People
Meet the Chris Knott Insurance teamAt Chris Knott Insurance, our people are at the heart of what we do. To help you get to know them better, see below to learn more about them, their skills and experience.
Our Management Team
Neil Franklin
Director
Neil joined the team in 2002 after his previous company was brought into the Chris Knott fold. After working in the insurance sector since leaving school in 1979, Neil has built up a wealth of knowledge. Previous work roles have taken him to various insurers as well as Lloyd’s Market and a small brokerage, before he bought into his first business.
Neil loves the rewards and challenges of being part of an independent brokerage as well as mentoring and working closely with his colleagues. Talking and building relationships with clients, suppliers and customers is another favourite aspect of his role.
In his spare time, Neil loves to spend time with his family, particularly his grandchildren. He is also fond of travelling and trying new cuisines. To relax, he heads out for walks in both the local area and countryside, but he also enjoys indulging his passion for motorcycles.
Find the insurance you need
Whether you are an individual, business or not-for-profit organisation looking for comprehensive insurance protection, Chris Knott Insurance can help.
Get in contact with us today or explore our website for Personal Insurance, Commercial Insurance and Specialised Insurance.
Our Personal Lines Team
Melinda Mackay
Personal Lines Supervisor
I have been in the insurance industry for over 35 years. I started in a tiny brokerage issuing manual covers notes and calculating premiums manually via an underwriting guide!
I joined Chris Knott Insurance in June 2002 as a part-time technician after taking a break having my 2 children. My initial role was phone-based dealing with client’s renewals, mid-term changes and claims enquiries. During my time at Chris Knott, I have obtained industry standard qualifications, including Cert CII. I became Customer Service Supervisor approximately 7 years ago, and, when our New Business and Customer Service teams merged just after Covid and I became a Personal Lines Supervisor. I work closely with my Manager, Ian Willis, overseeing the day to day running of the team with him, in addition to managing CPF account and quotation/renewal referrals from the team. I am also CK Complaints Champion currently.
On a personal note, I love nothing better than walking my Border Collie. I go to a lot of concerts and shows in London. I enjoy cycling, badminton, paddle boarding and I play Stoolball for a local team where I live in East Sussex.
Dawn Wills
Account Handler
I have over 30 years’ experience in the Insurance Industry. I started off in a customer facing role for a High Street Broker initially, dealing with all types of insurance. I joined Chris Knott Insurance in 2000 working predominantly in Personal Lines. I have enjoyed working in a team environment with a great set of colleagues. Many of us working together for a long time. Chris Knott has encouraged me to progress in my personal development, achieving my Cert CII qualification. Since being taken over by Jensten I have become a Mental Health First Aider.
I love spending time in the garden, hiking in the countryside, travelling to new places and enjoy yoga.
Kim Hazell
Account Handler
I have worked at Chris Knott’s for over 30 years all of that time in Personal Lines, up until December I was a Personal Lines Supervisor but have now stepped back to working just 3 days per week and am enjoying semi-retirement. I have seen a lot of changes over the years, from where all processing was done manually and by post to how we process insurance electronically today.
Ashley Croft
Account Handler
I joined CKI in 2014 in the Marketing team, assisting in new enquiries for car club members & enthusiasts, Churches & Charities. I then joined the Personal Lines Team in 2021 as an Account Handler mainly focusing on new business.
Having a keen personal interest in cars and a Motorsport enthusiast the role suits me well seeing and hearing about client’s specialist vehicles. I often attend car shows and visit Brands Hatch and Silverstone for various events over the year.
Harry Dickens
Account Handler
I joined the team in late 2023, Took a big turn in my career path. Coming from an outdoors background as an activities instructor and stepping into the insurance world.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with friends and family and staying active.
Simon Clark
Data, Quality & Process Controller
Simon joined Chris Knott Insurance in 2000 following several years employment within the Civil Service. Initially employed as an Admin Clerk, he quickly showed his skills in other areas and soon became involved in projects outside of his main role.
These have included writing process guides for tasks across the business. Simon’s current role of Data, Process & Quality Controller sees him working closely with the Management Team. He is a safe pair of hands and always has a valuable contribution to make.
Simon is a keen photographer and likes attending classic car shows. If he can combine the two, that’s a bonus!
