Directors
Paul Hurford
Director
I have over thirty years experience in the insurance industry. I started my career as a personal lines assistant for an insurance broker in Skipton. After relocating to East Yorkshire in 2001 I joined Hedon Insurance’s Hedon branch, initially as an insurance advisor but very shortly after I became the Branch Manager .In 2013 I became a Director and stepped down from the managers role in 2016 to concentrate on my Directors role focussing on our companies procedures, customer care and compliance amongst other things. I still remain very much hands on as I really enjoy the interaction with our clients. Outside of work, I have many interests and hobbies including photography which is ironic as I myself am camera shy.
Karen Verschoor-Lowe
Director
I have over 30 years’ experience in the Insurance Industry. Starting at Cooperative Insurance in 1989 as an office junior, working my way up to Office Manager and then onto Divisional Trainer travelling around the UK, training office staff and advisors the complex nature of Personal Lines Insurance.
Joining Hedon Insurance in 2006 at the Hornsea Branch, I then opened our Hull office in 2007 and progressed to Director in 2013.
No two days are the same which keeps things interesting and enjoyable. Being able to assist clients in ensuring they get the right cover for their needs is a very satisfying part of the job.
When not at work, I enjoy socialising with friends and just love a holiday in the sunshine with long walks and plenty of refreshment breaks!
The Team
Kerry Abblett
I joined Hedon Insurance in August 2021 and am based at the Cottingham Branch. I really enjoy meeting new clients coming into the branch and helping them with all their insurance queries. I have worked in Customer Services for over 20 years and focus on giving excellent customer service at all times.
In my spare time I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends, going out Walking, Baking, and watching my favourite team Hull FC at the MKM stadium and occasionally Hull City.
Katryna Longley
I joined the Cottingham team in 2021, having previously worked within a similar industry . I’m a bubbly person who enjoys reading, movies and socialising with my friends & Family. I Love Love Love Christmas and my ideal holiday would be going to Lapland with my family and spending a white Christmas next to a roaring fire listening to Christmas music.
Ann Sheppard
I started out in the insurance industry back in 1981, joining Hedon Insurance in August of that year. I have been based in the Hedon branch since joining the company and am officially Hedon’s longest serving employee! My spare time is spent with family and friends and I love going to the cinema, reading and listening to music.
Cheryl Noman
I started working in Insurance as an office junior and have now been in the industry for 30 years. I joined Hedon Insurance in 2010 and have been a personal insurance advisor based in the Hedon branch since then. Away from the office I love watching films and spending time with friends and family.
Debbie Bigby
l have worked in insurance for over 30 years and joined Hedon Insurance in 2015.
I am based in the Hedon branch and really enjoy meeting and helping our many clients. I deal with all types of personal insurance. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family and friends..
Danielle Byford
Before joining Hedon Insurance, Danielle was a Warranty Advisor at Wren Kitchens, where she handled client inquiries and managed product replacements and complaints. Previously, she served as Store Manager for WHSmith in Hull and Scunthorpe, collaborating with Lucy, a new colleague at Hedon. Danielle also spent six years at the Post Office as a counter clerk and travel specialist. Eager to expand her knowledge in the insurance sector, she is enjoying her new role at Hedon Insurance and is excited to be part of the team.
Mike Brown
Hello, I’m Mike. I joined Hedon Insurance Hull team in August 2021 after working up in Newcastle for a large supermarket’s insurance and banking section.
Initially, I was the friendly voice in their call centre dealing with all aspects of motor insurance before I opted for a quieter, administrative role in their back office.
In my spare time (when I’m not in the pub) I enjoy spending time with my family which normally involves them spending my wages, which reminds me… when do we get paid again?..
Lisa Griffiths
From leaving school I started working in the Insurance Industry working for a few local Insurance brokers until I had my daughter In 2003. Once my daughter started nursery I helped out in the school where she attended and then decided to take a career in the school as a teaching assistant before been made redundant in 2011 when I started working in retail .I decided that I wanted a change from shop work and came back into this Industry after almost 20 years. In my spare time I enjoy baking, walking, biking and spending quality time with my daughter and friends
Rebecca Power
Rebecca is super excited to be working for Hedon Insurance. Originally from Goole she moved to Hull to study Criminology at the University of Hull. Before coming to Hedon Insurance, she worked in a handful of busy bars in the city centre but soon wanted to settle down with a proper job.
Rebecca joined the Hull office and loves talking to and advising local customers.
Jayne Ness
I have always worked in a customer facing role which I thoroughly enjoy as I’m passionate about helping people.
After working 30 years within the DWP I decided it was time for a career change and was lucky enough to be offered my current role close to home which is a massive bonus as I don’t endure traffic anymore. I work in a very friendly office with a fabulous team across all branches.
I enjoy researching my family tree, watching boxsets, attending gigs, visiting the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
Kirby Hutchinson
Kirby Hutchinson joined the Cottingham office after finishing her GCSEs. Kirby tried hairdressing but decided to look for an alternative career path and came across Hedon Insurance and we are very pleased she did.
Lucy Martin
Prior to joining Hedon Insurance in September 2023, alongside working in retail I completed my degree in Psychology. I really enjoy the customer interaction when going to work and the joy it brings when I’ve been able to help someone. In my down time I love spending time with my family and friends, listening to music and one of my favourite things to do is watch horror movies, I’m trying to watch them all!