Join us at Europe's largest insurance broking event
The BIBA Conference is the must-attend event for all insurance professionals.
The Principal Sponsors of The BIBA Conference 2025


#BIBA2025 is on 14 - 15 May 2025
The countdown is now on for The BIBA Conference 2025! Make sure the dates are in your diary.

Want to exhibit?
The BIBA Conference is an amazing opportunity to network and do business with an unrivalled number of brokers across the industry in two days. Exhibitors also get exclusive access to sponsorship and advertising packages. With stands and packages to suit all, there is something for everyone.
Highlights from The BIBA Conference 2024
Meet the speakers at #BIBA2025

Justin Webb

Harriet Harman KC

Air Vice-Marshal Ranald Munro

Anthony Joshua OBE

Penny Mordaunt

Sir Gareth Southgate

Clive Myrie

Caroline Barr

John Warburton

Clarissa Franks

Alistair Fraser

Rachel Lam

Peter Blanc

Waseem Malik

Sarah Chadburn

Michael Gregory

Richard Napoli

Katie Freemantle

Bruce Hepburn

Yasmin Carter-Esdale

Andrew Gibbons

Laura Hancock

David Sparkes

Ian Hughes

Shân Millie

James Daley

Julie Comer

Matt Brewis

Michael Sicsic

Rob Nicholls

Ana Gomes-Freire

Paolo Cuomo

Joe Tracey

Rhys Thomas

Chris Haggart

Edward Castles
Justin Webb
After serving as BBC North America Editor, Justin Webb joined the team of presenters on Radio 4’s influential Today programme. He now interviews the great and the good and those making the day’s headlines - alongside Mishal Husain, Emma Barnett, Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson. In the US Justin covered all the twists and turns of the 2008 Presidential election which saw a little-known Illinois senator become the country’s first black Commander-in-Chief. Justin continues to observe the American political, social, and economic climate, assessing the often-dramatic events on Capitol Hill, Wall Street and Main Street. As well as becoming a senior member of the White House press pack, he was the first British journalist to be granted a full television interview with President Obama. Prior to his Washington posting Justin reported from Brussels as the BBC’s European Correspondent. He has also covered elections in Australia, a coup in the Maldives, the dying days of the Soviet empire, and Mafia trials in Italy. And as well as various overseas postings, he has anchored Breakfast News and The World Tonight. Justin now spends his mornings grilling British politicians and newsmakers on the agenda-setting Radio 4 programme. He co-hosts the popular Americast podcast and radio show, taking a both serious and irreverent look at events in the US. He’s also an extremely assured conference chair and awards host, and a wonderfully engaging speaker on everything from Brexit to Trump and beyond. After dinner he uncovers the truth about America and Americans (as in his books Have A Nice Day and Notes on Them and Us) – and has great fun demonstrating some of the differences in interviewing styles between ‘Old’ and ‘New World’ journalists. He has also published a memoir of the nineteen seventies entitled The Gift of a Radio, which the Sunday Times called 'fascinating and hugely entertaining.'
Session details:
Harriet Harman KC
Harriet Harman KC was MP for the diverse inner-city constituency of Camberwell and Peckham from 1982 - 2024. Joining a House of Commons which was 97 per cent male, she has been politics’ most prominent champion for women’s rights, in a parliamentary career which spanned more than four decades. She had three children while an MP. Harriet was the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party from 2007-2015 and was the Shadow Deputy Prime Minister in 2010-2015. She has twice served as Interim Leader of the Labour Party in 2010 and 2015. She was the first woman Labour politician to answer Prime Minister’s Questions. In 2017, Harriet became the Mother of the House of Commons, the UK’s longest serving woman MP. Harriet chaired the House of Commons Privileges Committee inquiry which found in 2023 that the former Prime Minister Boris Johnson misled Parliament over “party gate” In 2024 she was appointed to the House of Lords as a life Peer. She is Chair of The Fawcett Society, the UK's leading charity campaigning for women's rights. On behalf of the Bar Council she is leading an independent review of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment in the barristers’ profession.
Session details:
Air Vice-Marshal Ranald Munro
