Awards can bring their own rewards

Martin Friel speaks to Clear's chief executive Howard Lickens who says that peer recognition has had the benefit of helping to keep its acquisition plans intact despite a reduction in its expectations for growth

Recognition from your peers can be one of the most fulfilling moments in a person's professional life. Some really take it to heart - think of Gwyneth Paltrow at the Oscars and Kate Winslet at the Golden Globes - but although most would not humiliate themselves quite so publicly, there is certainly a sense of validation for months, and often years, of hard work.

And despite their reputation as grey, emotionless financial drones among the general public, insurance brokers also have a heart and