Biba blog: Something for everyone

I think I was 28 when I reached the dizzy heights of ‘associate director’ at the brokerage in Scotland where I had chosen to pursue my career. It had taken me 11 years to get there and the position was one step below the main board. Titles at that age were very important to me, and it certainly helped with clients. 

Having reached this management position I received some privileges, one of which was to be able to attend Biba’s Scottish Conference. Not the national conference – this remained the preserve of the board. The national conference was considered a much more exclusive affair.

Biba’s national conference has changed a lot since then, though, and we are seeing greater numbers of members than ever before attending. But I’d still like to see a wider participation from within firms at the event. After all, the exhibition and conference is free and open to all Biba member brokers.

Biba benefits

Allowing more members of staff the opportunity to attend and participate in many of the seminar sessions is an obvious benefit (and valuable CPD points are on offer too). More importantly, allowing more of the team to see the breadth and depth of the sector, understand some of the industry’s key issues, and to see the new products and services on offer, are real benefits for the individual and the firm alike.

If you have not been yourself to conference, it’s well worth a visit. If you are a senior person in your firm, then take a look around at who might benefit from a trip in terms of their personal development. They are, after all, the future of your firm. If you are a younger member of the team and want to attend, raise it with your line manager – look at the programme and select the key areas that can benefit you. 

Let’s make Biba 2012 our most inclusive, exclusive event yet”

Eric Galbraith, Biba

I have heard many members say that they have obtained both a wider understanding of our profession and, very importantly, sourced business from attending the event. That in my eyes is an exclusive opportunity not to be missed. So let’s make Biba 2012 our most inclusive, exclusive event yet. You can come for two days, one day, or even just an afternoon if you would prefer. There’s something of interest for everyone. You won’t regret it, I assure you.

Eric Galbraith is chief executive of Biba