Calling all excellent Aussie brokers

Applications are now open for the best brokers in the Australian market to win an overseas trip

Insurance News

By Maryvonne Gray

High achieving brokers working in the Australian market are being urged to enter for their chance to win the prestigious Valerie Baker Memorial Award.

The award, which recognises excellence in professional practice in the general insurance intermediary sector, is considered to be one of the most important in the industry, attracting sponsorship this year from AIMS Group, Gold Seal and the Steadfast Group with support from Lloyd’s Australia and Lloyd’s of London.

The award is open to all Australian brokers and underwriting agencies. The winner is selected on merit, and there are no limitations such as gender or cluster group membership.

The selection criteria/success indicators are:
  • Ethics and values
  • Business success
  • Client relationships
  • Teamwork
  • Innovation/entrepreneurship
  • Industry contribution
A strong interest in exploring the foundations of the insurance industry and helping to fly the flag for Australian intermediaries in the London market will be highly regarded, the award organisers said.

The judges for the 2017 award are a panel of senior industry professionals including Steadfast’s Jim Rudkin; Chris Mackinnon, Lloyd’s general representative for Australia; Martin McAvenna, representing the AIMS Group; and Sheila Baker, managing director of Gold Seal, who is chair.

The prize includes a first-hand opportunity to see how the London market operates with an expenses-paid trip to the UK capital, a specifically tailored educational experience, thorough insight into the workings of the London market and meetings of members thereof to offer a career enhancing networking opportunity.

Last year’s award winner, Daniel Bullock of Safeguard Insurance Brokers in South Australia, recently returned from his London trip which was something he said he couldn’t speak highly enough about.

“The contacts I have made both here in Australia and in London and their willingness to assist me was an experience in itself,” he commented.

“The high regard in which they hold the Valerie Baker Memorial Award was apparent with everyone I met.

“This carried through to London where I was fortunate enough to meet a range of people from senior Lloyd’s brokers through to the British Insurance Brokers Association CEO and the deputy chairman of Lloyd’s.

“The people I have met and their roles in the industry is eye opening,” he added.

To be eligible, candidates are required to be resident in Australia and be currently employed by or the principal of a general insurance intermediary (insurance brokerage or underwriting agency).

For guidance in the application process, potential candidates are invited to contact Sheila Baker from Gold Seal.

Candidates can nominate themselves or a high achiever they know. Applications close on March 01, 2017.

Visit here for more information.


Related stories:
SA broker wins Valerie Baker Memorial Award 2016
Major award opens nominations
 

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