A sterling effort

With some big shoes to fill, John Blundell is a man that is not afraid to roll up his sleeves and get his hands dirty. Sarah Hills speaks to him about his determination to boost Sterling Insurance to the top of the niche insurer pile, the recent consolidation rumours and his belief in the resilience of the broking market

Sitting in Sterling Insurance's office in Richmond - a pleasant leafy suburbia compared to the fast-paced environment of pin-stripe suits and imposing office blocks of Leadenhall Street - John Blundell, managing director, explains how the insurer has firmly positioned itself as a niche operator in a demanding market.

As a small fish in a sea of sharks, Sterling has attempted to set itself apart from the rest, concentrating on the broking market and specialist areas of the sector. There is no