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Darren Paterson
Managing Director
Darren has over 30 year’s experience in the Insurance Industry and started his career joining Eagle Star (now Zurich) from University. He moved into the Broking Industry in 1997 and has held Senior Roles across some of the largest Brokers in the UK, latterly as Regional Sales Director for Towergate and Managing Director at Lorica Insurance in Leeds.
In 2015 Darren set up Paterson Insurance Brokers and has overseen it’s growth in the last 5 years with the establishment of servicing office in Wakefield and an Appointed Representative Office in Hull. In this period the business has offered advice to all sectors of industry, become Premier Members of Broker Network and surpassed £8m in Premium Placement in 2020.
Away from work Darren enjoys hitting the hills, keeping fit and relaxing with friends and family.
William J. Garforth
Director
William brings 10 years’ intensive experience across the UK and London insurance markets, specialising in complex and hard-to-place risks within real estate, construction and professional services. William began his career at Paterson Insurance Brokers in Leeds, helping Darren build and grow the firm in its early years, before relocating to London where he spent five years in the City as part of the founding team that established Ardonagh Group’s London head office. He developed strong relationships across the London and specialist markets, focusing on structuring insurance solutions for mid-market businesses with complex or unconventional exposures, particularly across real estate portfolios, construction and design & build risks, mid-large single projects, professional indemnity, management liability and cyber. Alongside his work on complex placements, William is also an adept fleet broker and has led the development of bespoke insurance schemes including the Leeds Property Association Insurance (LPA) Scheme and a Delivery Fleet Scheme for motorcycles.
Outside of work, William is an avid sports enthusiast and former player across rugby, football and cricket, and remains a keen golfer, albeit an unimpressive one (his words).
Sharon Page
Team Leader
Sharon Page is Team Leader at Paterson Insurance Brokers and brings more than two decades of experience across personal lines and commercial insurance. Sharon specialises in client retention, key account management and renewal strategy, working closely with clients and insurer partners to ensure high levels of service, portfolio stability and long-term client relationships.
Prior to joining Paterson Insurance Brokers, Sharon held a senior role with Arthur J. Gallagher where she managed a large key account generating more than £11 million in gross premium income, overseeing performance, profitability and client engagement. Earlier in her career she held several advisory and renewal management positions within the Heath Lambert Group, building extensive experience across personal lines and household insurance.
Based in West Yorkshire, Sharon is known for her strong client relationships, operational discipline and consistent delivery of high retention rates across large and complex insurance portfolios.
Jimmy Dixon
Broking Services Manager
Jimmy Dixon is Broking Services Manager at Paterson Insurance Brokers, responsible for leading the firm’s broking operations and ensuring clients receive high-quality technical placement and service delivery. Jimmy brings extensive experience across both national and independent brokerage environments, having previously held roles at W Denis Insurance Brokers, WTJ Insurance Brokers and Marsh Commercial. His career spans client servicing, placement strategy and team leadership, with a strong background in complex commercial risks across property, liability and specialist sectors. Based in Wakefield, Jimmy works closely with insurers and clients to structure competitive insurance programmes while supporting the continued development of Paterson’s broking team and technical capabilities.
Outside of work, Jimmy is a big Rugby League & Football fan.
Shannon Stepan
Broker
Shannon Stepan is a Broker at Paterson Insurance Brokers, specialising in the placement and management of commercial insurance programmes for businesses across a wide range of sectors. With experience spanning both national brokerage and independent advisory environments, Shannon provides practical, client-focused insurance solutions designed to protect businesses against complex and evolving risks.
Prior to joining Paterson Insurance Brokers, Shannon worked at Gallagher as an Insurance Broker, where she developed strong technical knowledge across commercial insurance products and built a reputation for delivering responsive service and reliable client support.
Based in Wakefield, Shannon works closely with business owners and management teams to structure effective insurance programmes covering property, liability and specialist risks, ensuring clients receive clear advice and access to competitive insurer markets.
Bethany O’Mara
Broker
Bethany joined Paterson Insurance as an apprentice broker and successfully passed her apprenticeship with distinction and is a qualified member of our team. Bethany is enthusiastic about assisting both new and existing clients to the best of her abilities! Although she's relatively new to the industry, Bethany's dedication shines through as she consistently strives to ensure that every client, whether they're newcomers or long-standing partners, receives a policy that is perfectly tailored to their unique needs and requirements.
Beyond the confines of the office, Bethany leads a vibrant life. When she's not immersed in the world of insurance, you're likely to find her hitting the gym, cherishing quality moments with her family and her beloved small dog, or indulging in her passion for travel. Exploring new destinations ignites her spirit, allowing her to discover diverse cultures and experiences that fuel her enthusiasm for life.