Understanding clients' risks, assisting them in evaluating risks and being then able to portray those risks skilfully to an underwriter are the hallmarks of a good broker, says JMD Ross director Tim Ross.
In almost 30 years as a broker, Tim has honed those skills well. He spent 10 years with a bank before joining his brother, Sandy, at broker HM Bates in 1976. He spent 12 years with the company, the final three as director of group corporate services, assisting with the integration of 18 brokerages the company purchased over 18 months.
Tim joined JMD Ross in 1988, where he continued his specialisation in the tourism and travel industry.
Tim spends much time educating insurers about the industry's requirements, particularly for inbound tour operators. JMD Ross manages a significant portfolio of tourism business, including schemes for tour guides for two professional associations. Tim is frequently asked to speak at tourism industry conferences and seminars, given his specialist knowledge and expertise on operators' insurance requirements.
Commercial and industrial clients in a wide range of industries, from charity Camp Quality to a major cosmetics manufacturer, are among Tim's key clients outside the tourism industry.
Tim is a NIBA Fellow, a Qualified Practising Insurance Broker, and holds a Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking).
Outside work, he plays golf regularly and is keen on photography. Tim chairs the Sydney Head & Neck Cancer Institute and is a keen follower of rugby union.
But don't ask to borrow a pen - Tim has a large collection of vintage fountain pens that he will not part with.
Tim is married to Di and they have three children.