About Us

Roger Gaunt’s insurance career started in underwriting, in roles at Provincial Insurance and Municipal Mutual Insurance. Having built up his experience in the underwriting world, he realised that what he missed was the contact with the customer that would enable him to fully understand their needs.  To address this, he entered into an 18-month partnership that didn’t evolve as expected, so he then took the bold decision to start his own business.  ‘Gauntlet’ was consequently born in October 1994.

Initially, Roger ran the business from home, but by the beginning of 1995, had established the foundations of a promising business and moved to Crown House, in Armley, Leeds, continuing to work with the bus and coach clients that had followed him when he set up on his own.  Many of these clients are still with him today.

Although Gauntlet Group’s early days were focused on being a specialist broker to the bus, coach and fleet trade, the company has evolved, under Roger’s guidance, into one of the most trusted providers of commercial insurance in a wide variety of business sectors.  Over the years, Roger has worked closely with contacts in the Lloyds market, developing numerous insurance avenues through which to place risks.  Gauntlet has, therefore, been able to cover businesses of all shapes and sizes, from small self-employed contractors to international organisations that are trading globally and quoted on the London Stock Exchange.

In April 2015, Roger relocated the business to new offices at Gauntlet House, in Killingbeck, Leeds, creating an office environment that optimizes communication between teams and superbly equips them with all the tools through which to smoothly manage insurance, risk management and broker network processes, from end to end.

Andy joined Gauntlet as sales director in January 2019 and has worked in the insurance industry for over 25 years, with the past four having been spent working in the London insurance market.  Consequently, he has extensive knowledge of both the national and London insurance markets and a wealth of experience in the design and placement of UK and multi-national insurance programmes.   This expertise is being channelled to the benefit of Gauntlet’s sales division, where Andy has a strong leadership and mentoring brief and comprehensive knowledge of technology, media and telecoms business.

Outside of work Andy enjoys mountain biking, travel and has a passionate interest in technology and emerging technology.

Nigel’s 48-year career in insurance began with a role with General Accident and has now encompassed roles as a branch manager, an area director with CGU and as a regional manager for both Aviva (North East) and NIG (North West and North Wales). In 2005, he joined the PLC Board of Broker Network, as managing director for retail broking.  Following takeover by Towergate, he joined the management team at Rural and then the Board of JM Glendinning IB.  He formed his current consultancy business, Nigel Law Consulting, in 2012 and has worked with Gauntlet since that time, helping to grow its AR network, Gauntlet Enterprise.

Outside of work, two children, three stepchildren and nine grandchildren keep Nigel busy, whilst he continues to be a lifelong supporter of both Nottingham Forest FC and Nottinghamshire CCC.

Glyn has worked in the insurance industry for over 15 years, working for both Insurers and insurance brokers, with a particular focus on property and casualty risks. In 2016, he joined Gauntlet for the second time, assuming the role of quality assurance manager, whilst also taking on the responsibility of overseeing the distribution of various in-house newsletters.  Most recently, he has been working in a hybrid role, combining quality assurance with a position as a commercial broker.

In his spare time, Glyn enjoys travelling, reading and socialising with friends and family.

Nick joined Gauntlet in late 2017 as business development manager, to drive the Group’s business growth and mentor its network of appointed representatives and young professionals just starting their careers in insurance. Nick is charged with leveraging his extensive insurer relationships and market knowledge, earned in the Leeds, Manchester and London insurance markets, as well as his track record in developing impressive books of business and managing portfolios both large and small, to drive growth and create added-value to new and existing clients.  He also structures insurance packages for any client, right up to multi-nationals, and works closely with insurers, to develop new insurance scheme options for niche and specialist risks.

Outside of work, Nick is a keen cricketer, maintaining an interest in a sport he played at county level, and also enjoys travelling around Europe.

Darryll joined Gauntlet in 2017, to establish a dedicated, professional personal lines insurance division, to assist the placement of personal lines risks generated through Gauntlet’s appointed representative network.  Darryll used his extensive experience as a former Swinton branch manager to significantly grow the division and create the systems and procedure that would enable it to thrive, in terms of both new business and renewals.  Having recruited and trained new team members, who have been able to further grow personal lines business, Darryll has assumed additional responsibilities, working as a commercial broker and mentoring various new Gauntlet appointed representatives, during the early months of their business ventures. 

Outside of work, Darryll spends time playing football. He also loves watching his three boys play football and cricket and, when he can, gets down to watch his football team, Bradford City.

Andrew returned for his second spell at Gauntlet in 2016, with a remit to increase health and safety new business. With 30 years’ experience of the insurance and health & safety markets, Andrew is ideally placed to lead the development of our fleet and general risk management strategies, products and services and has now taken on the role of business development manager.  Andrew works closely with the insurance team, ensuring that the range and delivery of Gauntlet’s services is focused on providing each client with the practical help they need to overcome challenges faced, whilst also supporting the management of their insurance programme.  A particular focus is that of improving claims’ defensibility systems and documents.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys supporting Leeds United and Yorkshire County Cricket Club, as well as playing a big part in his village’s events programme and community.

Brian is a Chartered (OSHCR Registered) health and safety practitioner with extensive health and safety skills gained within a vast number of sectors including manufacturing, warehousing and distribution, retail, social care, construction and leisure.  He was appointed to the role of health & safety consultant at Gauntlet in 2015, bringing in-depth expertise, plus qualifications including; NEBOSH General and Construction Certificates, NVQ Level 5 Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety and the ISO 45001 Lead Auditor. Brian is currently working towards his Fellowship status for IIRSM (International Institution for Risk Safety Management) and continues to maintain his Chartered Status for the Institution for Occupational Safety and Health.

When not at work, Brian enjoys family time and sports including football, horseracing, skiing and cycling. Brian is also a keen walker and recently completed the Three National Peaks’ challenge.

Basel joined Gauntlet in late 2018 as the Group’s finance manager with responsibility for the Group’s financial accounts, budgeting, payroll, sales billing and credit control systems and all financial aspects of the purchasing and accounts payable, including the company’s procurement and expenses systems.  He is a full AAT-qualified member and is currently in the final stage of ACCA studies, to build on more than 10 years’ experience within banking and finance, which previously saw him working in roles overseas, in his country of birth, including those of foreign exchange dealer and manager of a bank’s investment and treasury department. Here in the UK, he has had financial roles in the recruitment, insurance and credit management sectors.

Outside of work, Basel spends his time reading books and attending various courses. He also enjoys swimming and travelling.

Joyce began her career in the insurance industry in the late 80s when Yorkshire Bank Insurance Services first opened. Since that time, she has worked for several insurance brokers, large and small, and more recently worked at Markel UK.  She joined Gauntlet in February 2019, as accounts team leader.

In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and her two German Shepherd dogs, swimming, reading, and crafting.