AVM Ranald Munro was appointed CG RAuxAF and Dir Res in 2019. He was awarded his CB and appointed ADC in 2023. As a Reservist he joined the 10th Battalion The Parachute Regiment in 1986 and was commissioned at RMA Sandhurst in 1988. He was appointed Battalion Second in Command in 1996 and attended the TA Command and Staff Course in 1997. Promoted to Lt Col in 1998, he was posted as Chief Instructor to the London District Specialist Training Team (LDSTT). AVM Munro received his Territorial Decoration in 1999. He was awarded the Volunteer Reserves Service Medal in 2009, a Clasp in 2014 and a 2nd in 2019. Following LDSTT he served as SO1 Ops & Trg at London District. He commanded Bristol University Officers' Training Corps between 2002 and 2004. Prior taking up his appointment in 2005 as Colonel TA at the Directorate of Individual Training, AVM Munro served as the Chief Mil Ops in the Multi-National Coalition HQ in Baghdad between May 2005 and October 2005. Between 2008 and 2009, he served as Dep Comd 43 (Wessex) Brigade followed by a posting to the MOD as Colonel (Reserves) in January 2009. On promotion to Brigadier, he was appointed Asst Comd of 4th Division in November 2009, and subsequently Asst Comd Support Command. He is a member of The Royal College of Defence Studies. He was promoted Major General and served as Deputy Commander Land Forces (Reserves) between 2012 and 2015. He was awarded his CBE in 2014. Between 2016 and 2019, he served as Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Reserves and Cadets), a tri-service appointment – Defence’s senior Reserve appointment. He is a Trustee of the Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces Charity, an Elder of the Parachute Regiment, former Hon Col 4 PARA, former Regimental Colonel The London Scottish Regiment, Honorary Colonel of Bristol University Officers Training Corps, Honorary Colonel of SE Sector ACF and Chairman of the Greater London RFCA. He is a Freeman of the City of London, Lieutenant of the City of London, Chairman of Trustees of the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry, Chairman of the Military in Law Network and is a Vice President (past Chairman) of The Caledonian Club in London. He was appointed DL for Greater London in 2019. AVM Munro is the MOD Sikh Champion.
Session details:
Anthony Joshua OBE
Anthony Joshua is a British professional boxer and is a former 2x Heavyweight World Champion. He is one of the best heavyweights of his generation and has amassed a professional boxing record 28 wins and 4 losses with 25KO victories. Born in 1989 to Nigerian parents, he spent the vast majority of his childhood growing up in Watford where he was a skilled athlete, excelling in football and athletics as a schoolboy. He found boxing aged 18 and 4 years later, he was representing Great Britain and was crowned Olympic Champion at the London 2012 Games. He then turned professional a year later and became World Champion in 16 fights before headlining famous sporting venues such as Wembley Stadium, Principality Stadium, Madison Square Garden and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as well as boxing in Saudi Arabia multiple times regularly in World Championship fights. Outside of the ring, Anthony has been one of the most marketable people in the sports sphere and continues to be a household name in the UK. He currently holds an OBE which he was awarded by Queen Elizabeth. He has created a business empire that is involved in athlete management, marketing, merchandise, property, investments, charity amongst other industries respectively. In his spare time, he enjoys chess, watching documentaries and spending time with his family.
Session details:
Penny Mordaunt
Penny Mordaunt was a Parliamentarian for 14 years, holding nine ministerial roles, four in Cabinet. She was the first and only woman to be Secretary of State for Defence, having also been the first and only woman to be Minister for the Armed Forces. As Paymaster General she was the UK’s first cross-government defensive cyber lead and led the rebuild of the UK’s civil contingencies and resilience strategy. She was Secretary of State for International Development, working with UN agencies, international organisations and she was the UK’s representative at the World Bank. As Trade Minister she brokered new trade deals, oversaw the UK’s accession to CPTPP and established economic agreements with US states, in lieu of a federal deal. In doing so she undertook the longest tour of the US of any Minister since Churchill during WWII. She was also on the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee overseeing the UK’s exit from the EU. She has held other roles in local government, work, health, pensions and disability. Prior to Parliament she worked across all sectors and also in US politics as Head of Foreign Press for the RNC during the Bush 2000 campaign. She was a Royal Navy Reservist for 10 years and is now an Honorary Captain affiliated to MCM2 Squadron, the UK’s mine hunters and bomb disposal divers. She is co-author of Greater: Britain after the storm, which made bestseller lists in the UK and the US. She came to the public’s attention in the role of Leader of the Commons and Lord President of the Council, presiding over the Accession Council following the death of Queen Elizabeth II and at the coronation of King Charles III. She was among Gracia and Vogue’s most influential women of the year. She now works in Defence, Development and philanthropy.
Session details:
Sir Gareth Southgate
