Meet the Team

Philip Fogarty Snr
Company Director

Born and bred in Blackburn, Philip Snr has vast experience in business having ran a successful haulage and storage firm before selling out and retiring in 1989. The lure back to business was too strong when he conceived the prospect of exploring insurance commerce with his family.
Philip’s leisure activities include running and enjoys playing darts and crown green bowling. Socially he also enjoys holidays abroad with his family.

Richard Fogarty
Company Director

After leaving school in 1995, Richard pursued a career in football with Burnley Football Club and after 5 years playing full time with various clubs he decided to play part time and get a real job!
He then started working for HMRC where he spent 5 years before progressing to management and eventually joining his brothers Philip & Brian to start up Fogartys Insurance in 2004.
Richard enjoys the challenges of running a business and working in a busy office environment as well as working in a team that consists of not just work colleagues but friends and family.
Outside of work, Richard enjoys spending time with his wife, daughters and family as well as keeping fit through triathlon events which he represents Fogartys Tri-Team in events all over the world.

Philip Fogarty
Company Director

Phil has been an insurance broker for over 25 years, starting as a motor insurance trainee then working his way into commercial insurance. In 2004 he set up Fogartys Insurance with his brothers Richard & Brian. They have grown the business from the back room of their house into a thriving high street brokers employing over 18 people.
Outside of work, he is a keen golfer and has membership at a local club. He is also an avid Manchester United supporter and football fan in general (unfortunately though the playing days are over!) Phil enjoys family holidays, eating out and spending time with his partner, children and grandchild.

Brian Fogarty
Company Director

Brian left school in 2000 having gained 9 GCSEs. He signed a 3 year football contract for Burnley FC however injuries really hampered Brian’s career and after a short time playing Non-League he eventually called time on his football career. In 2004, Brian and his two older brothers decided to take the plunge and start Fogartys Insurance. Brian thrives on working alongside like minded, hard working, driven people which is something he instils in the team.
When the business became established, Brian started to developed a new passion which was running. This passion developed into cycling, swimming and then Ironman Triathlon. Brian’s highlights include multiple victories with his highlight being Ironman UK Champion in 2019. He loves spending time with his wife and two daughters travelling and taking on new adventures.

Patricia Fogarty
Company Director

Pat is the matriarch of the family as well as the brains of the outfit (or so she thinks)!
Like husband Philip Snr, Pat does not play a hands on roll in the day to day running of the office but plays an active part in other areas and decision making.
An avid runner, she also enjoys playing darts and crown green bowling. Family holidays with her grandchildren are the highlights in her life.

Nick Collum
Manager

Nick has worked at Fogartys for nearly 10 years and has been in the insurance industry since leaving school at 16, so without giving his age away, that’s nearly 30 years. Before joining Fogartys he worked with other local brokers and was branch manager for Swinton.
In his time away from work, Nick is kept busy with his family which involves driving up and down the country taking his son to Blackburn Rovers away games and managing his Sunday league football team.

Oliver Clare
Manager

Oliver has worked as in insurance since leaving college and now has over 15 years experience specialising in commercial insurance.
After working at a few other Brokers, both large and small, Oliver started at Fogartys in 2020 and is now the Manager of the commercial team.
Away from work, Oliver enjoys spending time with his family and socialising with friends. As a father of two young girls his days of playing cricket and football are over but he enjoys keeping fit with a little bit of running and walking his dog Coco.

Darren Denning
Manager

Darren attended Witton Park High School in Blackburn and left in 1991. He then did a 4 year Joinery apprenticeship which led to a managerial role at a well known timber merchants in Blackburn.
He subsequently made the move to the insurance sector which he has been involved with for 12 years and now is the Manager of Personal Lines for Fogartys Insurance.
A devoted family man, Darren has a wife and one daughter and enjoys all aspects of family life.
Away from work and family Darren is keen to socialize with close friends and is a keen Manchester United supporter and also enjoys golf, snooker & running to try and keep fit!!
Darren is driven by his work and is always on hand to help others. He is a valuable member of the team sets a great example for others to follow.