Ian Willis
Personal Lines Manager
With nearly 30years of experience in the insurance industry, I began my career as an eager 18-year-old with limited knowledge, aside of setting up my own motor policy for the first time. Over the years, I have embraced various roles, including sales, customer service, and business analysis, and have successfully led several teams.
I have been working for Chris Knott Insurance since 2014 and from 2020 onwards I have been managing the Personal Lines team. My Team combined have over 180 years’ worth of experience in the industry.
My passion lies in working with people, helping them to develop their skills and expand their knowledge. I am a true believer in delivering top-quality products and, importantly, exceptional service to all customers.
As well as several internal training courses that I have completed over the years including coaching, time management and leadership skills, I have also passed the industry recognised Cert CII exams. In this industry it is key to continue training and development and my team, and I complete training sessions every month to keep up to speed with all the changes within the insurance world.
Outside of work, I am an enthusiast of most sports, with a particular passion for boxing. I cherish spending time with my family, enjoying meals out, and socialising with friends. I also like to go for runs when the weather is nice and love taking walks with my two dogs.
Emma Croucher
Account Handler
Whilst at college doing a secretarial course, I did my work experience in a local insurance brokers. I was lucky enough for them to employ me after finishing college and joined their motor department. I’ve worked in the insurance industry since then. I joined Chris Knott’s in 2003.
Many of you may have spoken to me on the phone over the year’s, however, now my main roll is to issue motor, home and breakdown renewals out to the customers. During my time at Chris Knott’s I have achieved my Cert CII qualification and attended a Mental Health First Aid Course. During my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, listening to music, reading, watching musicals and baking.
Milton Ioannou
Account Handler
I have been working within the insurance industry since 2003, I have worked with in different areas within the industry, starting in claims department and moving into sales and adjustments. I have been with in my current role with Chris Knott Insurance for 15 years. I like to cook but I am no chef, and i enjoy reading when I get the time.
Daryl White
Account Handler
I joined the team in 2003, previously working for Hastings Direct.
I enjoy working as a team to serve existing and new clients with their car and home insurance needs. I particularly like helping with home insurance as I find this can sometimes be challenging but also rewarding.
In my spare time I enjoy watching football, walking, gaming and gardening.
I’m a massive Sheffield Wednesday fan.
Jessica lane
Account Handler
I started at Chris Knott In July 2018 after having worked for Insurance previously for a number of years. I enjoy dealing with customers and building rapports with clients making sure there journey with us is easy and going away happy.
In my spare time I love spending time with my Family & woody walks with the dog.
Our Commercial Team
Fern Kardamash
Commercial Lines Manager
Fern is an experienced insurance professional with 16 years in the industry. For the past 7.5 years, she has been a key part of Chris Knott Insurance, starting as a Commercial Lines Technician and recently stepping into the role of Commercial Lines Manager. With a strong background in commercial insurance and team leadership, Fern is committed to delivering excellent service and fostering a high-performing team.
Outside of work, she enjoys travelling, socializing with friends and taking long beach walks with her beloved rescue dog.
Molly Wright
Commercial Technician
Molly is a dedicated Commercial Technician in the Commercial department, currently pursuing her CII Qualification.
Outside of work, Molly enjoys indulging in films, good food, she is an animal lover and makes the most of the summer. She does not enjoy winter.
Lucy Knight
Commercial Technician
Keen footballer playing for the same local team for over 10 seasons. Love the summer and spending time on the beach for walks at low tide with the dog and swimming in the sea. Not a fan of the winter months with the dark evenings, always looking forward to a summer holiday.
Rebecca Messetter
Commercial Lines Technician
Joined Chris Knott in 2011 on the personal lines team and moved to commercial team to help with the new schemes in end of 2020.
Outside of work I like spending time with family and friends and going on long walks with my dog.
Sue Penny
Commercial Technician
Coming up for 25 years working at Chris Knott Insurance, collectively 35 years working in insurance.
Mum to 3 children and 2 Golden Retrievers.
I enjoy long walks in the countryside exploring, a good pub, or a micro-brewery.
Holidays are always seeking culinary adventures, finding new experiences and destinations with lots of sun!
Well, Chris Knott Insurance (who runs the C4owners Insurance scheme) has come up trumps again!
Just had my Home Insurance renewal in and they have reduced my premium by £73.44 p.a. (28%) from that quoted at renewal by… Churchill! Oh and the cover is better as well.
