People: Fiducia; GSC Grays; SMH Group; and more

Specialty insurance managing general agent (MGA) Fiducia has appointed a new assistant underwriter to support its underwriting team working with UK and European brokers.
Emma Harvey joins the Leeds-based MGA from Ravenhall Risk Solutions where she was an account manager. She brings eight years of experience in insurance, including commercial broking roles at Aon and Gauntlet Group.
In her new role at Fiducia, Emma will provide support to the team of underwriters who specialise in a range of insurance products.
This includes assisting with policy renewal invitations and confirmations, preparing management reports and issuing new business documentation.
Harvey said: “Fiducia has a strong reputation in the specialised insurance market for its client-first approach and a stand out team of knowledgeable, empowered underwriters.
“I’m pleased to be working closely with this expert team and play my part to help continued delivery of market-leading service levels in this exciting new chapter in my insurance career.”
Fiducia specialises in marine cargo, freight liability, engineering, marine equipment, fine art and specie insurance alongside excess of loss and terrorism covers. The company is backed by certain underwriters at Lloyd’s and other insurers.
Welcoming Emma to the company, Fiducia CEO, Gerry Sheehy, said: “Emma’s personable and professional approach means she aligns perfectly with the can-do attitude we have at Fiducia to support our broking partner relationships.
“Her experience within broker positions means she also understands the importance of having access to reliable underwriting support which prioritises service levels.
“Our expert team offers this in abundance and Emma’s support will become a vital asset in helping us cement our market-leading underwriting offer for our specialised markets.”
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Rural land and property specialist, GSC Grays, has appointed three new directors, James Bush, Rachel Morris, and Sam Cole to enhance its management team during a period of growth and development for the company.
Guy Coggrave, managing director, said: “This is an exciting phase of our expansion, and we are happy to add the talents and experience of James, Rachel, and Sam to strengthen and support our management team.
“With over 140 employees across nine offices, we remain focused on delivering bespoke, high quality service and innovative advice across sectors including land, farming, property management, planning, renewables, and environmental management.”
As well as being promoted to director, Bush is taking on the role of vice chair of the Farm Business Board.
He joined GSC Grays, which is headquartered in Colburn near Richmond, in February 2023, bringing over 17 years of experience managing farming and sporting estates in North Yorkshire.
He supports clients with business reviews, budgeting and cashflows, stewardship and capital grant applications, and in hand farm management advice.
Morris is head of valuations working across the North of England and her areas of expertise also include secured lending, tax planning, taxation purposes (IHT / CGT), partnership / matrimonial disputes, pension funds and potential acquisitions.
After graduating from Harper Adams University in 2012, she joined the GSC Grays agency department at the Barnard Castle office, transitioning to the General Practice team in 2016.
She became an RICS member and Registered Valuer in 2018.
Cole joined the GSC Grays Estate and Sporting Management team after graduating from Harper Adams University in 2018.
A Chartered Surveyor and Fellow of CAAV, he manages estates in Northern England and specialises in upland properties.
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Jonathon Dickens
Yorkshire and Derbyshire based accounting and business services firm, SMH Group, has appointed Jonathon Dickens as CEO of the business, with James Hartley moving to the role of chairman, effective immediately.
Having been at the firm for almost 20 years after joining as an apprentice in 2005, Dickens has been instrumental alongside Hartley in the company’s strategic growth in recent years, completing multiple acquisitions since 2017 and expanding the group’s service offering to include commercial finance, mortgage brokering and wealth management.
Dickens said: “Our people are what makes SMH such a fantastic place to work and an equally trusted advisor to our clients.
“I hope to carry on the great work James and I have done together by continuing our growth trajectory into 2025 and beyond.
“On a personal note, I’d also like to thank James for being an inspirational figure, a true mentor and friend during our time to date at SMH and beyond.”
Hartley will be moving to a strategic advisory position in his new role as chairman of SMH Ltd.
Hartley added: “Over the last 22 years, SMH has become a business we can truly be proud of, with an incredible team and clients.
“I look forward to supporting the business in a strategic capacity in my new role as chairman.”
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Filtronic, a Leeds-based designer and manufacturer of products for the aerospace, defence, space and telecoms infrastructure markets, has appointed Antonino Spatola as its new chief commercial officer.
Spatola will lead the company’s global commercial operations, focusing on driving growth and expanding market presence.
With over 20 years of experience in commercial leadership, business development, and strategic growth, particularly in the Space and Defence markets, Spatola brings extensive expertise in building high-performance teams and fostering long-term customer relationships.
He joins following senior roles at industry leaders such as Teledyne E2V and Leonardo, where he shaped market strategies, managed complex customer relationships, and oversaw the launch of innovative products.
Nat Edington, chief executive officer of Filtronic, said: “Antonino’s appointment marks a significant milestone for Filtronic as we strengthen our position in the high-frequency RF market.
“His proven ability to deliver revenue growth and execute successful commercial strategies aligns perfectly with our ambitious growth plans.
“We are confident he will drive our business forward and enhance the value we bring to customers.”
Spatola added: “I’m happy to join Filtronic at such an exciting time. The company’s reputation for innovation and excellence is outstanding, and I look forward to working with the talented team to drive further growth in our target markets.
“Our focus will remain on delivering cutting-edge solutions that consistently exceed the evolving expectations of our customers worldwide.”