Gareth Southgate is the former England men's senior team Head Coach, overseeing a period of unprecedented success on the field, and seismic change off it, in the 8 years of his tenure from 2016 to 2024 During his spell as the Three Lions boss, the England team achieved back to back UEFA European Championships finals, as well as reaching the Quarter and Semi Finals of successive FIFA World Cups. In doing so he holds the record for winning more major tournament games than any other England Manager in history. He has also represented England in more games than any Englishman in history, with 102 as Manager (only the 3rd Manager to exceed 100), 57 as a player and 37 as the men’s U21 Head Coach, spanning a total of 196 games. He is a former winning Club Captain with a distinguished playing career spanning over 500 games for Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough, where he was appointment Manager in 2006, the youngest in the history of the Premier League at the time. Southgate’s unparalleled leadership qualities were put to use when he took over England after one of the worst periods in the National teams history after they were eliminated in the round of 16 at Euro 2016 by Iceland to ridicule and derision. Southgate oversaw a complete rebuild of the identity, culture, professionalism, behaviour, teamwork and ethos of the team, generating pride and joy in playing for England with a teamwork, humility and resolve that built trust with the media and connected the team to millions of fans. In doing so he turned the Head Coach role from a poisoned chalice to a source of opportunity and pride, making the often regarded “impossible job” possible. Despite his achievements on the field, however, it was his leadership off the field, during a period of global change and political turmoil, that won him the biggest accolades. He became an articulate spokesperson and figurehead for the country during the Covid 19 pandemic, Brexit, and a global debate on racial and gender inequality. His dignified, intelligent, and authentic response as a spokesperson for players, fans and the country as a whole, was universally applauded. He became a source of National pride and an international ambassador for the country wherever he travelled. Many regarded his position as second only to that of the Prime Minister in terms of profile and influence. His decision to stand down after Euro 24 lead to a wave of gratitude from fans, the media, global stakeholders and players as well as world famous figures from politics, business, academia, religion and entertainment. Gareth is a world class public speaker on leadership and service, building culture and resilience, team ship, change management and many other facets of high performance. He has countless lessons on optimising decision making, building belief, managing pressure, developing talent and staying true to your purpose. Away from football, Gareth is an international ambassador for the Kings Trust, military charity Help4 Heroes, and his local children’s hospice Martins House, raising many £millions for these and many others. His role with England and cultural importance to the country inspired the award- winning and sell out West End play “Dear England”, the title of which was taken from an open letter he wrote to England fans during the Covid-19 pandemic. By critical acclaim and popular demand it is returning to the West End in 2025, and has been adapted by the BBC into a screen play which will also be aired in 2025. He is a best selling author of his first children’s book “Anything is Possible” (all proceeds of which he donated to charity) and his new book “Dear England: Lessons on Leadership” will be published on 6 November 2025, with a documentary charting his journey scheduled for 2026. Gareth has won BBC Sports Personality Coach of the Year twice and has been awarded an OBE for his services to football, as well as receiving the ultimate accolade in the 2024 New Years Hour List where he was knighted for his unifying service to his country.
Session details:
Clive Myrie
One of the BBC’s most experienced foreign correspondents, Clive Myrie anchors the BBC News Channel and presents bulletins on BBC One. He has made features and programmes for Panorama, Newsnight and Radio 4, and is the host of the long running quiz show Mastermind. Clive is a fan of the Arts & music, and regularly hosts The BBC Proms. He has also made documentaries on jazz for Radio 2 and Jazz FM. He presented the main BBC One bulletins live from Kyiv during the war in Ukraine. Clive also presented the documentary, The Crown Jewels for BBC1, which was screened as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. His travel series Clive Myrie’s Italian Roadtrip, was a hit on BBC2, and one of the most popular shows on the BBC. First posted to Japan after becoming BBC’s foreign correspondent, Clive then held posts as Washington correspondent, covering the administrations of three US presidents, six US presidential elections and the impeachment of Bill Clinton. He has also served as the BBC’s Africa, Asia and Europe Correspondent and was part of the BBC’s presenting team covering the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the former Yugoslavia. Having covered everything from Theresa May’s resignation to ETA’s ceasefire declaration and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Clive has won the prestigious Peabody Award, the broadcast equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize. Clive has reported from more than eighty countries over the last twenty years. He has presented a number of BBC documentaries, including a special on the life of Barack Obama and the acclaimed Mexico's Streets of Blood. He has appeared on Have I Got News For You, Richard Osman’s House of Games and even had a fleeting appearance in the Alan Partridge film, Alpha Papa. In his book Everything is Everything: A Memoir of Love, Hate & Hope, Clive reflects on how being black has affected his perspective on issues he's encountered in thirty years of reporting, and shows how those experiences gave him a better idea of what it means to be an outsider.
