Brokers uncertain over the future state of play

With this year's British Insurance Brokers' Association conference in London just around the corner, Insurance Age conducted an online poll of readers on what their thoughts were on consolidation, training in the industry and the importance of the internet.

No one can deny that independent general insurance brokers have been through a lot in the past few years, what with continuing Financial Services Authority regulation, consolidation, a soft market and rising commission rates among the larger brokers and consolidators.

Throw into the mix the latest trend of insurers buying up the largest, most successful and entrepreneurial brokers, and it is no surprise that brokers are feeling the pressure in more ways than one.

That being said, the results of