Tributes paid to Smart & Cook Consulting founder

TRIBUTES have been paid to Oxygen director and Smart & Cook Consulting founder Sean Hicks who has died at the age of 52. 

Mr Hicks’ funeral is being held today in his home village of Dunnington near York.

He was head of Oxygen’s corporate risks team which has clients including quoted UK plcs and financial institutions.

He joined Oxygen in November 2006 following the acquisition of his business Smart and Cook Consulting.

The firm had been set up in 2000 with the aim of being the first insurance broker in the UK to operate on a professional services model.

Mr Hicks went on to play a major role in building the business, which has gained a reputation for its professional staff, the delivery of high standards of service and the quality of its advice.

The Smart & Cook business was set up in 2000 after Mr Hicks and some colleagues left Willis where he was managing director of Willis Corporate Risks.

Chris Brady, a colleague at Oxygen, had worked with him since 1992. He will give a tribute at today’s funeral.

Mr Brady said: “Sean truly was a visionary. I have had about 200 emails from people who knew him and the common theme is inspirational and visionary.

“He did what people said couldn’t be done. Even to this day our model is unique in the UK. It sounds grand but it’s true and he worked with McKinsey to develop the model.

“He was inspirational and a brilliant friend and mentor,” added Mr Brady.

Oxygen has 10 offices across the US and the UK including in Manchester and Leeds.

His funeral will be held at 1.15pm on July 9 at Dunnington Church, Dunnington, near York.

Mr Hicks was married to wife Jane and the couple have two children, Liam and Amelia.