch with our existing clients. Outside of work I enjoy planning events, anything from attending track days with my husband, family BBQ's to sunning it up in Tenerife.

Qualifications: BA (Hons) Tourism Management
Key Areas: Administration
Fun Fact: I can touch my nose with my tongue.

Vanessa, Administrator

With a strong background in customer services, from a Barista to an English Heritage tour guide, I'm excited to build a career toward insurance advising with Cura. I joined the team in March 2019 as an Administrator, and will begin my Advisor training soon. I currently work as a Sales Support Administrator, helping the advisers to arrange the vital cover that our clients need.

Outside of the work I enjoy reading (specifically crime thrillers, both fiction and non-fiction), photography and writing.

Qualifications: BA (Hons) Tourism & Business
Key Areas: Administration
Fun Fact: I sell my photography and thoughts online, and can make a crackin' flat white.
Links: Linkedin

Lindsay, Marketing Executive

I joined Cura as Marketing Executive in July 2019. I bring over 10 years of Design & Marketing experience to the team. I co-ordinate and design marketing material, as well as getting everyone involved in various charity events throughout the year! Which is lot's of fun!

I enjoy keeping fit & active, Zumba and running. Going for walks with my husband and 2 kids in the beautiful North Yorkshire surroundings. I do love a good charity shop or car boot find!