Neil McFarlane, CEO of TH March is this month celebrating 35 years with the jewellery trade specialist insurance brokers.
He joined the company in 1983 having spent the previous year with Cornhill Insurance dealing with motor insurance.
Feeling that he very much needed to spread his wings Neil was attracted by the idea of working with the UK jewellery trade and he joined TH March’s Plymouth office as a Management Trainee in the Commercial Department at the tender age of just 19. Notes from his job interview recorded that he was; “…intelligent, personable and with a definite twinkle in his eye”!
In 1988 he was really able to get his teeth into the jewellery trade when he became a Jewellers’ Block Account Executive covering the South West and South Wales region.
Ten years later in 1998, Neil was appointed as an Associate Director and this was followed by a move to the company’s head office in January 1999. Of course, this also involved a move away from his native Plymouth for Neil’s family too.
By the end of that year Neil had been appointed to the Board of Directors and in 2005 he became the Sales & Marketing Director.
June 2012 saw another huge development in Neil’s career when he succeeded Michael Ferraro as THM’s Managing Director.
Earlier this year Neil’s role altered once again to more accurately reflect the way in which the company has developed over the years. He is now Chief Executive Officer of the TH March Group which encompasses TH March Chartered Insurance Brokers and TH March Chartered Financial Planners.
Neil has made many long-lasting friendships amongst members of the UK jewellery trade and his passion for the job is undiminished. He said: “I can’t believe it’s been 35 years but I can honestly say that I have loved every minute of my career with TH March. Many people perceive insurance to be a bit boring – but that is definitely not the case – especially when it’s insurance for the jewellery trade!”
In a company-wide announcement TH March’s Chairman, Mark Smith commented: “We take continuity of service to our customers very seriously here at THM and so it is an absolute pleasure for me to recognise the loyalty and achievement of our Chief Executive Officer as he celebrates 35 years with THM. Neil may have gained a few grey hairs along the way – but the twinkle in the eye is still very much in evidence!”