2024 Agenda
Agenda
Select a stage below
10:00 – 10:40
How are insurers supporting brokers in navigating the ever changing insurance landscape?
Hear from our stellar panel of insurers as they share their perspectives on service, MGA competition, value of branches, concerns over broker consolidation, product innovation, use of technology/AI and market rates.
Dave Martin joined Aviva in April 2023 as Managing Director, UK Commercial and Chief Distribution Officer, and sits on the UKGI Executive Committee. Dave is responsible for setting and leading the strategic direction of Distribution and responsible for driving profitable growth in our UK Commercial business across Digital SME and Mid-Market.
Dave has spent 34 years in the insurance industry in a number of roles, having started as an apprentice handling personal motor in Bristol. Most recently Dave was Head of Retail Management at Zurich where he led the Personal Lines, Direct, Digital and Mid Commercial businesses.
David was appointed to head of retail in January 2023 and is responsible for our Personal Lines, Commercial SME and Mid-Market propositions.
David's been with Zurich for over 20 years and joined our Executive team in 2026 as our UKGI Chief Operations Officer, before moving to our UK Claims team as Chief Claims officer in 2017.
David's breadth of strategic and operational expertise, strong customer and broker focus, and passion for continuous improvement, whilst using technology, has resulted in great customer and broker outcomes in the roles he's held at Zurich.
Before joining Zurich, David spent time at Aviva and held several senior positions.
Nick Hobbs became the Director of Broker Markets, Commercial & Personal, in November 2016 having formerly been the Head of Strategic Account Management, Commercial and Personal. He is responsible for Allianz’s London Region, Broker Distribution Management and jointly responsible for the Commercial Broker Markets business.
Nick has been with Allianz group since 2001 and with Allianz UK since 2011. Prior to joining Allianz UK he undertook various roles in AGCS (Allianz Global Corporate & Speciality) in the UK, Europe and North America.
Neil Peters serves as VP, National Director, Branch Network for Arch UK Regional Division with responsibility for the 10 Regional Trading offices.
Neil joined Arch in January 2019 when it purchased the UK Regional Division from the Ardonagh Group. When Neil joined Arch he held the position of Regional Director, South, responsible for four Branches in the South of England.
He has 30 years’ experience in leadership, development and underwriting roles for Ardonagh, RSA, Fusion Insurance Services, Independent Insurance Co. and Commercial Union.
Sarah joined AXA UK in October 2021 as Commercial Distribution and Trading Director. In this role she leads the Commercial distribution team responsible for broker relationship development across all trading teams and the mid-market business traded through AXA’s branch network.
With over 20 years’ experience in senior claims and distribution roles, Sarah has a passion for delivering customer and broker excellence through digital transformation, technical expertise and broker partnerships. This has helped AXA achieve a gold Investors in Customers award (2023) and 2024 Commercial Insurer of the year at the coveted British Insurance Awards.
David is Distribution & Proposition Director at RSA Insurance, working across the Commercial Lines and Specialty Lines businesses, in a role he started in May. Prior to this he was Head of Strategic Broker Relationships, Marketing & Propositions at NIG Commercial. David has over 35 years’ financial services experience in both insurance and banking, starting his career with Commercial Union (now Aviva) followed by spells at Independent, Nationwide Building Society, Bank of Ireland, and Aspen. David is a Chartered Insurer and in his spare time enjoys travelling with his family and the ups and downs of supporting Aston Villa.
10:45 – 11:25
How are specialist insurers supporting brokers to diversify their revenue streams and broaden their book of business?
- How insurers can help brokers enter new markets and spot untapped potentially lucrative gaps in the market.
- What advice, products and support insurers can offer to make sure brokers can successfully take advantage of any new opportunities.
- How the changing shape of the British economy could impact and influence which sectors brokers chose to focus on.
- What coverage gaps businesses are ignoring, and how specialist insurers can help brokers fill them.
Graeme was appointed CEO in July 2023. Prior to this he was BIBA’s Executive Director for ten years when he joined the main board of BIBA and led the BIBA policy team that incorporates corporate affairs, technical services and communications. He is personally responsible for BIBA’s public affairs lobby with government, has provided written and oral evidence to the House of Commons and the House of Lords and is the author of the annual BIBA manifesto. Prior to joining BIBA Graeme was a general insurance broker between 1989 and 2001.
