Paul Brayne – Senior Client Adviser
We are delighted to spotlight Paul Brayne, one of our highly experienced Senior Client Advisers within the Private Clients Team. Paul is known for his depth of industry knowledge, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to delivering tailored solutions for clients with more complex insurance needs.
A bit about Paul
Outside of work, Paul enjoys staying active and social. He is a keen golfer and footballer, and also enjoys playing padel, walking, and spending quality time with family and friends. A fun claim to fame – Paul once appeared on Who Wants to Be a Football Millionaire, hosted by Chris Tarrant, as part of a Carling promotion!
What Paul does at James Hallam
Paul specialises in providing a bespoke service to clients, focusing on expert risk management and delivering true peace of mind. He works closely with clients who have more complex requirements, ensuring their insurance arrangements are carefully structured and fully aligned to their individual circumstances.
Experience & journey so far
Paul brings a wealth of experience to the team, having spent five years as an insurance underwriter with Eagle Star, Zurich, and Drake Insurance, followed by 25 years as a Private Clients insurance broker. This extensive background gives him a well-rounded perspective and the expertise to navigate even the most specialist areas of the market.
Since joining James Hallam just over a year ago, Paul has successfully placed cover for a number of highly unusual risks, further demonstrating his ability to find solutions in more challenging scenarios.
Making a difference
Paul’s experience and attention to detail enable him to approach each client’s needs with precision and care. His ability to understand complex risk profiles and translate them into effective insurance solutions makes him a trusted adviser to his clients.
A word from Paul
I see myself as a dedicated advisor who navigates the complexities of the specialist insurance market to create bespoke solutions that offer true peace of mind, not just a standard product.
Ellie Blackwell – Client Adviser
We are delighted to spotlight Ellie Blackwell, one of our valued Client Advisers within the Private Clients Team. Ellie is known for her positive attitude, strong communication skills, and dedication to delivering a smooth and supportive experience for every client she works with.
A bit about Ellie
Outside of work, Ellie has a passion for singing and has successfully completed up to Grade 5 Singing examinations with Trinity College London. Her commitment and creativity outside the office reflect the same enthusiasm she brings to her role each day.
What Ellie does at James Hallam
Ellie’s role focuses on renewals and ongoing client management, ensuring policies remain accurate, up to date, and aligned with clients’ needs. She works closely with clients to provide clear guidance and support throughout the renewal process, helping to make what can often be a complex area feel straightforward and well-managed.
Experience & journey so far
Before joining James Hallam, Ellie gained valuable experience at MarkerStudy, where she worked in Broker Support. This background has given her a solid foundation in the insurance industry and a strong understanding of client service and operational processes.
What Ellie brings to the team
Ellie brings a consistently positive approach and excellent communication skills to the team. She is focused on building strong relationships with clients and colleagues alike, and takes pride in ensuring queries are handled efficiently and professionally.
A word from Ellie
I thrive on delivering client-focused solutions and take pride in resolving complex insurance queries with clarity and care.
Jon Grimwood – Senior Client Executive
We are delighted to spotlight Jon Grimwood, one of our experienced Senior Client Executives within the Private Clients Team. Jon is known for his personable approach, strong relationship-building skills, and decades of experience in the insurance industry.
A bit about Jon
Jon has a great sense of humour and a memorable claim to fame – while he hasn’t ticked off bucket-list adventures like bungee jumping or climbing Mount Everest, he has been in Dame Judi Dench’s kitchen while she was wearing pyjamas! Outside of work, Jon enjoys keeping life balanced and values the connections he builds both professionally and personally.
What Jon does at James Hallam
Jon focuses on building and maintaining strong client relationships, while also maximising new business opportunities. His approachable style helps clients feel at ease, making conversations about insurance straightforward and stress-free.
Experience & journey so far
With 40 years of insurance broking experience (a milestone he describes as “scary!”), Jon brings an exceptional level of knowledge and insight to his role. His long-standing career has equipped him with the expertise to support a wide range of clients and situations with confidence.
Making a difference
Jon prides himself on being relaxed and approachable with clients, recognising that insurance isn’t always an easy topic to engage with. By creating a comfortable and friendly environment, he has built lasting relationships and trust over the years, which continues to benefit both his clients and colleagues.
What Jon brings to the team
Jon contributes charisma, stability, and a strong sense of responsibility to the team. His experience and personality make him a valued and dependable presence within the business.
A word from Jon
After many years in the industry, I’ve learned that being yourself, building genuine relationships, and delivering consistent service are what truly earn clients’ trust.