Session details:
View conference agendaCaroline Barr
Caroline is an independent Non Executive Director of both BlackRock Life and BIBA. She currently represents BIBA members on the Government’s Financial Inclusion Access to Insurance sub-committee and has led BIBA’s Access committee since 2020. Formerly, Caroline was a member of the FCA Financial Services Consumer Panel, advising the FCA on consumer issues in retail financial services, specialising in insurance, credit, and SMEs and consumers of financial services. She was a senior policy advisor at HM Treasury before leading the DTI spending team.
Session details:
John Warburton
John Warburton is the co-founder and CEO of chartered insurance broker Konsileo. Launched in 2017, Konsileo now employs over 150 people across the UK and specialises in mid-market and corporate risk and insurance advice. John has over 25 years’ international insurance and consulting experience, holding senior roles at Aviva, Accenture and Allianz where he was responsible for global marketing strategy and digital initiatives. He is the co-chair of Insurtech UK and joined BIBA's large broker advisory board in 2024.
Session details:
Clarissa Franks
Clarissa is the Head of Retail and Partner for Lockton UK. Clarissa is a member of the Lockton Europe Executive Committee where she also has responsibility for Lockton Ireland and Lockton’s Risk Practices team. Lockton’s Retail team leads on bespoke service, risk management and placement solutions for commercial insurance buyers. Clarissa previously held a variety of senior leadership roles in Marsh, her most recent role was as Retail Placement Leader and member of Marsh UK Operating Committee. Clarissa was named as a 2022 Business Insurance EMEA Women to Watch honoree.
Session details:
Alistair Fraser
Alistair is the International Leader for Marsh’s Commercial & Corporate business where he is responsible driving strategy, execution, and overall growth for these segments across the International Division of Marsh. He is a member of the International Executive Committee. He started his career in 1995 in London and has 30 years experience in the industry. Alistair joined Marsh 17 years ago and has held various roles in the UK, including his last role as CEO of the UK Corporate & Commercial business. In addition he has held roles for Marsh in Asia, Head of Sales for Asia and also CEO for Marsh and Chief Country Officer for Marsh McLennan in Indonesia. Alistair holds a BA(Hons) in Financial Services from West of England University, Bristol, and is CII qualified.
Session details:
Rachel Lam
Rachel was appointed Ombudsman Director for Insurance in January 2023. She leads a directorate responsible for all insurance, investment and pensions complaints at the Financial Ombudsman Service, working with Ombudsman Leaders to form the Financial Ombudsman’s approach on these complaints. Rachel has been at the Financial Ombudsman Service for 12 years, working across insurance for the past seven, and more recently across pensions, investments and mortgages, and before then leading transformation at the service. Previously Rachel worked in government and across a range of policy roles at the Home Office, Department of Education and Department for Work and Pensions.
Session details:
Peter Blanc
Peter Blanc ACII is Head of M&A, Howden Group Holdings. Peter is passionate about helping Howden Group become the leading independent global (re)insurance broker, employee benefits advisor and MGA. Peter has made over 100 acquisitions of insurance broking and MGA businesses and has led three private equity exits totalling over £1.5 billion. Peter also served as non-exec chairman of Hastings Insurance Services Ltd, was chairman of the Large Brokers’ Advisory Board at the British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA) and served as president of the Chartered Insurance Institute in 2022.
Session details:
Waseem Malik
Waseem is currently the Chief Claims Officer for Aviva’s UK General Insurance business and was appointed to this role in March 2022. Waseem is a qualified Chartered Accountant and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales. He is also an Independent Director for Kings College London, a NED for the Motor Insurers Bureau where he also chairs the Audit & Risk Committee and is also a Board Trustee of Barnardo's. He has previously held NED roles at Thatcham Research and the Insurance Fraud Bureau. Prior to this, Waseem was at AXA Insurance for 16 years most recently serving as the Executive Managing Director, Claims and was appointed to this role in April 2018. He was previously the Chief Financial Officer of AXA Insurance and before that held a number of Finance Director roles in the business. He was also previously the Head of Mergers & Acquisitions for AXA UK. Waseem started his career at PwC where he spent 9 years and specialised in Financial Services Transactions.