Graeme’s knowledge of insurance and the sector is wide-ranging, and he appears regularly as a source of expertise in the media where he promotes the benefits of using a broker. He sits on the main board of the Employers’ Liability Tracing Office, the Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities: Building Safety Programme Market Assurance Group, the MOD Financial Services Steering Group and the Chartered Insurance Institute’s Society of Insurance Broking, as well as BIBA’s Insurance Brokers’ Standards Committee. He has also participated on the CBI Trade Association Council and Insurance Fraud Taskforce. As a strong advocate of expanding access to insurance, Graeme sits on the Insurance Disability Champion’s Access to Insurance Steering Group and the BIBA Access to Insurance cross-sector committee. Graeme is a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute and a Chartered Insurance Practitioner.
Jo Sykes is the divisional director of UK broker channel for Markel, with a clear focus on driving digital transformation, developing broker relationships, and delivering profitable underwriting results. With a wealth of experience in the industry, her commercial focus is a key driver to Markel’s growth ambitions and ongoing dedication to better support brokers and customers. Jo has the responsibility of delivering Markel’s innovative SME products and services, helping brokers achieve business-changing growth for their customers, backed by a 5-star rated commercial lines insurer with a truly people-first approach.
11:40 – 12:10
FCA update: an overview of the FCA’s work in the Insurance Sector
This keynote update will provide an overview of the FCA’s work, covering the risks outlined in its insurance portfolio letters, recent publications, and what brokers can expect next.
Lisa has 30+ years of financial services experience including roles at RBS and Credit Suisse. Lisa’s responsibilities as a regulator, including with predecessor organisations, IMRO and FSA, have primarily been in supervision, covering investment management, deposit takers, life insurance and most recently general insurance firms. Lisa has led the Retail General Insurance Supervision Department during the implementation of the General Insurance Pricing Practice rules and Consumer Duty.
12:15 – 13:30
Lunch
12:45 – 13:15
Beyond the cloak; from tragedy to triumph, living authentically as a TV celebrity
13:45 – 14:15
How can brokers meet the regulatory demands to provide ‘fair value’?
Taking a look at how brokers can appease the FCA over the Consumer Duty.
David joined BIBA’s main Board in August 2023 following his appointment as Regulation Director. He has more than 40 years of experience in the insurance industry and since 2002 has focused on insurance broking compliance. During that time David led a group's firms through FSA authorisation, as well as providing technical compliance advice to over 150 firms, from the international to the very small, on UK regulations.
Joining BIBA in 2013, he brought a 'regulatory mindset' to his role, having spent a number of years at the Financial Services Authority.
14:20 – 15:00
Blind Date M&A
Once a staple of Saturday night TV, Broker Expo has decided to resurrect the format for its own version of Blind Date. The difference being three consolidator suitors sit behind the wall ready to answer a series of questions from a broker looking for a ‘date’ with whom to test the waters in case they decide to sell. Through their responses the broker will select the consolidator they feel most aligned too. Whether the Expo Blind Date is the start of something beautiful - or a mere fling … that is a story for another day.
Paul has been an insurance broker for over 30 years and is Group Chief Executive Officer of Seventeen Group, which owns James Hallam Insurance Brokers, Touchstone Underwriting and London Re
Seventeen Group is passionately independent and employs over 350 staff throughout the UK. All of the shareholders and Directors of Seventeen Group are actively involved in the business and from the insurance profession by background.
Paul was previously a BIBA main board member and Chaired the BIBA Insurance Brokers Standards Committee. He currently sits on the board of Una Alliance which is a non-profit making company owned by its insurance broker members.
Outside of business, Paul is married with 4 children and lives near Devizes in Wiltshire. He has been involved in coaching and leadership training on a voluntary basis for a number of years and is a Saracens rugby supporter, fisherman and sometime golfer.
15:05 – 15:35
Have I Got Views for You?
Most of you will be accustomed to Have I Got News For You, the long-standing TV show in which panellists dissect and offer their own take on news and current affairs. Well at Broker Expo we will be debuting our insurance take on this formula with fast-witted industry contestants and member of our editorial team going head-to-head to see who has the freshest take on the biggest recent industry stories and topical events.
Nick is Director of the London/Head office of The Clear Group. Clear are a leading UK independent and chartered insurance brokers, placing in excess of £300M of premiums for commercial and personal clients. With 19 UK locations and over 650 staff, Clear offer a comprehensive insurance advisory service, from insurance program design and risk management to claims administration. Nick has over 28 years' experience as an insurance broker and adviser, specialising in the construction and engineering sectors. He has advised on the insurance requirements for many well known businesses, for major London and UK infrastructure projects and manages 11 broking teams, both in the Company market and at Lloyd's.
Currently CEO of the Managing General Agents Association, a position he has held since September 2020, Mike has crafted a successful and varied career in the industry.
