PB Week: BIA winners in fine spirit

As usual the great and the good from the industry were there including Oval’s Phillip Hodson who claims he was making his first appearance. Congratulations to Swinton, the winner of Personal Lines Broker of the Year and to Premier Guarantee the winner of Commercial Lines Broker of the Year. Robin Plaster, sales and marketing director at Premier, appeared well on the way after I caught up with him in his box alongside chairman and chief executive Gary Devaney. Both said that all morning meetings could be rearranged to make way for the festivities. Other broker winners and presumably sore heads on Thursday morning were: The Davis Group for the Marketing Initiative of the Year; Kwik-Fit Insurance Services for the Training Award; and RK Harrison Insurance Brokers for Broking Initiative of the Year. To see all the award winners click here.

Insurance Australia Group

Since IAG’s move into the UK market, there appears to have been little but bad news dripping out. Hastings’ outstanding tax bill was the start, and now the group has incurred losses, announced staff cuts and that it is considering selling all or parts of the business. Two out of the group’s five contact centres are closing in Manchester and Leicester with 300 jobs being culled. Despite the turmoil at the company which has seen a deterioration of its share price since rejecting a bid from QBE, Equity Insurance Brokers is continuing ahead with its acquisition strategy taking its branch numbers up to 94. The question is, how long before somebody buys it? Meanwhile, the company is restructuring Equity Red Star, Equity Direct and commercial broker Barnett and Barnett to create what the company calls “a stand-alone specialist underwriting/distribution and wholesale distribution business.” Expect more announcements soon.

Management Event

Although it is a few months away, we would be delighted if you could attend this year’s PB Management Event, formerly the Professional Broking Roadshows. Attendance is free and the event is coming to four venues across the UK in October. Although please note this event is free to broker managers only.

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