Meet the Team

Tom Shipston

Board Director

As Board Director of Readhunt, Tom provides strategic oversight for Heritage London Markets, helping shape its long-term vision as a specialist London Market broker focused on complex commercial risks. Having built and led successful insurance businesses throughout his career, Tom brings extensive leadership experience and a deep understanding of the commercial insurance landscape. He is passionate about creating businesses that combine technical excellence with exceptional client service, ensuring Heritage London Markets remains a trusted partner for businesses and brokers seeking specialist insurance solutions. Tom believes lasting success is built on strong relationships, integrity and innovation. By supporting continued investment in people, expertise and market access, he is committed to strengthening Heritage London Markets' position as a trusted gateway to Lloyd’s of London and the wider London insurance market.

Thomas Castle

Board Director

As Board Director of Readhunt, Thomas provides strategic leadership across Heritage London Markets, helping drive the business’s continued growth within Lloyd’s of London and the wider London insurance market. With extensive experience across financial services and commercial insurance, he is focused on developing innovative, specialist solutions that deliver lasting value for businesses and partner brokers. Thomas works closely with the executive leadership team to strengthen Heritage London Markets’ market presence, combining technical expertise, strategic partnerships and direct access to specialist insurers to support increasingly complex and international risks. His collaborative approach helps ensure clients benefit from tailored insurance programmes backed by deep market knowledge and exceptional service. Committed to long-term relationships and continuous innovation, Thomas is passionate about building a business recognised for its expertise, integrity and ability to deliver specialist insurance solutions where others cannot.

Spike Dolphin

Divisional Director

Spike leads Heritage London Markets, overseeing the strategic direction and day-to-day operation of the business while building strong relationships across Lloyd’s of London and the wider London insurance market. Specialising in complex, unusual and hard-to-place risks, Spike works closely with businesses and partner brokers to secure bespoke insurance solutions where conventional markets may not have the appetite or expertise. His technical understanding and market relationships enable Heritage to deliver tailored programmes for sectors including construction, manufacturing, property, engineering and logistics. Spike also led the development of The Heritage Package, created specifically for larger and more complex construction and manufacturing businesses. By bringing together multiple areas of cover into one comprehensive policy, Heritage London provides a unique solution that reflects the evolving needs of specialist businesses. Passionate about building long-term relationships, Spike is committed to helping clients and brokers navigate complex risks with confidence through expert advice, direct market access and innovative insurance solutions.

Martin Neall

Head of Finance

Martin is responsible for the financial governance and strategic oversight that support Heritage London Markets’ continued growth. With more than 30 years’ experience in financial leadership, he works closely with the leadership team to ensure the business remains commercially strong, sustainable and well positioned for the future. His analytical approach and commercial insight underpin Heritage’s long-term investment in specialist expertise, technology and client service.

Steve O’Hare

Head of Compliance

Steve plays a key role in ensuring Heritage London Markets operates to the highest regulatory and operational standards. With more than 30 years’ experience in operational leadership, he oversees governance, compliance and business operations, providing the robust framework that supports specialist London Market placements. Steve’s focus on efficiency, risk management and service excellence helps ensure clients and broker partners receive a seamless, dependable experience.

Olivia Haynes

Senior Account Handler

As Senior Account Handler, Olivia provides end-to-end management of insurance policy placements, delivering a high standard of service tailored to each client and their specific needs. With a strong background in financial lines insurance and the Lloyd’s London Market, she ensures commercial client needs are accurately represented and fully compliant with regulatory standards throughout the policy lifecycle. Olivia’s professional approach and in-depth knowledge help foster strong, lasting relationships with both clients and underwriters, contributing to consistently high satisfaction levels.

Amber Smith

Senior Account Handler

On Maternity Leave

As Commercial Account Handler, Amber plays a pivotal role in delivering tailored insurance solutions to a wide range of businesses. With a strong background in client servicing and risk management, Amber is dedicated to supporting commercial clients with comprehensive coverage that aligns with their unique operational needs. Her commitment to detail, responsiveness and proactive communication ensures clients receive reliable, competitive insurance backed by trusted market knowledge and relationships. Amber’s approach is rooted in building long-term partnerships and providing exceptional service at every stage of the policy lifecycle.