Beginning his career as an underwriter in the company market he joined AXA Commercial in 1999 managing their strategic MGA/DA partnerships before progressing to Managing Director of their Personal Lines business (excluding direct). Leaving AXA in 2011, he joined the board at UK General, one of the UK’s largest MGAs, where he took responsibility for the Commercial portfolio introducing a successful targeted UK small regional broker strategy.
From 2016, Mike held Executive positions in the Broker sector before working with West Hill Capital in launching a new MGA Insuretech start-up, Qlaims.
In 2022 Mike was included in the Top 100 Global Leaders by Insurance Magazine
10:00 – 10:40
Scaling your brokerage for sustainable success
Sponsored by:
In today’s competitive marketplace, many brokerages face the challenge of standing out while also effectively growing their client base and improving profitability. In this session we will explore the secrets to scaling your insurance brokerage successfully, while maintaining a people-first approach to your customers. Learn strategies to effectively grow your brokerage, whilst maintaining 5-star service standards and why people should be at the heart of any success.
10:45 – 11:05
Ai for Insurance Brokers - Real World Results!
Sponsored by:
Ian will share the experience of AI, benefiting clients such as Principal Insurance, Collingwood Insurance, Life insurance brokers and many more
Find out how you can also use GenAI to increase sales, improve efficiency, achieve 100% FCA Compliance, improve staff wellbeing, increase retentions and gain a competitive advantage
11:05 – 11:25
GenAI and broking case study:
transform your business using the latest in data, technology and insights.
Managing director of Render an innovative payment solutions business, providing card processing and premium finance to the insurance market. Previous roles include Head of Data Science at Capital on Tap, Associate Partner at McKinsey & Principal at Oliver Wyman. I have worked with a global set of clients, from banking to retailers, providing strategic, analytical and technological support. I have a PhD and MSc in Complexity Science, and a BSc in Mathematics, all from the University of Warwick
11:30 – 12:10
Utilising data, technology and insight to accelerate your broking business
Whilst the term ‘digitalisation’ might now be seen to be a little passe, there is no denying that technology is still increasingly important to insurance firms of all shapes and sizes, including brokers. To not only make firms more efficient, but also to help them improve customer centricity and attract new business through the savvier use of the data and insights. Not least by getting a better handle on the demands of existing customers and spotting new opportunities with non-clients.
How does in-depth client business insight support brokers to execute placement strategies and achieve the best outcomes for clients?
Why should data be the number one priority to help brokers run more efficient businesses?
With experience in the industry spanning 30 years, Scott started his career at a local brokerage in Doncaster via a YTS scheme. He has built significant industry knowledge and connections through several regional and national roles and has worked in the network arena for more than 13 years.
Prior to joining Bravo Networks, Scott spent eight years working in Towergate in several senior sales roles. As Managing Director of Bravo Networks, Scott prioritises supporting regional brokers across the UK by using his significant relationships with insurers and providers across the industry to drive forward positive opportunities, while also shaping member propositions that help grow, protect, and support brokers’ businesses.
12:15 – 13:30
Lunch
12:45 – 13:15
Beyond the cloak; from tragedy to triumph, living authentically as a TV celebrity
13:45 – 14:15
Social media secret weapon:
Increase your brand awareness, reach new clients and streamline your outreach efforts
14:20 – 15:00
Mitigating the capacity crunch in personal lines insurance
How is the insurance market supporting brokers to meet capacity needs?
Covering the shortfall in capacity lost to MGAs
Insuring high value items to motor and contents insurance.
Paul founded The Green Insurer in 2023 after realising that there was a gap in the market for people who want help to drive in a more sustainable way. The Green Insurer is the only car insurance provider to off-set all miles driven and to reward customers for driving in a more sustainable, fuel-efficient manner. Prior to this, Paul has spent far too many years working in the insurance industry in companies such as Direct Line, Marmalade and Chaucer in both UK and overseas. Outside work, Paul loves the great outdoors and he walked the 284 miles of the Pennine Way in 2020. Whilst not working, he is kept busy by his 5 children.
10:20 – 10:40
Fireside chat: How can brokers realise the value of Generative AI?
Sponsored by:
How is the insurance industry already using AI, and what is the scale of the AI opportunity for brokers?
Are fears around AI misplaced?
What is different about Generative AI, and what tools are already available for brokers to use to drive their businesses?
How will the broker of the future use AI and GenAI?
With over 25+ years in insurance technology, Peter heads up the Research and Development function at Open GI. Prior to this, Peter was at Transactor spearheading numerous innovations including The Insurer Cloud. Peter has a strong philosophy of fostering a culture of innovation and experimentation, empowering customers to push boundaries and use technology to solve real problems.
10:45 – 11:10
Emerging digital services in claims – how are RSA supporting broker claims?
