University of East Anglia and Marsh strengthen partnership to develop future insurance talent through hands-on industry experience

Norwich Business School students, (L-R: Desmond Adu, Alex Caesar-Giles, Jamie Harvey, Gene Coopey) at Marsh Headquarters

(IN BRIEF) The University of East Anglia has strengthened its collaboration with Marsh to provide Norwich Business School students with valuable real-world exposure to the insurance industry. Through initiatives such as the “Be a Broker” simulation and a visit to Marsh’s London headquarters and Lloyd’s of London, students gain practical insights, develop professional skills, and build industry connections. The programme has proven impactful, as demonstrated by alumnus Alfie Lawrence, who now works at Marsh after participating as a student. The partnership also responds to broader workforce challenges in the UK insurance sector, helping to prepare the next generation of professionals while giving employers early access to emerging talent. With support from industry leaders and academic staff, the initiative reflects Norwich Business School’s commitment to bridging academic learning with real-world application.

(PRESS RELEASE) NORWICH, 27-Apr-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — The University of East Anglia (UEA), in collaboration with global insurance broker Marsh McLennan, is expanding career-focused opportunities for students by offering practical exposure to the insurance industry. This growing partnership is helping students at Norwich Business School (NBS) enhance their employability through hands-on experiences and direct engagement with industry professionals.

As part of the initiative, NBS students recently travelled to London, where they visited Marsh’s headquarters and explored the historic Lloyd’s of London. The visit provided a close-up look at one of the world’s most influential insurance markets, offering students valuable insights into the operations and dynamics of the sector.

For UEA graduate Alfie Lawrence, the programme represents a full-circle moment. Now serving as an Operations Leader at Marsh, he previously participated in the same initiative as a final-year student during NBS Employability Week. This year, he returned to help organise the experience for current students.

Lawrence highlighted the importance of the programme in shaping career decisions, noting that the interactive simulation played a pivotal role in introducing him to the company and the wider insurance industry. He emphasised that such initiatives provide students with an engaging way to develop confidence and build transferable skills essential for entering the professional world. After graduating in 2019 and winning the simulation challenge, he pursued a career with Marsh, demonstrating the programme’s long-term impact.

Beyond individual success stories, the collaboration addresses broader challenges within the UK insurance sector. With a significant portion of the workforce approaching retirement, the industry faces increasing pressure to attract and develop new talent. By connecting students with real-world experiences early in their academic journey, the partnership supports workforce sustainability while enabling Marsh to engage with emerging professionals.

During the visit, students interacted with senior leaders including Catherine Read and Jayne Stevens, gaining firsthand perspectives on leadership, strategy, and industry trends. These interactions helped deepen students’ understanding of how a global broker operates and provided valuable networking opportunities.

The London trip followed the successful completion of the “Be a Broker” simulation challenge, an immersive competition designed to replicate real-world decision-making in insurance broking. Delivered in partnership with Norwich Business School, the challenge allows students to test their skills in a practical setting, with top performers earning exclusive access to Marsh and Lloyd’s.

Final-year student Gene Coopey described the experience as transformative, noting that it broadened his awareness of career opportunities within the insurance sector and highlighted the importance of professional networking. He also pointed to the enthusiasm and support shown by Marsh employees as a key factor in shaping his positive perception of the industry.

Norwich Business School continues to prioritise experiential learning as part of its academic approach. By working closely with industry partners, the school aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and workplace expectations. According to Dr Gaetano Grilli, such collaborations are particularly important as Norwich strengthens its position as a leading centre for InsurTech, alongside the rapid growth of the wider FinTech sector both regionally and globally.

Through initiatives like the Marsh partnership, UEA is equipping students with the skills, confidence, and professional connections needed to succeed, while also ensuring that employers gain access to a pipeline of well-prepared, career-ready graduates.

Media Contact:

email: communications@uea.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of East Anglia