Our story

There’s tea in teamwork

Everyone works together at The Channel Partnership. We’re a small business, and teamwork is incredibly important. The cup of tea, then, has become incredibly important. (As has coffee, of course). We have moments together at the kettle, have a brew at our desks together. Tea enables us to chat, share knowledge and understand what each of us is up to.

We extend our tea culture in the support of our clients. Meeting up in person is the best way to share and exchange knowledge. And who doesn’t like a cuppa while discussing something dry like trade credit risk management?

So, just who makes and drinks the tea at The Channel Partnership?

Investing in our tea drinkers

It’s incredibly important that we love what we do. In 2004 we became Investors in People accredited. It’s not just a piece of paper – it’s about really trying to make things great for our people – so that they feel great and do great work.

That’s why we were so thrilled to get IiP Gold status in 2019, which puts us in a select band of like-minded businesses.

What does it all mean? Well, in IiP’s words we’re embracing “workplace trends, leading practices and employee conditions required to create outperforming teams”. It’s our people that have become our hallmark for success.

Andrew Smith

E: andrew@the-channel-partnership.co.uk
M: 07932 567 900

“My background is in business development and I’ve worked for companies in a range of sectors. I genuinely believe in the service offered by The Channel Partnership and it is great to hear so much positive feedback from our clients on a daily basis. I’m committed to introducing that great service to as many other companies as I can. The best part of the job is really getting to know about our clients and how they’ve progressed over the years. Outside of work, it’s country walks, travelling and cars.”

Doug Jakeman

E: doug@the-channel-partnership.co.uk
M: 07584 102 166

“Over the last 10 years, both as a Commercial Underwriter and an Insurance Broker I have insured my fair share of risks! Now proudly protecting UK businesses whilst providing the financial confidence needed to drive profitable, sustainable growth in both domestic and export markets. I live the furthest north of my colleagues in the wonderful Gloucestershire! It does come with the added benefits of being spoilt by the Cotswolds, brilliant local food and a better quality of rugby! Outside of work, spending quality time with my wife and ever-expanding family sits firmly at the top.”

Emma Goodfield

E: emma@the-channel-partnership.co.uk
M: 07506 022 327

“I joined The Channel Partnership in 1999 and my passion for offering our clients the best possible service and advice has not wavered. After all, we’re all human and it’s important to know what makes each of us tick. I like that we’re not a corporate credit insurance business and that we all understand our clients as people. Getting to know clients is key and I really enjoy learning about all aspects of their business and watching them succeed in their goals – and I love to hear about their family life, too. Outside of work I have two young boys to keep me busy so I’m either cheering on my youngest son at football or in the kitchen with my older son; getting to enjoy his amazing cakes is pretty good. A good film and a bowl of popcorn is always a good way to end a busy day!”

Emma Vokins

E: emmav@the-channel-partnership.co.uk
M: 07917 686 282

“My main role at The Channel Partnership is making sure our clients get the best possible value from their credit insurance policy. It’s a role I take extremely seriously though I do like to get to know our clients so that we can share a joke and a laugh wherever possible! When I’m not working, I’m a ‘born again’ runner after a break of several years, assisted by a rather annoying 0–10K running app – and all going well! In training for Tough Mudder in May 2021 (help me!) and very much looking forward to the post-event celebrations (and shower…).”

James Nicholls

E: james@the-channel-partnership.co.uk
M: 07792 526 843

“Since joining The Channel Partnership in early 2019 I’ve thrown myself into getting to know our clients. With a background in account management, I’m committed to delivering the best service I can. Understanding each of our clients as individuals and getting to grips with their business objectives is key to delivering an effective service. Away from the office I try to stay active – I’m a regular at the gym in the mornings – but Doritos and dip in front of the telly is a more tempting option for the evening! I’ve completed a Tough Mudder event and enjoy kayaking, however a trip to the Alps has somewhat put me off the white-water stuff!”

Jess Doulton

E: jess@the-channel-partnership.co.uk

“I look after all things administrative at The Channel Partnership and make sure everything is operating as it should. I’m actively involved with all surety bond enquiries and involved behind the scenes with all new credit insurance enquiries. Basically, I’m the hub of the whole operation! When I’m not in the office, I’m either speeding around the racecourse or slowing the tempo with a walk in the country (mainly with the hope to pet some dogs)! I also love music – whether that be playing it, listening to it or singing off-key in the car!”

Rob Newsham

E: rob@the-channel-partnership.co.uk
M: 07917 686 283

“The all important thing for me is that our clients get the best value they can from their credit insurance policy. While we work closely with the insurers, we never lose sight of the fact that clients appoint us to look after their interests. By nature, I like to get to grips with how things work; really getting in to the nuts and bolts. That fits well with the details (and small print) of credit insurance. Away from The Channel Partnership I spend my time coaching my son’s football team and taking my daughter to the skate park on her roller blades. When I’m not ferrying around the kids, I like to go walking and camping in the wilderness or drinking in the pub.”

Steve Watson

E: steve@the-channel-partnership.co.uk
M: 07725 260 714

“I started with The Channel Partnership as an Account Executive back in 2003 and worked my way up to Director in 2013. My main responsibility is for the Account Management team, but I do really enjoy getting to know clients, understanding their needs and seeing their business grow. Out of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and getting away for the weekend somewhere near the coast in our campervan. I also enjoy running; I have completed 2 half marathons and am considering the 3rd… I am yet to convince myself that a full marathon is a good idea! I spend a lot of time playing taxi for my two children, both madly into gymnastics at club and South West squad level so the strip of M5 from Bristol to Cornwall is familiar territory.”

Tom Rolfe

E: tom@the-channel-partnership.co.uk
M: 07889 659 339

“I’ve been involved with The Channel Partnership right from the outset back in 1992. My main focus is business development and I love the success stories of companies we have worked with over many years growing from acorns to oaks. I believe the cornerstone of what we do is to understand our clients’ businesses, and to ensure we can support their long-term success, advocating a solution-led approach rather than just selling credit insurance. Away from work it’s animals and gardening – we’ve got horses, dogs, cats, hens and bees and a never ending “to-do” list!”