Part of an ad hoc series taking you behind the scenes with the RU team.
Below we meet Wayne Knibbs, our Head of Distribution – Private Clients. Read on to uncover what a standard working day looks like for Wayne, to understand what he thrives on and see where he makes an impact for both our brokers and our business.
Each day is different for me, depending on whether I’m at the bustling London office, the quieter St Neots location, working from home, or out visiting our brokers.
However, there’s one unwavering routine: I rise early, usually around 6:00 am to take my dogs on a refreshing run. Those moments of fresh air help me shake off the sleepiness and prepare for the rest of the day.
My role is wonderfully varied and much of my time is spent preparing for conversations with brokers – typically five or six in a single day. These discussions revolve around uncovering new opportunities and figuring out how we can best support our brokers. This could involve training, marketing, or simply helping with their inquiries. As well as working alongside our established brokers, I also focus on identifying potential new broker partners who could benefit from a partnership with Renovation Underwriting.
Collaboration is key, so I dedicate a significant portion of my day to ensuring smooth communication with the team. I engage with our underwriters, operations team and data analyst, juggling multiple priorities to keep our projects on track. It’s a dynamic environment and I thrive on the energy it brings.
As the day progresses, I often check in on our distribution team’s objectives set at the beginning of the year. A portion of my afternoon is spent monitoring our progress and making necessary adjustments based on both external and internal influences, so we continue to be agile and react to the ever-changing landscape the contract works sector finds itself in.
Being part of the Geo Underwriting family means connecting with colleagues across the organisation is vital. These conversations help us align our offerings and stay informed about broader business initiatives. It’s all about teamwork and I love being part of a cohesive unit working towards shared goals.
Before I know it, it’s 5.30 pm and I’m wrapping up my workday. I head home, where there is typically a whirlwind of activity, especially with three children. My 17-year-old daughter often needs a driving practice partner, which, as anyone who saw me at BIBA last year can attest, is always an adventure!
If I’m not in the passenger seat, I’m busy ferrying my son or daughter to football practice. After 6 years of managing a youth team, I’ve managed the art of cheering from the sidelines without letting my coaching instincts take over.
In the spirit of “a rolling stone gathers no moss,” my wife and I have also tackled the renovation of four properties, and we’re currently busy planning our next and hopefully final project. This endeavour tends to fill any remaining spare time, ensuring there’s never a dull moment in our lives!
As I wrap up my day, I appreciate the balance between work and family that shapes my routine. Each conversation with brokers helps strengthen our partnerships, and my time at home with my kids offers a welcome distraction. At Renovation Underwriting, I value being part of a team that prioritises collaboration and support. It’s rewarding to contribute to our shared goals while navigating the everyday challenges that come my way.
