The EMCAS Team

The EMCAS board of Directors currently consists of Craig Bernhardt, Managing Director;  James Scarth Finance Director;  Robin Woods,  Operations Director;  Adrian Devine, Chairman and Non– Executive Director;  Nicholas Hamlet, Non–Exectutive Director  and Graham Lafbery Non– Executive Director. The board are supported by a management team of experienced and talented individuals. You can find out more about the EMCAS team below.

When you deal with EMCAS, you are putting your claim in the hands of a winning team with the experience to help you.

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Craig Bernhardt - Managing Director

Craig joined EMCAS in April 2009 having spent most of his working life in the corporate sector. From 1990 through to 2007 his career saw him in various management roles within blue chip companies including HSBC, American Express, Prudential and AXA Insurance.

"At the heart of EMCAS lies an entrepreneurial spirit and an inherent desire to champion the cause of consumers who have been ill-advised or misled by an adviser or financial institution. Supporting our customers to claim against poor advice and put them back into an improved financial position is highly satisfying. I am truly inspired by the sheer volume of letters we receive from our customers, appreciative of the service we provide."

Craig is a member of the Institute of Directors, the Personal Finance Society and the Chartered Insurance Institute. He lives in East Devon and is married with two children.

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James Scarth - Finance Director

Appointed Finance Director in early 2010, James has a considerable history of successful appointments to draw upon with the likes of O2, HP and latterly David Lloyd Health & Fitness group. With sound financial management and business development skills, James is the right person to enhance the existing EMCAS senior management team.

"EMCAS has a really successful business model. Of course it helps that everyone here is so very dedicated to their work and to doing their jobs so well on behalf of the clients. That's certainly a big part of what brought me here. And I can see even more growth ahead for this company. From the point of view of the IT and Finance provisions, I know from previous experience that having the right infrastructure in place will play a very big part in pushing that growth."

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Robin Woods - Operations Director

Robin has the proud distinction of being one of EMCAS's first employees, joining the company in the start of 2004.  Robin has been instrumental in the development of EMCAS's claim procedures and has a detailed understanding of the whole operation. As Operations Director, Robin continues to find ways to enhance the company, making EMCAS even more efficient and successful.

“I always had confidence in EMCAS. From the start, the prospect of working for a company as dedicated to helping people was really exciting. In my time here, I have seen some remarkable achievements – like winning more in compensation for clients than their policies were worth. We make a real difference.”

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Charlotte Hardie-East - Operations & Projects Manager

With a wealth of commercial, operational and project management experience to draw upon, and a CV featuring blue chips like BSkyB, Microsoft and Accenture, Charlotte is the perfect fit for her role. She manages the day to day operation and supports the delivery of new projects and initiatives. She was attracted to EMCAS by its growth potential, its vision for the future and its people.

“EMCAS operates a very professional, ethical service to its customers and is so passionate about championing their cause within the financial services arena. We continue to provide the best possible customer service and experience with effective and efficient operational processes. The many thank you letters and feedback we get from our customers is proof that it’s an approach that really works.”

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Karl Griffin - New Business & Distribution Manager

Karl is a great example of how EMCAS works. He's worked his way up the company since joining in September 2006, taking on more responsibility along the way. Beginning by focusing on time barring and endowments, Karl then moved into PPI and now heads up the New Business and Distribution team exploring new products and services. 

"One of the great things about EMCAS is that we're always looking at the wider issues. That's why we get involved in campaigning for greater industry regulation and a fairer system for our clients. So many of the people we help haven't known that there was anyone out there that could really support them. So we want to go on spreading the word."

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Mark Bryant - Call Centre Manager

With over 8 years Call Centre Management experience Mark joined EMCAS in June 2010. Having worked for leading insurance and financial companies he has great versatility across both sales and customer service. His previous roles have been based around maximising productivity and driving performance across both inbound and outbound environments. Mark relocated to take on this opportunity and fresh challenge.

" It was very apparent to me that the company has exciting plans to develop and grow and to have the chance to be a part of that is very exciting. I was really impressed by the commitment to succeed in my team and have no doubts that my decision to relocate is a fantastic opportunity both personally and career wise"

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Ed McClure - PPI Claims Manager

Ed joined EMCAS in October 2008, after graduating with a law degree and has demonstrated his tenacious ability with championing customer's PPI claims whilst progressing rapidly within the team. Taking over management of the department was a natural progression for Ed given his experience in winning hundreds of complaints on behalf of clients and his motivation and passion for the work EMCAS does.