Mark Johnson
Business Development/Marketing Manager

Mark attended Witton Park High School leaving in 1996, after leaving school Mark jumped straight in to work where he spent 13 years working various roles at the Lancashire Telegraph working in (sales, graphic design & management).
Mark then moved into the radio industry! (Not as a DJ) working as an Senior Account Manager for The Bee & 2BR. In 2012, Mark set up his own business creating a Printing and Marketing Company. Whilst taking a step back from the company to become a silent partner, Mark took up a role as Head of Sales & Marketing at The DES Group where he later was promoted to Associate Director. In January 2024, Mark joined the team at Fogartys Insurance where his role as Business Development & Marketing Manager continues today.
Outside of work, Mark has a huge passion for football and still continues to play (as much as a man at 44 and out of shape can) and is one of the founders of the local community Football Group LADS UNITED.
Mark is a family man, happily married for over 20 years and has 2 boys who are (as he says thankfully, as obsessed with football as he is) so most evenings/weekends either consist of playing, or watching his beloved team Blackburn Rovers, Mark also coaches Mill Hill Juniors so it’s safe to say football is everything in Mark’s world!!

Sam Ashton
Assistant Manager

After finishing school Sam started working part time at his local Sainsburys whilst studying Business & Management at UCLAN University. After 12 months of studying he realised that university was not for him and started working full time at Sainsbury’s.
After working at Sainsbury’s for 6 years he decided a career change was needed and pursued a career in insurance with Fogartys. He is now into his 5th year at Fogartys and specialises in car, van & motorbike Insurance.
When Sam is not working, he is busy playing badminton for two teams and plays football for Darwen FC where he describes himself as “The heart of the back four”! Sam also loves going out at the weekend with his friends to his local town Darwen.

Mark Shuttleworth
Assistant Manager

Blackburn born Mark grew up only a few minutes away from the office. After leaving the local school he went on to complete media courses at UCLAN Preston University as well as trying his hand at painting & decorating. He also spent a number of years working at the Butlers Arms, Pleasington.
Over 10 years ago an opportunity came along for him to join Fogartys family run insurance business to work alongside director Phil on our commercial lines side of the business.
Mark is proud to represent Fogartys and enjoys working within the team. He is dedicated to his job and loves to make sure we do all we can to look after our customers.
Outside of the office Mark enjoys spending time with his family and socialising with friends. Starting and finding new adventures with his wife and 2 young children are a must. His son and daughter are now signed up to football and dance teams so sure to keep him busy!

Ryan Leaf
Assistant Manager

After leaving school, Ryan moved to Essex and continued further education with college and University. He attended Southampton Solent University, which he thoroughly enjoyed and if he wasn’t throwing back the Jaegers, he was working towards a business management degree in which he graduated in 2016.
After leaving university, he was still unsure of what he wanted to do so moved back up north to his old stomping ground and then finally found his calling with selling Insurance at Fogartys. He specialises in House and Travel insurance.
Ryan’s main passion is football and is an avid Tottenham supporter for his sins and also involves himself in five a side football twice a week.

Neil Taylor
Sales Executive

Neil has worked for Fogartys Insurance for 9 years and is a key member of the team. His vast level of experience and work ethic is an attribute which is pivotal for the company.
Neil’s role is ensuring all Motor Renewals are sent out, monitored and kept updated.
Since leaving school in 1984, Neil went straight into work for a leading tile company which saw him rise up the ranks to Sales Manager and a successful career before his move to Fogartys.
Neil has 2 children and enjoys valuable family time. He is a keen football fan and follows his local team, Accrington Stanley.
Neil has a wide range of close friends and regularly enjoys socializing and visiting different places throughout the UK.

Mason Aspin
Sales Executive

Although Mason is the youngest employee at Fogartys he is also one of the most mature. After leaving St Wilfrid’s high school in 2021, he started as an apprentice administrative assistant and has quickly proved that he has the skills and ability to push himself into other areas of the business and has progressed into the Motor sales team.
Mason was born in April of 2005 and has always lived locally with his mother or father. He has 3 sisters two of which are younger which makes sure there is never a quiet moment in his home.
When not at work Mason has many hobbies and enjoys watching Mixed Martial Arts as well as football where he is a follower of Glasgow Celtic.
Mason also enjoys travelling, going to festivals and watching his favourite artists live.

Harrison Buckingham
Sales Executive

Having relocated to Blackburn 3 years ago, Harrison has now been with Fogartys for nearly 2 years. He started with administration duties and is now also competent in dealing with Travel Insurance enquiries.
Harrison’s hobbies include socialising with friends, playing football and supporting his favourite team Manchester United.

