Biba/IIB merger gets under way

The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba) has confirmed that it will join together with the Institute of Insurance Brokers (IIB).

From today, BIBA and the IIB will merge with a number of the IIB board directors joining Biba’s board. IIB chief executive Barbara Bradshaw will also join Biba’s board and become a member of the Biba executive, reporting to BIBA chief executive Eric Galbraith.

The two brands will remain while the two organisations are brought together and IIB members will be integrated into Biba’s membership.

Q&A: BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE BIBA/IIB MERGER.

In her new role at the combined association, Bradshaw will have specific responsibility for integrating the IIB’s membership and developing a new and important group focused on the issues that affect smaller firms. This will cover all Biba regions and, working with the resource of the combined organisations, help merge and increase the services offered to members.

“We have always strongly believed that one voice within the broking sector is needed and I believe that it is for the benefit of the sector that both organisations come together,” Galbraith said in a statement. “One association, and one voice, will add strength to our lobbying campaigns on the big issues affecting our members.”

He added: “Next year is a very important year for brokers and Biba will, of course, continue to focus on representing members on the forthcoming regulation changes and the review of the FSCS.”

Bradshaw commented: “Looking at the merger wearing a cost benefits analysis hat, taking out duplication of operations and capitalising on each other’s strengths has a clear advantage for all.”

Insurance Times spoke to Galbraith and Bradshaw immediately after the merger announcement was made at this year’s Biba conference. Click here to watch the video.