Session details:
Sarah Chadburn
Executive Director for One Call Insurance Services Limited and the One Call Group, with over 25 (closer to 30) years’ insurance experience, she brings a wealth of expertise to her roles in broking, insurer and claims. Sarah is a well-respected, vital member of the One Call Group with a proven history of increasing productivity and embracing demanding situations. Sarah has a keen eye and passion for customer experience, policyholder protection and industry best practice. Other roles include BIBA Yorkshire & Northern Regional committee Chair.
Session details:
Michael Gregory
Michael is RSA’s Director of Underwriting Strategy for UK & International. He has been with RSA for 6 years, with his team owning underwriting appetite, portfolio advisory, emerging risk analysis, climate underwriting, and strategic opportunity identification. Michael has over a decade’s experience in leading technical, portfolio and strategy teams across Asia-Pacific and European insurance markets, as well as across a wide range of insurance disciplines – SME, Commercial, Corporate and Specialty. Professionally, he’s been recognised with industry scholarships for his thought-leading contribution to the industry and is a 2023 Association of British Insurers Future Leader.
Session details:
Richard Napoli
Richard is the Claims & Legal Services Director at Markel UK, a qualified solicitor with 15 years in the insurance industry. Richard is responsible for the people, policy and processes across Markel UK’s claims function and Markel’s ABS law firm, Markel Law. Richard is the Chair of the Claims Community Board at the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), the leading professional body for the insurance and financial planning sector.
Session details:
Katie Freemantle
Katie Freemantle is Managing Director of FSB Insurance Service, a commercial insurance advisory business which she was instrumental in setting up from scratch in 2017. FSBIS is part owned by the Federation of Small Businesses and focuses purely on the commercial insurance needs of SMEs. With approaching 20 years’ experience, she has previously been a BIBA Young Broker of the Year finalist and currently sits on BIBA’s SME Broker Advisory Board. She is also an active member of the Bravo Networks senior member forum. She is a strong advocate for the availability of good quality advice for smaller firms.
Session details:
Bruce Hepburn
Bruce is the Chief Executive and founder of Mactavish, the UK’s leading independent outsourced buyer of insurance and claims management expert. The business publishes widely acclaimed research into the commercial and corporate insurance landscapes and works for policyholders to deliver improved insurance solutions through brokers. Mactavish was closely involved with the project to reform commercial insurance law in the UK and is unique in its focus on establishing placement and legal standards across the insurance industry which will work for all parties. Leading the business through every phase of its development, stretching over two decades, Bruce is involved in all aspects of Mactavish’s work.
Session details:
Yasmin Carter-Esdale
Yasmin has worked in the insurance industry for the past 14 years, having held previous positions at specialist insurer Hiscox and global broker Gallagher. In 2022, she secured funding from LinkedIn to launch ELEV822, the first insurance-specific LinkedIn development programme. The initiative helps professionals leverage the platform to enhance their personal brand and strengthen trading relationships with brokers, underwriters, and other stakeholders. Yasmin is currently the Deputy Chair of the CII Underwriting Community supporting over 9,000 underwriters globally. She also volunteers as Partnerships Lead at iCAN (Insurance Cultural Awareness Network), an organization with over 10,000 members that runs key initiatives to drive change within the insurance profession.
Session details:
Andrew Gibbons
Andrew is the MD of Mason Owen Financial Services Ltd (MOFS), a commercial insurance broker in Liverpool. He is an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute and a Chartered Insurance Broker, leading a management buyout in 2022. He joined Provincial Insurance in 1987, which became AXA Insurance, and later joined MOFS. Andrew chaired the BIBA Smaller Brokers Advisory Board (SBAB) from 2015 to 2020 and served on the main BIBA board. He has been the Chair of the Industry Claims Working Group for the past 13 years.
Session details:
Laura Hancock
