Saraya started her career within insurance broking, working for a major global broking firm, before switching into insurance recruitment, and more specially within the Claims & Risk sector.

Saraya brings 12 years recruitment experience and has recently joined Stride to further bolster the Claims desk.

Whilst Saraya lives in Yorkshire, she is networked across the UK and helps brokers, insurers and Claims management firms recruit at all levels, from Claims Administrators, Claims Handlers, Claims Managers, Claims Directors, Loss Adjusters, Surveyors, Risk Managers and Heads of Departments.

Outside of work, Saraya likes to travel as much as possible and always has at least 2 holidays or trips booked! When the sun is shining, she likes to ride her motorbike, yes she's a fair weather rider!

Likes – Coffee, wine and chocolate

Dislikes – Having no holidays booked!

After a 30 year career directly within the Commercial and Corporate insurance sector - for insurers and brokers, Neil launched Stride in partnership with David Colesby in 2019.

Neil's insurance experience has taken him across the UK Regional and London Markets. With the depth of knowledge that he has about how the market works, and how individuals operate and also having the first hand understanding of the skills and experience that are required to carry out many different roles, Neil is ideally positioned to ensure that Stride presents relevant candidates for the right roles.

Not one for prevaricating, Neil will always give a straight and honest opinion about how Stride can help in overall recruitment strategy, or provide direct feedback on individual vacancies.

Stride has built a team with exceptional talent. Every day is a learning day, and Neil ensures that the team are continually growing their insurance and recruitment knowledge.

Outside of work, Neil is a family man and has other business interests that keep him busy.

Likes - Strong Coffee, Football, Holidays, Techy stuff.

Dislikes - Dishonesty and bulls**t.

David founded Stride in 2019 alongside Neil Findley, with the goal of building a recruitment firm built on service, that really delivers for its clients and candidates.

Having spent 15 years in the insurance recruitment market, David has a firm understanding of what is required to advise on all things recruitment and talent – and also where many other agencies fall short, creating Stride to raise the bar.

David’s track record covers the UK regions, London Market and international placements, up to C-Level; his approach is personable and pragmatic, using real world experience and a broad network to provide solutions that work.

David’s role at Stride is split between driving the business forward and remaining hands-on with regards to senior recruitment projects and key client management.

Outside of work David enjoys family time, sports and countryside pursuits.

Likes - Sport, Food & Wine, Travelling, Family and people who make a difference.

Dislikes – Procrastination and the cold.

After 30 years in senior management and broking, Mark has turned his sights on insurance recruitment; utilising his extensive network of friends and contacts around the country.

Mark is excited to be working with the team at Stride and helping insurance businesses and individuals find exactly what they are looking for. A company filled with positivity, encouragement and fun where everyday is a school day and your hard work is genuinely valued.

Outside of work, Mark lives in a small village in the countryside with his wife (also from insurance, unsurprisingly!) and his three teenage sons (including twins) and vast array of dogs and cats. Home is my happy place, a place to relax and unwind with a thatched country pub and lots of walks to keep the dogs happy.

Likes - Family time, kindness and positivity.

Dislikes - Mushrooms (it’s a fungus!!!) and heights – despite proposing in the highest building in New York!!

Rachel joined Stride in June 2021 to initially help the owners with staff training. She has an ongoing involvement with training and also deals with recruitment for the East Midlands and works on roles ranging from junior positions through to senior management.

Rachel has over 20 years’ experience within the insurance recruitment industry, having started her career as a broker with a number of well respected firms.

Rachel has 3 horses and is a keen rider, which takes up a lot of her time. When she’s not with her Equines she likes to socialise with friends and family.

Likes – All animals, nice wine, gardening, fun and laughter, true friendship.

Dislikes – Cruelty, people without integrity, bad wine!

Dan has a decade’s experience of recruitment in the UK general insurance market; building a trusted reputation and strong network in the process.

At Stride Dan manages the Broker recruitment team, leading from the front in advising broker clients and fulfilling strategic and business critical hires.

Alongside managing the team, Dan works with a mix of Brokers, Insurers and MGAs on roles across the market, at all levels – using his extensive network of independent and national clients to ensure that jobseekers are provided with the very best opportunities.

In his spare time Dan will be found either with his 3 daughters, on the rugby pitch or in the pub (often to watch rugby). Alongside that he is an avid gamer and loves keeping up to date with the latest releases both on console and computer. He is also a passionate cook with a bias to Italian cooking and will happily challenge anyone to try make a better Carbonara than his!

Likes – Cheese, Beer, Steak and anything that is typically seen as bad for you.

Dislikes – Cauliflower, Cricket, Pollen and being told he has already added too much cheese.

Tom has spent the last decade helping candidates in the professional sector achieve their next career move – taking time to understand their requirements and provide a winning service.

Tom now works with Account Handlers and Account Executives across the Midlands and North of England, plus Scotland – he’s consultative in his approach and able to match them to the right roles at the right broking firms.

Tom brings the energy to Stride’s broking team – usually powered by Haribo and Cola Bottles!
Outside of work you will find Tom playing mini golf, watching the Villa or at the zoo with his nephew.

Likes – Football, Cricket and snakes.

Dislikes – Tennis.

Maria is passionate about helping and supporting people on their career journey – using her talent for matching a candidate’s skills and aspirations to the requirements and plans of Stride’s broking clients.

Maria has a diligent and tenacious approach to championing her candidates’ talents; predominantly working with Account Handlers, Brokers and Account Executives in the South of England to secure new roles with a host of independent, network, national and global brokers.

Outside of work, Maria enjoys getting out and about seeing friends and family, going on walks, planning the next room refresh for her house and her favourite hobby of all – trying to convince her partner to get a dog (and failing miserably)

Likes: Podcasts, wine, roast dinners and exploring the world.

Dislikes: Finding out that your Director’s idea for the office snack is fruit.

I am really happy with the role you found for me and really enjoyed working with Stride. They were patient and professional and gave me a number of options to consider. Then they coached me for the interview to ensure I was ready and prepared. This made this so much easier….couldn’t be happier….

We have used Stride for a number of key roles and were very pleased with the quality of candidates submitted. Great to be working with a specialist insurance recruitment company, easy to access, quick to respond and really understand our business.