Cowens Careers: Building a Career at Cowens Xpress Cover

When Josh joined Cowens, his priority was clear: he wanted a future, not a stop-gap. The trainee role appealed because it offered structured learning, professional qualifications and a clear sense of long-term development.

“I was looking for a long-term career not just a job for now,” Josh says. From the outset, the emphasis on gaining qualifications and learning on the job gave him confidence that Cowens was somewhere he could grow.

Developing expertise and confidence

Starting with little prior insurance knowledge, Josh built his technical capability over time, working across different areas of the business as the Xpress team evolved. He developed experience in commercial insurance, renewals, and client support, gaining a broad understanding of how the department operates and how customers are best looked after.

Alongside hands-on experience, Cowens supported Josh through qualifications with the Chartered Insurance Institute, including funded study and dedicated learning time during the working week. He also completed a Future Leaders development programme, designed to build the communication, decision-making and people skills required in a professional services environment.

A culture shaped from within

One of the defining features of Cowens Xpress, for Josh, is its culture. He describes it as “very open and honest”, a quality that encourages people to speak up, share ideas, and raise concerns early. That openness has shaped how he approaches his work day-to-day, placing a strong emphasis on approachability and trust.

A key learning for Josh has been the importance of listening. “A key quality is actively listening to your team,” he explains. By taking on board different perspectives and acting on feedback, he has seen how small changes can make a meaningful difference to performance and morale.

Supporting others’ development

As Josh’s experience has grown, so has his involvement in supporting others. One of the most rewarding aspects of his journey has been helping newer colleagues develop their skills and confidence, drawing directly on lessons learned earlier in his own career.

Being able to share knowledge, provide guidance, and help people find their feet reinforces the strength of developing talent internally, something he believes Cowens does particularly well.

Looking ahead

Josh is currently working towards his Diploma in Insurance, having already completed his Certificate and law module. Continuing to deepen his technical knowledge is a priority, enabling him to support both colleagues and clients to a high standard.

For those considering a career at Cowens Xpress, his advice is straightforward: apply yourself, commit to learning, and take advantage of the support available. Cowens, he says, provides genuine opportunities for development, and with the right mindset, long-term careers can be built here.