Laura has been in the profession for over 25 years. Having worked for a large insurer and a large national broker, she now runs independent, Chartered insurance broker, Yutree, in Suffolk with her co-directors and team. Laura has held the role of Chair of the Anglia Region of BIBA, Chair of the Regional Chairs Advisory Board for BIBA as well as Deputy Chair on the BIBA main board. Laura now chairs the CII’s Broking Community and BIBA’s Insurance Technology and Innovation Committee and is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in insurance, raising standards in broking and attracting and retaining talent in the profession.
Session details:
David Sparkes
David joined BIBA’s main Board in August 2023 after being appointed Regulation Director. He has more than 40 years of experience in the insurance industry and since 2002 has focused on insurance broking compliance. During that time David led a group's firms through FSA authorisation, as well as providing technical compliance advice to over 150 firms, from the international to the very small, on UK regulations. Joining BIBA in 2013, he brought a 'regulatory mindset' to his role, having spent a number of years at the Financial Services Authority.
Session details:
Ian Hughes
Ian believes that the key to building a sustainably profitable business is simple; see the world through the eyes of your customers. He founded Consumer Intelligence in 2003 and has dedicated the company to building confidence in Financial Services, delivering insights that benefit both consumers and businesses. An early Internet pioneer and Harvard Business School graduate, Ian speaks at conferences worldwide and writes prolifically to spread the message that customer satisfaction is the key to the future.
Session details:
Shân Millie
As an independent voice of authority on AI in Financial Services, Shân has spent her professional life (which means MOST of her actual life!) doing, studying, analysing, supporting and advising on corporate innovation in Insurance and FS. Since 2018, her focus has been on the potential of AI technologies for Insurance, how it is being done in practice (including AI Governance), and intersections with regulation, including Consumer Duty. Shân says: "I know how important Young Brokers and Insurers to making those industry futures we can be proud of — as individual professionals, thriving businesses and as the trusted experts for our customers. I'm honoured to be joining YBD 2025 and talking AI."
Session details:
James Daley
James Daley has been a consumer campaigner and financial journalist for over 25 years. Before launching Fairer Finance in 2014, he worked for the consumer group, Which?, following a decade working as a newspaper journalist. James is frequently interviewed on national television and radio, and has regularly appeared on shows such as Watchdog, Rip-off Britain, Dispatches and Moneybox. James is a member of both the UK Finance and Association of British Insurers' Consumer Advisory Groups. He is also a member of the Chartered Insurance Institute's professional standards committee.
Session details:
Julie Comer
Julie joined BIBA as the Head of Compliance in March 2024 and is passionate about helping members with all regulatory related enquiries. She is responsible for hosting the Regional Compliance Forums and discussing relevant topics with the FCA and other regulatory bodies. Her mantra is to help and support members by deciphering rules and regulations, making them easier to understand. Having previously worked in the general insurance and financial services sector for 35 years, much of her career and experience has been in the world of compliance and regulation, spending the last 20 years looking after risk and compliance for a large intermediary in Somerset which involved developing and implementing policies and procedures, FCA authorisations and providing technical advice and guidance to the different branches within the group.
Session details:
Matt Brewis
Matt was appointed Director of Insurance in January 2020 following three and a half years as the CEO’s Chief of Staff. In his role, Matt has been responsible for the FCA’s Supreme Court case to clarify Business Interruption policy wordings during the pandemic; the implementation of the reform of pricing in home and motor insurance; and the FCA’s report into multi-occupancy building insurance. Prior to that, Matt worked at the Bank of England for 15 years.
Session details:
Michael Sicsic
Michael is a senior executive in the field of risk and regulation in financial services, with a strong focus on insurance. He has a deep understanding of business models in the insurance sector and its related risks. He founded Sicsic Advisory, a strategic regulatory and risk consultancy in 2019. Sicsic Advisory is now an established consultancy with 25+ senior consultants operating across the UK, Ireland and Gibraltar. Michael is the former head of supervision of the retail GI sector at the FCA. Formerly, he worked at Aviva as Global Operational Risk Director covering Life Insurance, Asset Management, Non-Life insurance and at GE Capital in senior risk and finance positions.
Session details:
Rob Nicholls
