We’re delighted to welcome Iqra Bhatti to the C&C Compliance team as a Risk & Compliance Officer, bringing with her a sharp eye for auditing systems, processes, records and communications. She’s only been with us a short time, but she’s already settled in seamlessly and wasted no time getting to know her new colleagues and the C&C way of working.
With a background spanning law, revenue management, compliance, and even a brief but valuable foray into project management, Iqra is no stranger to complexity or change. Add award-winning organisations such as First Locate and Irwin Mitchell to her CV, and it’s clear she’s used to operating at the highest level. In short: she fits right in.
So, why insurance? And why C&C?
“I was approached through LinkedIn, and from there, a really enjoyable conversation just unfolded,” says Iqra. “The more we spoke, the more everything just seemed to fall into place. It felt right.”
She adds: “I love the independence of having my own role, focus and flexibility, but at the same time, I was struck immediately by the sense of team. From speaking with Harriet and Alisha, it was clear this was a group of people who are genuinely passionate about what they do and the role they play in the wider business.”
That observation will surprise no one who’s worked with our Compliance team. Yes, they set high standards and know their stuff, but they do it without the ‘policing’ or lecture-style approach compliance can sometimes carry. They’re rigorous, approachable and refreshingly user-friendly!
“It was that personable approach that really sealed it for me,” Iqra continues. “Compliance works best when everyone’s already aligned around doing the right thing for clients. At C&C, that intention is already there, and that makes all the difference.”
Alisha Lawton, Compliance Director, says: “We’re thrilled to have Iqra on board. As the C&C group continues to grow rapidly across divisions and locations, the scale and complexity of compliance activity naturally grow with it. We’ve expanded from around 120 staff at the start of 2023 to nearly 180 today, across 10 locations. But beyond the numbers and the need, Iqra is simply a brilliant fit: professionally and personally, for both the team and the wider C&C family.”
“We’re thrilled to have Iqra on board. As the C&C group continues to grow rapidly across divisions and locations, the scale and complexity of compliance activity naturally grow with it. We’ve expanded from around 120 staff at the start of 2023 to nearly 180 today, across 10 locations. But beyond the numbers and the need, Iqra is simply a brilliant fit: professionally and personally, for both the team and the wider C&C family.”
One thing that really stands out about Iqra is her work ethic. Alongside a previous professional role, she also stepped in to help work at her father’s retail business after he suffered an accident. What started as support turned into a 2.5 year commitment, even after he returned to work. It was only getting married that finally persuaded her to step away from the retail role! [Footnote: Speaking of marriage, Iqra even took a work call on her wedding day!] She’s clearly a natural-born plate spinner and can adapt quickly to rapidly evolving situations.
Outside of work, Iqra juggles badminton, the gym, and hiking in the nearby Peak District. She describes herself as a real outdoor girl, so it’s no surprise to hear that she’s also an avid traveller and explorer, with a bucket list awash with places such as Japan, Singapore, (in fact, everywhere in Asia!) and has recently returned from absorbing the inspiring mysteries of Egypt.
Welcome to the Compliance team and to the wider C&C family, Iqra – and to what we’re sure will be a wonderful new adventure for all of us. As that centuries-old Grail Knight in Indiana Jones famously reflected… “You have chosen wisely…”
