From Brighton beaches to broker solutions: James Baxter Groves on living the marine life

In this article, we explore James’s journey into marine insurance, his predictions for the sector, and why brokers should feel confident placing pleasure craft risks with N&G. 

Can you tell us a bit about your career to date – how did you get into Marine insurance?

I’ve been passionate about the sea since birth, having grown up on the beach in Brighton, and I throw myself in for a dip rain or shine. During my teenage years, I learned dinghy sailing from Hove Lagoon and Brighton Marina RYA centres and loved being out on the water.

In my early 20s, while looking for work, a friend at N&G mentioned a job opening. I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to work in something I’d loved for so long, so I applied—and found myself really loving what I do. I’ve moved around the three underwriting teams at N&G, including leading the Commercial team, and have enjoyed leading two acquisitions and significant growth in that time. I’m now enjoying the new opportunity sitting across N&G and Geo. 

What are your key predictions for the industry over the next 12–18 months?

With the current volatile economic environment, I foresee further consolidation in both the marine and marine insurance sectors. The marine industry often involves high capital intensity –marinas, for example – for certain activities, which is more easily navigated by larger organisations. In the insurance sector, stricter compliance reporting driven by financial regulations is also more manageable for established companies, and can be difficult to start from scratch. 

I’m also interested in developments around lithium batteries and solar in marine. These technologies carry inherent risks, but with the right understanding, they can be managed effectively. I anticipate further investment in green technologies and sustainable vessel propulsion moving them from an emerging risk, to more mainstream. 

Navigators & General joined the Geo business a year ago – how has joining forces with Geo helped to expand what you can offer brokers and clients?

N&G has long been a trusted brand in the marine insurance market with a revered heritage, and its time with Zurich was paramount to much of that success. What Geo brings is a real focus on the brand and its marine specialism as a primary business, rather than a smaller part of something bigger – allowing us to create our own destiny. 

Geo also has an already established and successful wider marine business, into which N&G fits perfectly. Our aim is to provide solutions to the entire marine market. 

Why should brokers trade with Navigators & General for their pleasure craft needs?

There are two key reasons to pick N&G. First, we have substantial experience and expertise built over decades and passed down effectively. This is the foundation of our strong brand and long-standing success. We’re proud to have underwriters (with an s!) who’ve been with us for nearly 40 years, as well as many sailors who truly understand the risks we cover. 

Second, our claims service is consistently fantastic. Our claims team works side by side with us and is led by Isabelle Jackson-Langlois, a keen sailor. We frequently receive very positive feedback from customers on our claims service, which always makes us proud of what we do. 

Get in touch today

Have a pleasure craft risk or marine query? Speak to our expert team today at sales@geounderwriting.com