Nick Chavda - Technical and Compliance Executive
29 years, one career, and still proud to be part of the journey.
Our team are delighted to be celebrating 90 years…
Over the years the business has seen a lot of change but one thing that remains consistent is our dedication to our customers, to provide our best quotes and the cover you’re looking for, to keep you on the road!
To mark our 90th year we’ve caught up with some of our longest serving team members to find out more about their time with Devitt, their commitment to supporting our customers and why they enjoy working here.
Find out more about the people that work hard to make Devitt the longstanding and trusted business that it is.
Joining Devitt on 12th May 1997 straight from university, Nick began his journey as a Sales Consultant in our Stratford office—marking the start of what would become an incredible long-term career.
As the business evolved, Nick progressed into a Team Leader role following the move to our North House office in Romford. Over many years, he played a key role on the sales floor, supporting teams through significant periods of transformation—including multiple ownership changes—from Steel Burrill and Jones, to Churchill, RBS, management ownership, and now A J Gallagher.
In 2016, Nick embraced a new challenge, transitioning into the Technical and Compliance team. This move not only broadened his knowledge but also gave him a deeper understanding of the business, demonstrating his adaptability and commitment to continuous growth.
Reflecting on nearly three decades with Devitt, Nick’s journey is a testament to the opportunities a career here can offer. From building extensive industry knowledge to forming lasting friendships, his experience captures what makes Devitt special.
“I’ve spent almost 29 years here and counting—gaining invaluable experience, working with great people, and being part of a company I’m proud of.”
Nikki began her journey at Devitt on 4th January 1988, joining the business at just 16 years old. What started as her very first job would grow into a remarkable 38-year career, filled with lasting memories, new opportunities, and lifelong friendships.
She initially worked in the word processing department, where colleagues would bring letters to be drafted on what Nikki still remembers as the biggest IBM computer she had ever seen.
She later moved into customer service, supporting customers across all aspects of their policies, from new business to renewals. At the time, there were no computers to generate quotes—everything was calculated manually using rating guides. Nikki credits this hands-on experience with giving her a deep and lasting understanding of insurance.
Nearly ten years ago, Nikki took on a new challenge by applying for a trainer role. It was a significant step outside her comfort zone, as public speaking had always been one of her biggest fears. However, she embraced the opportunity for change and soon discovered a passion for helping others. She now enjoys meeting new people and supporting their development, taking pride in knowing she has played a part in their career journeys.
Ask Nikki what makes Devitt special, and the answer is simple: the people. Over the years, she has built strong friendships—some colleagues have moved on, while others remain, including one who is now godmother to her daughter. Nikki believes the mix of ages and cultures within the business creates something unique. While it may sound corny, she says it truly feels like one big family.
That sense of belonging is what has kept Nikki at Devitt for nearly four decades—and why she can’t imagine working anywhere else.
Joining Devitt Insurance on 5th May 1997, Parnell has witnessed—and played a key role in—nearly three decades of transformation across the business.
Starting out in the Stratford office at Central House, Parnell’s journey began as a temporary Cashier in the Finance Department, covering for a retirement. Within just a month, his role became permanent. At the time, processes were entirely manual, with handwritten ledger systems such as Kalamazoo used to record and reconcile transactions—often spanning up to 15 pages. It was a demanding and meticulous process, requiring precision and patience.
In those early years, Devitt operated a Dealer Scheme where motorcycle dealers collected the premiums for customers and sent payments via cheque. Day-to-day work involved navigating multiple systems across dedicated terminals—far removed from the streamlined processes of today.
The move to Romford in June 2000 marked a new chapter. By 2002, Devitt had transformed its dealer model, shifting from dealers handling the client payments to a referral-based system with commission structures. Despite initial system challenges, the scheme was successfully implemented, and Parnell played a central role in administering it—producing dealer commission statements and maintaining key relationships, including with BMW.
As the business evolved, so did Parnell’s role. Expanding beyond Finance, he developed reporting expertise within the management information function, learning Microsoft Access to produce key reports. Over time, he took ownership of several important outputs, including partner commission statements and claims reporting.
Following Devitt’s transition to independence in 2011, Parnell was entrusted with a critical task—building the company’s Accounts Payable system from the ground up. Taking full ownership, he implemented Sage accounting software and taught himself how to use it, successfully creating a system that underpinned the business during a pivotal time.
In 2014, responsibilities shifted again, with a move towards management reporting. Parnell began producing Management Account summaries for senior leadership and the Board, while continuing to support key partnerships, and assisting with annual audits.
During the challenges of 2020, Parnell adapted once more, supporting the production of Management Accounts, handling journals, and managing bank reconciliations across multiple accounts.
Today, Parnell leads a team of two within what is proudly known as “Devitt Finance”—a testament to his leadership, expertise, and long-standing commitment to the business.
Approaching an incredible 30-year milestone in 2027, his journey is defined not just by professional growth, but by the people he has worked alongside.
Reflecting on his time at Devitt, Parnell credits colleagues—past and present—as the heart of the company and the reason he has remained for so long.
Parnell’s story is one of dedication, adaptability, and genuine passion for the business—an inspiring legacy and a valuable part of Devitt’s history.
Having joined Devitt Insurance in 1995 as a Customer Service Advisor, Angela brought with her valuable experience from two Lloyd’s syndicates and a well-known high street broker. What began as a customer-facing role quickly developed into a long and rewarding career within the business.
Just three years after joining, she progressed into a Team Leader’s Assistant position, demonstrating a strong understanding of both customer service and team support. Today, Angela is a Customer Service Supervisor within the Exceptions Team, where she oversees the day-to-day running of renewal and administrative tasks, supporting a customer base of over 100,000.
A key part of her role also involves working closely with Devitt’s offshore team, GCoE in India. This includes delivering training, providing day-to-day support, and liaising with senior management to ensure a consistently high level of service is delivered to customers.
Angela says that one of the standout aspects of working at Devitt is the people. She describes the company as “one big happy family,” something clearly reflected in her own team, which collectively holds over 130 years of service. Over the years, she has enjoyed watching colleagues grow from young starters into adults with families of their own — a testament to both the culture and longevity within the business.
Angela said, “I have valued the flexibility Devitt has provided, allowing me to raise two children while continuing to work full-time. Throughout the highs and lows, the business has been there to celebrate my achievements and offer support when it mattered most”.
Having been part of the company for several decades, Angela has witnessed significant industry and organisational change — from handwritten cover notes and rows of filing cabinets to modern systems that automatically calculate premiums. More recently, following Gallagher’s acquisition three years ago, further changes have shaped the business. While significant, Angela believes that these developments have ultimately strengthened Devitt, creating a larger, more efficient organisation that continues to evolve.