The quality of entries to this year’s Insurance Times Awards was as impressive as ever, and we look forward to seeing what the finalists achieve in the year to come
Our Awards are always the highlight of our year at Insurance Times, even in a year of highlights, as 2011 has been: ‘the Beast’ (as it is affectionately known here by the team) consumes everyone, and everything, in its path. And if the Awards are such a big deal for us, we know how big a deal they are for our entrants, finalists and commercial partners.
Entering the Insurance Times Awards requires real commitment from entrants. As we observed the procession of folks waiting to present to our expert judges in the final stages, without exception we all said: ‘Rather them than us!’ This year, once again, record numbers of individuals and companies engaged with the arduous judging process to make it through to last week’s evening ceremony as finalists.
So as we report back on the climax of a year-long journey, all our finalists - not just the winners and highly commendeds - are the cream of the crop in general insurance for 2011, and embody the very best of our industry. These are the standard-bearers of excellence for the next 12 months and we know they will make it count.
Shân M Millie, publishing director, Insurance Times
Welcome to our coverage of the Insurance Times Awards 2011! It’s been an incredible year for the industry, with brokers and insurers thriving as the much of the economy falters. It’s great to see so many vibrant and entrepreneurial businesses bucking the trend.
I was bowled over by the pride and passion that so many people put into their careers in this industry”
Judging the Insurance Times Awards is always one of the highlights of the year - and this time was no different. I was bowled over by the quality of the entries, and the pride and passion that so many people put into their careers in this industry.
Times will continue to be tough well into next year and beyond, but if 2011 is anything to go by, our industry will continue to find opportunities amid adversity. Read on to see who did just that to come out on top and hear their reactions to being crowned the best in their field.
Ellen Bennett, editor-in-chief, Insurance Times
All in a good cause
Together with your help, we raised over £18,000 for Help for Heroes at this year’s Insurance Times Awards.
We would like to thank all of our guests who donated to the charity prize draw for the ‘ultimate party hamper’. The winning table - Aviva’s - was drawn by Direct Line’s Francis Browning.
Our Awards host, Vernon Kay, helped to raise over £3,000 by auctioning bottles of champagne and a special day of golfing. There was also a surprise donation from Moneysupermarket, which paid for general manager, motor, Steve Sweeney to sing Mustang Sally live on stage.
Thank you to everyone who gave so generously to such a worthwhile cause.
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