The Team
At Rowlands and Hames, our greatest asset is our talented team. Each member brings a unique blend of expertise, experience, and passion to deliver exceptional results for our clients.
Get in touch
Chairman
Andrew Farnworth ACII
-
Chairman
Chartered Insurance Practitioner - 01253 598952
- andy@rowlands-hames.co.uk
Joined Rowlands & Hames in 1985 as office administrator, working his way up through the ranks to become our Chartered Independent Financial Advisor. Now retired Financial Director, Andy has begun ‘winding-down’ his working career, having tirelessly strived to ensure that all those that have worked for Rowlands & Hames during his time have been well managed and supported.
All the while, clients have been provided with sound financial advice, to enable them to plan for the future. There is never any certainty in investments, but rest assured, the best advice has always been given and this has been recognised by the retention rate of our clients remaining incredibly high.
This has all been managed whilst keeping the company FCA compliant and Company Finances in order.
Away from the office, he can now be found supporting a local Charity on their Board of Trustee’s 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 is the company’s Managing Director having joined in 2004 as a co-director and is the driving force of the business.
John came to Rowlands & Hames with a wealth of knowledge within the industry, bringing with him roles as senior underwriter; insurance property & liability surveyor; and underwriting/claims management in General Accident’s Preston, Manchester and South London branches, having begun his journey in 1986 before moving into the broking ‘arena’ in 2000.
Usually, it is the career that finds the person, but John is the exception – he pro-actively sought-out insurance and has loved it ever since!
John brings with him a wealth of experience and sometimes brutal honesty to ensure that his clients understand and appreciate their insurance needs to protect their business, themselves, and all of their employees.
If you are looking for a forensic review of your insurance needs, look no further than ‘our John’!
Away from the office (his mobile and emails will almost certainly still be on) John is a keen walker taking his beloved dog Jess out, for miles up and down hills, almost always ending up with a pint of real ale in his hand!
John is a very proud Chartered Insurance Broker – insurance is John’s ‘hobby’!
Director
Paul A R Willis Bsc (Hons), Cert CII
- Director
- 01253 598969
- paul@rowlands-hames.co.uk
Paul has been with Rowlands & Hames since 2005, having spent several summers before working in the business.
Following in the footsteps of his late father, Bob, Paul has worked his way up and in 2022 became the company’s newest Director – working harder than most to ensure that people knew that he has earned the promotions off the back of his own effort and determination and nothing else.
Paul brings with him a fresh enthusiasm for driving the company forward whilst ensuring that his clients always receive the absolute best advice.
Not as bold maybe as his MD (but there is still time), Paul is inquisitive with his clients and ensures that their needs are understood and wherever possible, met.
Away from the office Paul is a true Blades fan, following Sheffield United since being a young boy and now taking his young family ‘over the border’ to Bramall Lane to support his favourite club.
However, once the warmer months arrive, Paul will be seen grazing on the boundary of a cricket field or racking up the runs in the middle (not as a bowler thankfully). An accomplished cricketer who is now passing on his wealth of experience to the next generation most Friday evenings at his home club, Fleetwood.
On and off the field, this is a person to keep your eye on – he and those around him will succeed.
Account Directors
Tony Swallow
- Account Director
- 01253 598954
- 07974 692990
- tony@rowlands-hames.co.uk
Tony joined Rowlands & Hames back in 1994 having begun his career some 10 years earlier at another local brokerage.
In 2024, Tony will be celebrating 40 years’ service to the insurance sector where he has built the reputation of being one of the nicest and most client facing Account Directors across the Fylde Coast.
Loyalty is a two-way street and Tony has it in abundance – a significant number of Tony’s clients have been with him throughout his 40 years and are safe in the knowledge that if they need something he will be there at the drop of a hat (night or day).
Tony’s expertise within the corporate and private client world comes with a vast knowledge of the area in and around Lancashire.
Tony will strive to provide answers to all situations saving time and ensuring competitive solutions, having a very keen interest within the hospitality sector.
When away from the office, Tony will be found watching almost all sports, travelling, or walking in the Lake District.
Gary B Baxter Dip CII
- Account Director
- 01253 598957
- 07904 546274
- gary@rowlands-hames.co.uk
Gary joined Rowlands & Hames in 2004 and brings with him 35 years’ experience within the insurance industry both and commercial underwriter and insurance broker.
The testimonials will confirm that Gary has an excellent manner in looking after his clients and ensuring that all their insurance needs are catered for.
Gary’s hobbies mainly consist of watching sports and travelling up, down and across the country to follow football and cricket and combining this with a good nearby pub.Gary is proud to be a true real ale ambassador having visited over 600 Cask Marque member pubs.
Gavin Hargreaves ACII
- Account Director Chartered Insurance Broker
- 01254 914 322
- gavin@rowlands-hames.co.uk
Mike Watkinson Dip CII
- Business Development Director
- 01253 598973
- mike@rowlands-hames.co.uk
Michael joined Rowlands & Hames in 2010 having previously worked within the motor trade industry, beginning his career in the Claims Department before moving into the Personal Lines and Commercial Broking team, and now with a ‘hybrid’ role working alongside the Account Directors on new business opportunities whilst managing his own account of clients.
Michael’s studying took him down the claims route and he currently holds a Diploma in Insurance, specialising in Claims. Michael has a keen interest in investigating both claims and new business alike, often spending many hours researching prospective clients and their industries in preparation for meetings and enabling the sourcing of the most appropriate insurance policies.
Whilst striving for perfection, Michael asks questions at every turn to ensure an excellent understanding of what is required and what is available whilst seeking the best deal for everyone concerned.
Away from the office and family life, Michael dedicates his time to his local cricket club where he has an active role on the committee, specifically on commercial/fundraising aspects to help support the ever growing membership numbers of his club. Only occasionally being required to spend a day at the weekend in the field.
With at least another 30 years in the industry ahead of him, Michael is looking to build lifelong relationships with clients, insurers and everyone in between.
Office & Commercial Manager
Elizabeth J Kelly
- Commercial & Private Clients Manager / Office Manager
- 01253 598958
- liz@rowlands-hames.co.uk
Broking Manager
Daniel Brookes ACII CITIP
- Broking Operation 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 & Corprate Broker
- 01253 598979
- katrina@rowlands-hames.co.uk
Commercial & Corporate Clients Broker
Ryan Jackson
- Commercial & Private Clients Broker
- 01253 598962
- ryan@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
Accounts Administrator
Theo Slade
- Broking Administrator
- 01253 598956
- theo@rowlands-hames.co.uk
