Specialist legal expenses insurer Temple Legal Protection has appointed Peter Thorpe as head of business development in its Bristol office.
He has joined the firm’s expanding team of experienced insurance experts under the leadership of underwriting director Phil Bellamy, working with head of corporate partnerships Andy Parkinson. 
Peter, pictured, is a highly regarded insurance professional who began his career in the industry in Edinburgh in the 1970’s.
He then enjoyed a number of years in broking during the 1980’s before joining the legal expenses insurance (LEI) sector in 1989 with DAS, initially as a sales consultant before joining its corporate team in Bristol in 1995.
After a successful and profitable time in both London and Bristol as broker sales manager, Peter was recruited by Towergate as head of LEI development.
He has remained in the LEI business ever since, most recently specialising in motor claims management before joining Temple Legal Protection.
Temple says his considerable experience and industry connections will be a further boost for its Bristol office following the appointment of Phil Bellamy and Andy Parkinson earlier this year.
Peter said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining my former colleagues Phil Bellamy and Andy Parkinson with a view to promoting and developing Temple Legal Protection’s before-the-event (BTE) products over the coming months. I am also looking forward to reconnecting with my broker and insurer contacts throughout the UK.”
Phil Bellamy added: “It is great news that Peter has chosen to bring his considerable experience in the LEI sector to the Temple team here in Bristol.
“Peter’s expertise, calibre and industry contacts gives us a great opportunity to really push the Temple brand and expand our BTE offerings throughout the region and further afield.”
Guildford-based Temple Legal Protection takes an innovative approach to product development and responds quickly to changes in the marketplace. The company is responsible for underwriting more than £50m of LEI a year and has clients nationwide.
