The Team
Rowlands & Hames is supported by a team of insurance professionals covering broking, claims and operational roles across the business.
The team includes Chartered and CII-qualified individuals, many of whom have spent a significant proportion of their careers within the insurance sector and with Rowlands & Hames.
Chairman
Andrew Farnworth ACII
-
Chairman
Chartered Insurance Practitioner - 01253 598952
- andy@rowlands-hames.co.uk
Andrew Farnworth joined Rowlands & Hames in 1985, beginning his career as an office administrator before progressing through a range of senior roles within the business. Over several decades, he played a key role in the management and financial oversight of the company, including serving as Financial Director.
Now Chairman, Andrew provides continuity, governance and strategic support, drawing on extensive experience gained throughout his long career in the insurance and financial services sector. His time with the business has spanned periods of significant change within the industry, during which he has contributed to maintaining regulatory standards and operational stability.
Andrew is a Chartered Insurance Practitioner and remains actively involved at board level. Outside of the business, he supports a local charity as a board trustee and is President of his local cricket club.
Managing Director
John A Isles ACII
-
Managing Director
Chartered Insurance Broker - 01253 598953
- john@rowlands-hames.co.uk
John Isles joined Rowlands & Hames in 2004 as a co-director and is now Managing Director, with responsibility for the overall leadership and strategic direction of the business.
John began his career in the insurance industry in 1986 and has held a wide range of senior technical roles, including property and liability underwriting, insurance surveying, and underwriting and claims management. His career has included positions within major insurers across Preston, Manchester and South London, before moving into insurance broking in 2000.
Drawing on experience across underwriting, broking and claims, John oversees the review and placement of complex insurance arrangements and supports the continued development of the business. He is a Chartered Insurance Broker and plays a key role in maintaining professional standards, regulatory compliance and insurer relationships.
Outside of the office, John is a keen walker and spends much of his time outdoors with his dog.
Director
Paul A R Willis Bsc (Hons), Cert CII
- Director
- 01253 598969
- paul@rowlands-hames.co.uk
Paul Willis joined Rowlands & Hames in 2005, having previously gained early experience within the business during his studies. Over a number of years, he progressed through a range of roles and was appointed Director in 2022.
As a Director, Paul is involved in the ongoing development of the business and works closely with clients across commercial and private insurance, supporting the review and placement of insurance arrangements. He brings a detailed and methodical approach to understanding client requirements and insurer terms.
Paul holds a BSc (Hons) and is CII-qualified. He plays an active role in supporting colleagues across the business and contributes to maintaining professional and regulatory standards.
Outside of work, Paul is a long-standing supporter of Sheffield United and is actively involved in local cricket, including coaching and supporting junior players at his home club.
Corporate Account Director
Tony Swallow
- Account Director
- 01253 598954
- 07974 692990
- tony@rowlands-hames.co.uk
Tony Swallow joined Rowlands & Hames in 1994, having begun his career in the insurance industry in the mid-1980s. With almost four decades of experience, he has worked continuously within insurance broking and has built long-standing relationships with clients across the Fylde Coast and wider Lancashire area.
As a Corporate Account Director, Tony is responsible for managing and supporting a portfolio of commercial and private clients, including those with complex insurance arrangements. Many of the clients he works with have been supported by Tony over long periods of time, reflecting continuity of contact and experience.
Tony has particular experience within the corporate and hospitality sectors and draws on extensive local and regional market knowledge. He plays an active role in supporting clients throughout the policy lifecycle, including renewals and claims liaison.
Outside of work, Tony enjoys travelling, walking in the Lake District and following a wide range of sports.
Corporate Account Director
Gary B Baxter Dip CII
- Account Director
- 01253 598957
- 07904 546274
- gary@rowlands-hames.co.uk
Gary Baxter joined Rowlands & Hames in 2004 and brings more than three decades of experience within the insurance industry. His career has included roles as both a commercial underwriter and an insurance broker, providing a broad technical understanding of insurer and client requirements.
As a Corporate Account Director, Gary is responsible for managing commercial insurance arrangements and supporting clients throughout the policy lifecycle, including renewals and claims-related matters. His role involves working closely with insurers and colleagues to ensure appropriate cover structures are in place.
Gary holds a Diploma from the Chartered Insurance Institute and draws on extensive industry experience when supporting clients with a wide range of commercial insurance needs.
Outside of work, Gary enjoys travelling and following sport, particularly football and cricket.
Account Director
Gavin Hargreaves ACII
- Account Director Chartered Insurance Broker
- 01254 914 322
- gavin@rowlands-hames.co.uk
Gavin Hargreaves is an Account Director at Rowlands & Hames and a Chartered Insurance Broker.
He is responsible for supporting clients with the placement and ongoing management of insurance arrangements, working closely with colleagues and insurers across the business.
Business Development Director
Mike Watkinson Dip CII
- Business Development Director
- 01253 598973
- mike@rowlands-hames.co.uk
Mike Watkinson joined Rowlands & Hames in 2010, having previously worked within the motor trade before moving into insurance. He began his career within the Claims Department and has since worked across personal lines, commercial broking and business development roles.
As Business Development Director, Mike works alongside Account Directors on new business opportunities while also managing his own portfolio of clients. His role involves reviewing insurance arrangements, supporting client onboarding and working closely with colleagues and insurers across the business.
Mike holds a Diploma from the Chartered Insurance Institute, with a particular focus on claims. His background provides him with a detailed understanding of both claims processes and insurance placement.
Outside of work, Mike is actively involved with his local cricket club, supporting its committee and fundraising activities.
Broking Operations Director
Daniel Brookes ACII CITIP
- Broking Operations Director
- Chartered Insurance Broker
- 01253 598950
- daniel@rowlands-hames.co.uk
Commercial & Corporate Broker
Rachel Horsfield Dip CII
- Commercial & Corporate Broker / Insurer Relationship Manager
- 01253 598970
- rachel.horsfield@rowlands-hames.co.uk
Commercial & Corporate Broker
David Winterbottom Dip CII
- Commercial & Corporate Broker
- 01253 598951
- david@rowlands-hames.co.uk
Commercial & Corporate Broker
Louise Mitchell Cert CII
- Commercial & Corporate Broker
- 01253 598978
- louise@rowlands-hames.co.uk
Commercial & Corporate Broker
Katrina Knights
- Commercial & Corporate Broker
- 01253 598979
- katrina@rowlands-hames.co.uk
Commercial & Corporate Broker
Melanie Crook Cert CII
- Commercial & Corporate Broker
- 01253 598964
- melanie@rowlands-hames.co.uk
Commercial & Private Clients Broker
Ryan Jackson BSc (Hons), Cert CII
- Commercial & Private Clients Broker
- 01253 598962
- ryan@rowlands-hames.co.uk
Small Business & Private Clients Broker
Theo Slade Cert CII
- Small Business & Private Clients Broker
- 01253 598956
- theo@rowlands-hames.co.uk
Private Clients Broker
Pippa Taylor
- Private Clients Broker
- 01254 914 323
- Philippa@rowlands-hames.co.uk
Claims Manager
Colin Foster
- Claims Manager
- 01253 598976
- colin@rowlands-hames.co.uk
Accounts Manager
Gillian Jackson
- Agency & Accounts Manager
- 01253 598961
- gillian@rowlands-hames.co.uk
Accounts Administrator
Sandra Rowe
- Accounts Administrator
- sandra@rowlands-hames.co.uk