Zain Jaffer
Sales Executive

After leaving St Bede’s High School, Zain moved into higher education where he went on to study architecture and advanced construction.
When joining Fogartys Insurance initially as admin support, it was quickly identified Zain had the ability and drive to join the sales team where he has thrived ever since.
Zain has been a brilliant addition to the commercial team, bringing a proactive approach and a brilliant work ethic while being a team player and has shown that progression is a only a matter of time,.
Out of work, Zain loves to watch football, play golf and spend time with friends and family.

Demi Macari
Commercial Administration

After attending school at St. Bede’s in Blackburn, Demi went onto work in the hospitality sector up until September 2023, before joining Fogartys Insurance working in the Commercial Business Department.
A skilled administrator with great communication skills, Demi really is a team player and prides herself on her attention to detail.
In her spare time, Demi likes spending time with her family and going for walks with her two Yorkie dogs, Demi likes to relax and enjoys watching movies and crime documentaries on Netflix.

Dylan Gaston
Commercial Administration

Dylan attended Walton-Le-Dale High School from 2016 – 2021, moving onto higher education at Cardinal Newman College to study and receive an extended Business Diploma.
Joining the team at Fogartys Insurance as his first job, Dylan has fit into the team brilliantly.
Dylan offers great administrative support to the Commercial Team and is a good personality within the office.
Outside of work, Dylan is a huge Manchester City and loves to watch them with his friends. Dylan also has a keen interest in cars, and at the weekend, he loves spending time with his family and walking his dog.

Tom Gallagher
Commercial Administration

With two business degrees and as a newer addition to Fogartys, Tom provides flexible support to the Commercial Team. From a broad skill set derived from deep operational experience, he spans policy areas to augment the operations of local business coverage. Starting out his career in HR, Tom has worked in roles in market entry consulting, The City, Premiership football and E-Commerce. Having gained accolades in analytical work, he looks to deploy solutions for clients which are forward-looking and robust. Based in the Ribble Valley, Tom enjoys cycling, research on organizational behaviour, content/culture as well as spending time with friends and family. A lifelong Wolves supporter with network interests in numerous teams, he is also an avid reader.

Luke Felipes
Sales Executive

Luke is a smart young man with an eye for style as he brings a certain fashion to the office.
Ater leaving St Francis Primary School, Luke studied at St Wilfrid’s before moving into higher education at college. Luke then went on to work in retail working as business administration apprentice in the recruitment sector. As always, Luke progressed onto a payroll and account manager role before embarking on his career here at Fogartys Insurance.
In his spare time, Luke enjoys most sports mainly football, darts, snooker and watching the UFC, but his main passion is Formula 1.
Luke enjoys spending time with his family of 5 including his twin brother, with Luke’s father being of Mediterranean heritage, Luke certainly brings a bit of Spanish flair and style to the office.

Ellliot Brown
Sales Executive

Elliot studied History at Newman College until 2021 & International Relations at Lancaster University until 2024 before joining our motors department, Elliot is a local lad who is an avid Blackburn Rovers fan and has been going to Ewood Park for as long as he can remember, Elliot is a huge sports fan, from Mixed Martial Arts, Boxing and Cricket if there is a sport to be watched Elliot is interested.
Elliot loves to spend time walking his dog at the weekends and outside of work he loves to visit new countries with his university friends. Elliot has been a brilliant addition to the team and is very approachable and friendly with a smart head on his shoulders and we look forward to the clear progression he is going to make.

George Denning
Office Administration

Since joining the company as an Office Administrator, George has really come out of his shell as a person and an employee, George is getting more and more confident in the role.
When not at work George enjoys watching football in person and on the TV as well as playing his regular football with Lads United at AFC Darwen, George also like to go to the gym and spend time with his family at the weekends. George has fitted in really well with the team and we are sure he will be a brilliant asset to Fogartys Insurance.

Adam Eldershaw
Office Administration

Adam attended Darwen Vale High School and went onto further education at Training 2000 to undertake an apprenteship where he received a distinction.
In his free time Adam is a keen cyclist, commuting to work daily or for leisure. Adam attends local quiz nights in the area with his family, where they often come away as the winning team.
Adam is now the youngest member of the team, but shows an ability way beyond his years, he excels in maths and is becoming a talented member of the accounting team.
Adam’s vast computer knowledge has been a real asset in the office and Adam has shown already in his role that he has the ability to pick up tasks at a pace and we are confident he will have a bright future within Fogartys Insurance.