Stonebridge, the national mortgage and protection network, has appointed Oliver Couchman as National Recruitment Manager in line with the network’s ambitious growth strategy.
Couchman, whose extensive experience in the sector spans major life companies, national wealth businesses, and large UK networks, joins from Primis, where he was Regional Sales Director. He reports directly to Lesley Sharkey, Recruitment and Growth Director.
Stonebridge said this latest appointment, which follows the recent announcement of Daniel Darby joining as Protection Account Manager, further demonstrates its ongoing investment in people to provide market-leading service to its member firms. The Essex-based business now employs more than 150 employees to support broker firms across the UK.
The expansion of the AR recruitment team comes after Stonebridge launched its new Partner Adviser Recruitment Team earlier this year, which is dedicated to supporting the adviser recruitment requirements of their individual AR firms.
Lesley Sharkey, Recruitment and Growth Director at Stonebridge commented on the appointment:
“Oliver is a fantastic addition to our team. He brings with him significant industry experience and a fantastic understanding of the process firm owners go through when deciding on which network to join and providing ongoing support through that transition. I look forward to working closely with Oliver on the next phase of our strategic growth plan.”
On his joining Stonebridge, Couchman added:
“I have long admired Stonebridge. It has a rich heritage in the industry and long-standing know-how since starting more than 30 years ago. Just look at the impartial league tables to see that this network is growing more successfully than its peers. The business’s pragmatic, can-do approach shines through; they want to work with firms in positive ways to help them evolve and grow. That positive mentality is very refreshing! Safe to say, I am excited about what we’re going to achieve together!”
