Brokers on Biba Conference’s best bits

Insurance Times asked: ’What was your highlight from the 2023 conference and what are you most looking forward to this year?’

Toby Clegg, chief executive, Clegg Gifford and Co

The highlight of last year’s conference was the launch of our new Lloyd’s capacity-backed system that pushed SME products to our broker network across the UK.

The opportunity to showcase it live to brokers was a unique opportunity that only the Biba Conference can provide. 

You’ll never find a greater collective set of insurance eyeballs for your products all in once place. 

As for this year’s show, I love the fact that there’s no hiding at Biba’s conference. In a world dominated by Microsoft Teams calls, it’s thrilling to be able to meet and greet so many insurers and brokers in one place. 

My favourite part is both delivering and listening to elevator pitches. 

David Mitchell, managing director, Prime Cover

Last year was certainly when it felt like things ’got back to normal’ at the Biba Conference after the Covid-19 pandemic and the upheaval it caused.

This year, I am most looking forward to catching up with fellow young businesses, to celebrate in their successes and share in the tribulations we have had to navigate while attempting to get our foot in the door versus the established players.

It’s always a great networking event that I am expecting will define Prime Cover’s next 12 months.

To have a great time during the conference, make sure to find some downtime to take in a few of the numerous events around the city once the exhibition doors close.

Kelly Ogley, chief executive, Howden Consumer and Local Commercial

I do love Biba Conferences. They provide a unique platform for everyone in the insurance supply chain to converge, allowing new players to demonstrate their value.

What I particularly enjoy is the chance to reconnect with old friends and forge new connections. While some faces are familiar from regular meetings in the City, the Biba atmosphere infuses a sense of novelty, making catch-ups more vibrant and efficient.

There are also those I now only see at Biba and it’s always lovely to say hello.

I’m sure this year’s will be as engaging as the last and I look forward to finding new and interesting opportunities.

One notable change for me this time around is bidding farewell to high heels – my poor feet have endured enough Biba conferences in stilettos.

John Batty, director of technical services, Bridge Insurance

I don’t dwell too much on the past but, as a Biba main board member, Steve White’s decision to retire was a particular highlight in what was a fitting and poignant moment in our trade body’s history.

This year, I am looking forward to seeing Graeme Trudgill put his own spin on what will be his first conference as Biba chief executive.

I am privileged to see the hard work Graeme is putting in as chief executive for members and this is an ideal platform for everyone else to now see him in action.

For what is the largest insurance conference in Europe there will be many highlights but, as always, discussing the current landscape with so many of our insurer partners in one place and celebrating our mutual achievements is always my number one goal.