Biba supplement 2011

Feel the love at Biba

It’s all off to Manchester for this year’s Biba conference. I’ll be pleased to be back at the G-Mex – much better to have everyone in a regional centre than out at the windswept Docklands. The Insurance Times team will be out in force, with coverage online and in print before, during and after – and a few surprises, too.

Our dedicated BIBAvision website will bring insight and commentary from the key personalities organising, speaking at, and attending the conference in the weeks leading up to it. The theme is “opportunities in adversity”, but conversation is more likely to centre around the market. Amanda Blanc will be making a case for AXA with the brokers, and her opposite numbers will have to step up to the mark. Brokers can expect to feel the love.

Meanwhile, consolidators will be the talk of the town. Somewhere at the conference will be Andy Homer’s successor as chief executive of Towergate: the deal might even be done there. And if Philip Hodson is seen talking to Chris Giles, those mega-merger rumours will raise their heads again.

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Insurance what?

The celebrity speaker is always a treat. I was enthralled by Bob Geldof, and I have always been a big fan of Joanna Lumley, so last year was a highlight. What either of them have to do with the industry, I can’t fathom – but never mind. Sir Alan Sugar does at least have more in common with many brokers than Ms Lumley.

Set out your stall

I look forward to seeing what the exhibiting insurers come up with. It’s always a case of ‘my stall’s bigger than yours’. Last year saw a dedicated bar with specially brewed beer. And who can forget that Lorega cow?

Ellen Bennett, editor-in-chief, Insurance Times

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE BIBA SUPPLEMENT 2011