Geobear appoints UK insurance lead

Midlands-based ground engineering specialist Geobear has appointed Lauren Hicks as UK insurance lead to support its growth and help address lengthy subsidence claims backlogs.

Lauren brings more than 13 years’ experience across the insurance sector, spanning both private and public markets. 

She joins Geobear from Marsh, where she worked with local authorities, NHS trusts and housing associations, managing public sector and social housing insurance programmes and procurement processes.

In her new role, Lauren will focus on strengthening relationships with insurers and loss adjusters, managing existing contracts and developing new framework opportunities across residential and social housing.

She will also champion early intervention approaches to subsidence, working closely with engineers to help reduce claim lifecycles and improve outcomes for both policyholders and insurers.

She said: “Traditionally, insurers have adopted a ‘watch and wait’ approach, which can amplify worry for consumers. 

“Utilising early intervention methods is a more cost-effective way of combatting subsidence issues.”

“Social housing is an area that Geobear can really make a difference.

“Keeping disruption to a minimum and being able to keep residents in their homes is a huge benefit to all parties involved.”

Lauren's appointment comes as pressure continues across the insurance market. 

The Association of British Insurers reported 9000 domestic subsidence claims in the first six months of 2025, with many cases still outstanding from surge years in 2018 and 2022.

Pete Luby, group chief operating officer at Geobear, added: “Lauren’s appointment highlights Geobear’s continued growth.

“As the ground engineering and insurance industries cope with increasingly frequent subsidence surges, we want to continue to be provide a high-quality customer journey in reducing claim durations and giving people their homes back quicker in great condition.”

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