Comment - Taking stock

Welcome to the Professional Broking Sentiment Survey round-table supplement, in association with Norwich Union, the result of an hour-long debate that took stock of brokers' opinions, gathered quarterly. The discussion picked up on the central feelings expressed by brokers and how these views have evolved in the 10 months since the surveys began. This also gave rise to further discussion about the market conditions in which brokers are currently trading and the panel also offered their views on what these findings, gathered over time, indicate about the way things may shape up in future.

The diverse panel, which brought perspectives from a network, Lloyd's, The British Insurance Brokers' Association plus commercial and specialist brokers, drilled down to the heart of the matter on a range of key issues. Some interesting conclusions were drawn about the commoditisation of SME business, the type of brokers that are getting good service from their insurers, the cost of regulation and ongoing confusion about handling client money.