MANNINGUK AUTOMOTIVE - Meet Our People

It might sound like a cliché, but the reality is that every organisation can only be as good as its people – and at ManningUK we believe we have some of the best in the world of insurance.

We thought our clients might like to actually see who they’re talking with or who’s writing to them so here’s our gallery of ManningUK people. We hope you enjoy getting to know them a little more.

Ann Manning

Managing Director - click here to contact Ann

Well now where do I start?

I'm a professional businesswoman with over 30 years’ experience in the Insurance Broking Industry. I started MANNINGUK in 1984 with a view to providing a polished, professional and “easy-to-do-business-with” service to all my clients however large or small – this is a philosophy which I’m pleased to say hasn’t changed to this day.

I’m told I’m a workaholic and have a very high standard which can make me quite difficult to work for, but I firmly believe that tradition and standards should be maintained in all walks of life, and endeavouring to carry my beliefs my team do a very good job. I also believe that as we spend more waking hours with our colleagues than family it is important to care and support each other.

MANNINGUK is involved in various sponsorships from football teams, to racing cars to speech and drama, and has been for a long time. I personally take sponsorship seriously and am actively involved with the Woodley Festival of Music and Arts. This Festival encourages young people to develop their speech, acting ability and also musical talent. It is a pleasure to hear and see young people partaking in the Festival and to hear proper diction!

I’m Deputy Chairman of the Reading Bench with all that entails. As regards hobbies I love theatre, polo, entertaining, dabble at bridge and I love anything connected with water. My ambition – to own a narrow boat and although not connected have a picture included in the Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts.

Personal Contact Information: Telephone: 01491 578759 Extension 201 - Email: ann_manning@manninguk.com

Jacquie Newport

Administration Manager - click here to contact Jacquie

Jacquie’s background has always been in Management and Administration – nowadays there’s very little she couldn’t do with her eyes closed.

Jacquie began her career as a Court Administration Manager. After nearly 30 years in the Court Service she eventually decided on a change of scenery and took her skills to MANNINGUK in 2003.

Jacquie’s role covers many areas (she’s often found answering all the ‘can you just’ requests!) However, Jacquie’s main focus is the administration and reconciliation of MANNINGUK client and insurer accounts.

Jacquie's always had an interest in antiques, especially ceramics and glass. She’s spent many an hour wandering around antique fairs and shows and has always pondered the thought of opening her own antique shop. Having been fortunate enough to have many holidays abroad, when it’s time for a break Jacquie’s more than happy nowadays to hire a canal boat and spend an idyllic week on the canals of England or France…travelling at a snail’s pace and soaking up the atmosphere.

Personal Contact Information: Telephone 01491 578759 Extension 203 - Email: jacquie_newport@manninguk.com

Rodney Buckland

Scheme Coordinator - click here to contact Rodney

“I’m a Formula One fanatic!” says Rodney.

Rodney’s been with MANNINGUK for over 15 years, starting out with a Customer Care Role. Now he’s a Performance Scheme Co-coordinator. This role allows Rodney to exercise his passion for performance by meeting and joining various motor clubs such as TVR, Porsche, and Aston Martin. Rodney is often working on a number of new motor schemes for high performance vehicles. People often comment that Rodney is 'one of the lucky ones’ who has a job so suited to his passion, and he wholeheartedly agrees!

His love for fast cars takes Rodney to a number of the Formula One events. He attends the 24 hour race in Le Mans most years and supports and attends TVR, Porsche and Aston Martin events.

Rodney’s other hobbies include music and the arts. His taste in music is very diverse from modern to classical – when he’s not getting his adrenaline fix somehow, he plays in a Brass Band and travels around the country in concert which he finds completely and totally relaxing. Rodney enjoys travel and would like to visit every country in the world before he retires!

Rodney has three grown up children and four grandchildren named Georgia, Jasmine, Harry and Jacob whom he adores.

Personal Contact Information: Telephone: 01491 578759 - Email: rodney_buckland@manninguk.com

Lee Sargent

Automotive and Lifestyle Manager - click here to contact Lee

Lee’s worked for MANNINGUK since June 2006 in the Personal Lines Department and is actively involved in the Motor Schemes and High Net Worth Products.

Lee started in insurance straight after leaving school and joined a broker owned by a family friend. Before he joined MANNINGUK he worked at 3 other high street brokers, so his experience of internal processes and management in the Insurance industry is fruitful. Reflecting on his experience, Lee was quickly impressed with how things run at MANNINGUK and has since become a fond and integral member of the team.

Lee’s hobbies involve attending music concerts & festivals as well as various sports events (he’s a season ticket holder at Wycombe Wanderers Football club). As a part of his enthusiasm for cars, Lee’s currently trying (without much luck he says!) to restore a 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. He enjoys going to car shows and race events - Lee attended his first Le-mans in 2007 which he says was exhilarating.

Personal Contact Information: Telephone 01491 578759 Extension 209 - Email: lee_sargent@manninguk.com

Michael Briggs

Automotive and Lifestyle Executive - click here to contact Michael

Michael joined a well known high street broker from Sixth Form College and rose to be acting branch manager until he was made redundant when the branch closed. He has joined our Automotive and Lifestyle division as an Account Executive and handles new sales and existing VIP clients.

Michael is a quiet and methodical man who is very focused on customer service going that extra mile to meet the clients’ needs. He is a pleasure to have in the office and the clients all like him, if he is asked to do a task it is done in record time.

Michael has a passion for motorbikes and any machine that travels at speed! He rides a Kawasaki ZX 6R and is in the process of restoring a classic bike. He also loves music and has a wide variety of tastes.

Personal Contact Information : Telephone 01491 578759 Extension 206 - Email: michael_briggs@manninguk.com

Gyles Haigh-Austin

Account Handler - click here to contact Gyles

Gyles joined ManningUK in April 2008on a temporary six month contract to supplement his income whilst studying for an Undergraduate Diploma in Computing at Oxford University’s continuing education department. However it soon became obvious that his talents and skills were a great asset to the Company and he was offered a permanent contract in November 2008.

He went to University College London where he studied for a BA in Ancient Word Studies. He has spent many seasons in the field including sites in the UK and abroad. For the last 5 years he has been in the hospitality industry working as a Bar Manager in a local public house.

Gyles has many sporting talents; skiing, golf, shooting. He is learning to play classical guitar and if all that was not enough including his studies he enjoys less energetic pastimes as reading, cinema and computing.

Gyles is currently working with the Automotive and Lifestyle Department in sales and administration whilst undergoing an intensive training programme.

Personal Contact Information: Telephone 1491 578759 Extension 208 - Email: gyles_haigh-austin@manninguk.com

Paul Wilson

Automotive and Lifestyle Executive - click here to contact Paul

Paul started his career with a high street broker after leaving the sixth form where he acquired insurance knowledge over a 2 year period.

He was wooed away from insurance with the prospect of a higher salary as a recruitment consultant. Whilst enjoying the experience he soon realised insurance was the path he wished to follow and he came to ManningUK.

Paul is a pleasure to have around with a keen sense of humour. If there was a criticism he tries to please everyone and sometimes sets timescales for himself that are unrealistic! However, he is hard working and a good team player.

Paul has been an avid supporter of Reading Football Club for 17 years and enjoys life to the full!