The UK P&I Club has opened a new office in Newcastle, marking an expansion of its operations in the United Kingdom.
The move, UK P&I says, is intended to broaden the Club’s access to talent in Northeast England and strengthen its service offering to members.
The Newcastle office currently includes senior underwriting director Emma Liddell, and senior claims executives Julie Pichler and Andrew North. The Club also stated it is in the process of recruiting an additional senior claims executive, with the role open to candidates based in either London or Newcastle.
The Club said the decision to establish a presence in Newcastle reflects the region’s existing base of protection and indemnity professionals and maritime graduates. By tapping into this pool, the Club aims to support its delivery of value‑driven services to its membership.
Lisa Gibbard (pictured above), chief operating officer of the UK P&I Club, said the expansion positions the Club to access a broader range of talent, including both experienced professionals and new graduates.
“Investing in our Newcastle office also enables us to participate more actively in the region’s diverse maritime industry, complementing our networks in London and internationally,” she said.
Gibbard also noted that this step will strengthen the Club’s overall talent base and aligns with its strategy of maintaining a strong presence in the City of London.
The move comes amid signs of financial stability following a financial year in which the Club delivered a 6.6 % investment return and grew free reserves to US$494 million, maintaining a Solvency Ratio of 242% – well above standard risk thresholds.
The Newcastle opening also follows a “successful” P&I renewal for 2025, during which the Club acquired new tonnage expected to slightly boost its market share. The Club maintained focus on underwriting quality, allowing it to manage risk exposure and preserve financial balance amid broader industry losses.
The expansion also mirrors similar regional moves; for instance, the Britannia P&I Club recently relocated its London office to 33 King William Street, aiming to enhance collaboration across teams and modernise its operations in the heart of the City.
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