Quest Gates

Richard Hartley Partnership – part of the Questgates Group Established in 1999 and based in Harrogate, Richard Hartley Partnership (RHP) provides specialist adjusting services to the Power and Construction sectors for claims across the UK and internationally. RHP was founded by Rick Hartley to bring together respected and highly experienced industry professionals who shared his belief that clients deserved a more personal approach.

Policy and claims fraud remains a persistent and significant challenge across commercial and domestic property, motor, casualty and specialist lines. QG CFS addresses this by combining advanced data analytics and intelligence with expert investigation, forensic accountancy, surveillance and legal expertise.

A specialist since 2007, Gary is a trusted adviser to many UK personal lines and commercial insurers. His career has focused on strategic initiatives that reduce cost and litigation for insurer clients, combined with sustained influence on industry reform. Gary has reshaped the credit hire landscape through decisive interventions.

Established in 1999 and headquartered in Harrogate, RHP delivers specialist adjusting services for claims across the UK and internationally. The business was founded to bring together highly experienced industry professionals committed to providing the personal, technical, and client-focused service often lacking in the wider market.

Stephen arrives after an impressive 24-year career at Sedgwick. During that time, he helped shape strategic data delivery across 19 worldwide territories. At QuestGates, Stephen will partner closely with Technology Director Steve Holland and lead the team producing Client and Operational data insights. He will focus on elevating client data and making a real contribution to the ongoing development of the company’s IT and reporting capabilities.

The issue is simple but serious, with wide ranging and overwhelmingly negative implications for motor insurers and used car buyers. When a vehicle theft is reported, a Lost or Stolen (LoS) marker is placed on the Police National Computer (PNC). If that marker is not ‘confirmed’ within six weeks, the record is automatically removed, ‘weeded’, and the LoS status will not be conveyed to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

At first glance, lower acceptance rates within household insurance for example can appear concerning, particularly when compared with products such as motor and travel insurance. However, the figures need to be viewed in the context of what these products are actually designed to do. Household insurance is designed to protect against sudden, unforeseen and insured events, not the gradual deterioration of a property or the cost of routine maintenance.

What attracted you to join forces with QuestGates? Working in the insurance sector meant that I recognised QuestGates as a well-respected supplier and that was an important part of my decision making when it came to looking for suitable partner, but I was also looking for something different. It would have been the obvious choice to join a large established insurance law practice, but I wanted something more dynamic and not simply to get assimilated into a large business and lose our identity.

Founded in 2001, the Manchester-based business has built a loyal client base, carving a strong reputation for its depth of knowledge and technical skill in handling complex liability claims. Its areas of expertise include product liability, public liability, employers liability, construction, professional indemnity and other specialist classes. Chris Hall, Group Executive Chairman of QuestGates said, “Howell Wild is a perfect fit and we are delighted to welcome John and the team to QuestGates.

Birmingham-headquartered QuestGates has been named in the 2026 Grant Thornton UK Midlands report, which ranks the region’s 200 largest privately owned companies by turnover. The report highlights businesses demonstrating strong financial performance, sustainable growth and a significant contribution to the regional economy. The group has also been listed in the inaugural Insider Media Midlands 250 ranking, recognising the region’s leading privately owned businesses.