We listen, learn and then respond

We don’t see problems just solutions

A 'hands on'
approach

Refreshingly honest

We have a 'nose' for detecting real issues

Salient Solutions is a management consultancy with a difference

Salient is far from being a standard consultancy.

Our industry experience encapsulates every aspect of General Insurance, from broking and underwriting to distribution and claims management.

This enables us to get under the skin of each business quickly and effectively: identifying and resolving problem areas, skill gaps and underperformance issues whether for the management team or for due diligence purposes.

Just as importantly, we believe in honesty, transparency and straight talking.

So whether you require a strategic review, an external sense check or significant remediation of your operations, our involvement will always be practical rather than theoretical: providing the clear thinking and clear-cut solutions that your business needs.

Clear Thinking

About Us

Claire Ryder

Clare Ryder

Clare started out as a trainee underwriter and, during a 30-year career in general insurance, has held a variety of senior roles spanning underwriting, distribution, broking and credit hire.

Clare has used this breadth of experience and understanding advising on a wide range of projects. She now focuses on working with Private Equity and Trade investors, providing market specific, strategic and management expertise in commercial due diligence.

She has considerable experience as a Non Executive Director including Chairing various committees and has sat on Boards for Capita, Hastings Insurance Services Ltd, Cogent Insurance Services Ltd and UK General Insurance. Outside of the sector Clare is currently Chair of the Bristol Metropolitan Academy Council, part of the Cabot Learning Federation.

Mark Ryder

Prior to joining Salient, Mark had been Commercial Director at Open GI. Initially joining the business as Finance Director whilst part of Misys Plc, his role expanded and he played a significant part in the MBO funded by Montagu Private Equity and subsequent sale to Towergate for £276 million.

In recent years he has worked extensively with Transactor Global Solutions Ltd and played a lead role in the negotiation and sale of the business to Open GI for £40 million in 2017.

In addition to his role with Salient, Mark is also Finance Director for the I-Wonder Group, continuing his relationship with the major shareholders of Transactor.

Mark holds a degree in Economics and Accounting from Bristol University and is a Chartered Accountant. He has extensive experience as an FD across a range of industries.

Our Approach

The Salient Approach Requires All Five Senses

A Direct Approach to Every General Insurance Project

It isn’t simply our broad experience of General Insurance that sets us apart from other consultancies. We are also known for our direct approach: which often involves asking the questions that other people won’t.

It’s true to say that getting under the skin of a business can occasionally be uncomfortable for some. However, it is an approach that gets results, as evidenced by the fact that 99% of our work comes from either repeat business or personal recommendation.

Broadly speaking, our work fits into five main categories:

Commercial Due Diligence

We have completed commercial due diligence for a number of Private Equity and Trade Investors where our detailed knowledge of the sector provides a unique insight in to how a potential investment target really performs, what issues and challenges it might have and how easily it might adjust and adapt to a change in ownership.

Generalist Consultancy

Our broad experience of General Insurance enables us to hit the ground running on every consultancy project. We can assess the skills of key people, provide interim management, conduct underwriting reviews and advise on all aspects of General Insurance, from strategic planning to distribution, operations and marketing.

Remediation Projects

It is often easy to identify under-performing areas of your business, but hard to understand the underlying reasons. Our in-depth experience and hands-on approach involves us working with businesses day-to-day, enabling us to focus on correcting adverse performance at divisional, product, sector or group level.

Finance Director Support

Uniquely, our experience of the insurance industry is matched by our expertise in financial analysis. Our understanding of financial and commercial issues enables us to provide Finance Director support focused on creating value, raising investment and advising on share disposal. We can also advise you on setting up offshore capacity vehicles.

Strategic Reviews for insurers and large brokers

We have undertaken strategic reviews for a number of businesses across the UK; reviewing divisional structures, market positioning, distribution channels, products, personnel and operations: reporting recommendations at Board level.

Judge Us by the Company We Keep

You may be unfamiliar with Salient Solutions, but we’re pretty sure that you’ll recognise the names of some of the companies we have been privileged to work with over the years.

Our Clients Are Our Best Recommendation

Almost all of our business comes from previous clients or personal recommendations; and that’s something we’re very proud of. But just in case you aren’t already a friend of a friend, here are just some of the things that our existing clients have said about us:

Peter Blanc
Peter Blanc
Group CEO

"We could not recommend her highly enough..."

Amanda Blanc
Amanda Blanc
CEO

"We were impressed by the depth of market insight that Salient delivered..."

Robert Organ
Robert Organ
Chief Executive Officer

"The approach is refreshing..."

Edward Fitzmaurice
Edward Fitzmaurice
Founding shareholder

"Salient's approach to consultancy is refreshingly different..."

Heidi J Carslaw ACII
Heidi J Carslaw ACII
Director of Corporate Clients

"I found Clare’s approach to be refreshing and honest..."

Karen Beales
Karen Beales
Managing Director

"...no nonsense and quickly delivered results!"

Nick Heys
Nick Heys
Managing Director

"an invaluable asset to any business..."

Jon Walker
Jon Walker
MD, Commercial Lines Intermediary

"Clare's support and guidance during this period was invaluable..."

Andrew Gibson
Andrew Gibson
Former Group CFO

"They bring excellent market knowledge..."

Trust your senses and contact us

Salient Solutions Ltd is registered in England and Wales. Company No. 5360273. VAT No. 878 9740 45