"I am proud to be part of EMCAS as it goes from strength to strength championing the consumer and providing the very best customer service along the way - I look forward to the future and the growth in the market that we are aiming to achieve."

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Simon Bowers - Endowment Claims Manager

Simon joined EMCAS back in 2005, coming from a career in retail management. While Simon excelled, he didn't get the sort of satisfaction he was looking for. Cue a move to EMCAS where the days are always busy and where he gets to help people resolve major financial issues every day.

"EMCAS is a close knit team with a genuine customer focus. We try to help as many people as we can. I'll always remember finally winning a case for a client who was facing some serious financial hardship. So, of all days, on 23rd December I was able to call him and tell him we'd won him over £26,000 in compensation."

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Tania Sleeman - Credit Card charges / Bank charges Claims Manager

Tania spent over 13 years in the insurance industry, gaining considerable insight and expertise. A change of emphasis and a reluctance to go on commuting led her to turn her temporary night job into full time employment at EMCAS. She has since gone on to achieve a lot in her five years and remains a valuable member of the team.

"There is something different to look forward to every day. New challenges in resolving client compensation claims of course, but also industry changes to keep on top of. We're helped by having such a great team of people – and also by maintaining a good working relationship with the Financial Ombudsman. EMCAS is known as an organisation that conducts itself properly in all dealings."

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Lewis Harvey - Customer Service and Compliance Manager

Lewis and his team ensure that EMCAS remains compliant with all our regulatory and legislative obligations. Their work means our clients receive the best and most ethical treatment and that any issues or concerns are resolved properly. Lewis' and his team always have customers' needs front of mind.

"One of the main things that attracted me to EMCAS was that it was not one of those faceless organisations – there is a real desire to give the best customer care possible. There are too many companies out there who just want to make a quick buck – we are about helping the consumer get back what is rightfully theirs. And we will continue to build upon the strengths this company was built upon – transparent and honest service."

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Lisa McRae - Training and Development Manager

For eight years, Lisa worked at Orange Personal Communication Services, latterly in the role of Business Coach. In her two roles for us, as Training & Development Manager and Office Manager within the Call Centre, she plays a huge part in making sure that our clients always enjoy the best possible experience. Lisa’s work ensures that we continue to provide a dedicated, bespoke, friendly claims management service.

“I’m here to drive performance, increase revenue and continue to embed a working environment that is enjoyable but always productive. The EMCAS team is full of hardworking dedicated individuals who deliver the best customer service and claims management service possible. I love being part of a team that secure the highest possible compensation available for our customers.”

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Thomas Jones - IT Manager

Giving up the self-employed lifestyle for a career at EMCAS made perfect sense for Thomas. He'd worked for some major companies in his self employed role, but saw in EMCAS an opportunity to make a significant difference – not just to the IT department, but to the company as a whole. He now manages and oversees the IT strategy and the EMCAS systems.

"One of the great satisfactions with this job is the ever evolving challenge of working in a developing company. That's why we're currently embarked on raising the skill level of this department to take advantages of the latest technology and processes available to us. That's part and parcel of EMCAS's ethos – doing whatever we can to make the customer experience better."

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Jennifer Flynn-Jenkins - Office Manager

Jennifer’s previous experience in operational and claims roles at HSBC and Aviva have equipped her with all the skills required to run the EMCAS office as well as managing support areas and taking responsibility for Health & Safety. One of Jennifer’s key challenges is finding ways to streamline processes and make EMCAS an even more efficient and effectively run company. It’s a diverse and demanding job.

“EMCAS is a young, competitive, innovative and forward thinking company which has grown from strength to strength. I knew from the start that I could really apply my experience and management skills to improve processes and assist in moving the business forward.”

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Kerry Bigwood - HR Manager

Kerry manages all aspects of HR throughout EMCAS – including employee relations, management development, recruitment and training. She also makes an important contribution to overall strategy by ensuring that protecting staff welfare remains central to EMCAS's values. With over ten years HR experience and professional accreditation, Kerry relishes the chance to work with so many passionate and committed employees.

"I wanted to make a big contribution to, and be part of the future for such a young and dynamic company. At EMCAS my HR skills and experience really add value and contribute to the company's overall success. As soon as I joined, I felt like a valued member of the organisation."