Why does it matter for brokers and customers, and how can the claims process be made more efficient?
Emerging insights and looking ahead to the next 2-5 years
11:15 – 11:30
Growth masterclass from an industry first:
What does it take to launch and grow the first ever insurance company to make the Times 100 ‘fastest growing companies’ in the UK?
11:30 – 12:10
Does ESG need a rebrand for brokers to take it seriously?
- How can brokers stay ahead of emerging risks, and opportunities, in the ESG space, and why is it becoming increasingly important?
- What are the emerging climate change and environmental risks which brokers need to have on their radar?
- How can incorporating a strong social responsibility culture into a brokerage help influence your bottom line?
Jonathan Evans is a seasoned insurance industry professional with over two decades of experience in broking, underwriting and insurtech. As the founder of Sustain Insurance Brokers, he is at the forefront of integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into insurance practices. With a strong background in risk management and a keen eye for emerging trends, Jonathan has successfully launched and scaled multiple insurance-related ventures. Jonathan's current focus on sustainable insurance practices positions him as a thought leader in addressing climate change risks and promoting social responsibility within the industry. His diverse experience and entrepreneurial spirit make him uniquely qualified to discuss the evolving landscape of ESG in insurance and its impact on brokers' strategies and their resultant profitability
12:15 – 13:30
Lunch
12:45 – 13:15
Beyond the cloak; from tragedy to triumph, living authentically as a TV celebrity
13:45 – 14:15
Demystifying how brokers can drive growth with machine learning
How can machine learning drive conversions, enhance broker productivity and improve revenue?
Fighting fraud, passing cleaner business to insurers, making efficient use of data and freeing up expert minds to focus on business growth for brokers
Damian is CEO of MLP, a business specialising delivering operational Machine Learning products to the Insurance Industry.
He has worked in the Insurance Industry for over 18 years both as a Broker, an MGA as well as launching and growing Insurtech businesses.
14:20 – 14:45
Solar Panel Rooftop Fire Risks
As solar panel installations increase, so do fire incidents – a six-fold increase according to reports. This session will touch on:
Misconceptions around PV systems being maintenance-free
The importance of professional inspections and adhering to safety standards
Choosing the right maintenance experts
Paul Farmer is the Head of Technical Risk Engineering and Surveys at RiskSTOP.
Paul has 30 years experience in the insurance industry and began his career as a loss adjuster before moving into risk prevention, management and engineering. He has held key roles, such as Global Practice Lead and Senior Technical Risk Engineer at Zurich and was a Senior Consultant Risk Engineer at Tokio Marine.
His expertise in risk management is complemented by a passion for developing soft skills among colleagues, enhancing risk mitigation strategies. Paul is committed to innovation and team development at RiskSTOP, and is widely recognised for his knowledge of emerging issues such as solar panel fires, EV charging and li-ion battery risks.
15:05 – 15:35
Cyber insurance for SMEs: Breaking barriers and building trust
- Addressing the current low penetration of cyber within the SME market.
- What are the risks faced by SMEs and why is standalone cyber insurance important?
- Exploring the challenges brokers encounter when selling cyber insurance to SMEs.
- How can insurers and brokers help overcome these barriers and drive higher adoption.
Chris is the Managing Director for Cyber at Travelers Insurance. Responsible for growing the cyber portfolio and ensuring its place in offering a market leading product supported by first class incident response, and pre loss service proposition. With over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, Chris has worked with some of the largest specialist carriers in the market. Prior to joining Travelers Chris was a Cyber Product Manager covering UKI, Continental Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific providing expertise and gaining insight into Cyber Insurance markets worldwide
10:00 – 10:45
Allianz Personal broker sponsored roundtable: invite-only
Sponsored by:
11:30 – 12:15
Taking advantage of the accessible underwriter
Sponsored by:
Markel sponsored roundtable – invite-only
12:15 – 13:45
Lunch
12:45 – 13:15
Beyond the cloak; from tragedy to triumph, living authentically as a TV celebrity
13:30 – 14:15
Placing non-standard risks with confidence
Sponsored by:
Ardonagh sponsored roundtable: invite only
15:00 – 15:45
Talent and Accessibility – How do brokers strengthen their position as attractive employers?
Sponsored by:
RSA roundtable – invite only
Apply to speak at Broker Expo 2024
Are you a thought leader or senior executive working within the insurance industry? Share your expertise with 1000+ insurance brokers at Broker Expo.
If you are interested in speaking at the event in October 2024, please contact our Portfolio Director, Georgie Mailer-Wilkin at georgie.mailer-wilkin@infopro-digital.com.