Rob Nicholls is the Regional Development Director for Ardonagh Advisory – Towergate & Ethos Broking. Rob has 13 years’ experience in Commercial Insurance, developing a deep understanding of client cover, pioneering industry “firsts” and prioritises exceptional customer service to ensure client satisfaction. Rob is the BIBA Deputy Chair & Young Broker Ambassador for East Midlands Region, Nottingham Insurance Institute (NII) Young & Emerging Professionals council member, The Oliver Rose BIBA Young Broker of the Year Award Finalist in 2024 and in 2023 IBUK named Rob as one of the Top 25 Brokers in the UK.
Session details:
Ana Gomes-Freire
Ana recently transitioned into the world of financial lines underwriting, after 7 years as a professional risks broker. As a professional risks underwriter with the award-winning insurer Markel, Ana works to be the bridge between the broker and well rounded effective coverage for their clients. Committed to creating an industry that reflects the diversity of our communities. Ana volunteered with both the East Midlands BIBA and the Leicester CII committees, as a Deputy chair and DEI officer. In 2024 having completed her ACII qualification and became a finalist for the BIBA Young Broker of the year award. In recent years Ana has become more passionate about showcasing her tips, ideas and daily experiences of the industry in the hope of attracting new talent. Utilising channels such as LinkedIn and TikTok under the #thisinsurancegirl handle. As well as being a co-lead of the iCAN (Insurance Cultural Awareness Network) Birmingham Hub
Session details:
Paolo Cuomo
Paolo is an executive director at Gallagher Re where he heads up the Global Strategic Partnerships initiative. He joined in 2022, building on a dozen years’ experience in the London insurance market, working for Brit, Beazley, Charles Taylor and Boston Consulting Group. Paolo is a strong believer in the importance of technology for enhancing the insurance process in underwriting, claims and back-office functions. Over the past decade Paolo has launched new Lloyd’s syndicates, supported the creation of the Lloyd’s Lab, and pushed the development of the “bionic underwriter” which blends human experience and judgement with data analytics and technology-enable insight. He believes the speed and scale of AI impact in insurance and beyond will be faster than most executive are expecting. Paolo sits on the IIL’s Cyber and Tech committee, and is a Liveryman and Court Assistant of the Worshipful Company of Insurers (WCI). He sits on the WCI’s iWIN committee (Insurance Women’s Inclusivity Network) and chairs the iSUSTAIN committee, focused on insurance’s role in a just and rapid transition to a more sustainable world. Paolo spent the first decade of his career in McKinsey’s Global Business Technology Office. He holds an MEng from Imperial College London, and an MBA from Kellogg School of Management, and is a Fellow of the Institute of Engineering and Technology.
Session details:
Joe Tracey
Joe Tracey is a growth and development specialist with over a decade of experience working with market-leading organisations. As the Lead for Cyber Development across the UK & EU at CFC, he spearheads key initiatives to expand market share and position CFC at the forefront of cyber insurance. Leveraging his strong background in commercial insurance, Joe works closely with organisations at every level, from C suite executives to frontline teams, helping to shape and optimise cyber sales and placement strategies. Throughout his career, Joe has designed and created innovative risk programmes for both SME and corporate enterprises, demonstrating a deep understanding of market expansion and sales strategy. Passionate about thought leadership, training and strategic growth, Joe is committed to advancing the cyber insurance landscape across the UK & EU.
Session details:
Rhys Thomas
Rhys Thomas is the CEO of Thomas Carroll Group, a trusted risk management partner dedicated to providing comprehensive protection for businesses and individuals. From commercial and personal insurance to employment law, health and safety, employee benefits and wealth management, it ensures client risks are managed and minimised. As an employee-owned company, Thomas Carroll takes a personal approach, ensuring every client receives tailored support and expert guidance. The company’s ethos is built on trust, investment in clients’ success and dedication to safeguarding their futures. It has offices in Caerphilly, Swansea, Pembrokeshire, Newport, Hereford, and London.
Session details:
Chris Haggart
Chris became CEO of Hedron Network in January 2023 and has ultimate responsibility for the design and delivery of the network’s strategy. Prior to joining Hedron, he was Commercial Director at GRP Group (now Brown and Brown), a role in which he helped to build the UK Retail Broking business. He joined GRP in 2018 from Zurich Insurance. He is a member of the Chartered Insurance Institute, holding ACII Chartered Insurer status.
Session details:
Edward Castles
Edward joined WTW in 1981. Initially he worked in the UK division and was responsible for all aspects of client servicing on a number of National and Global clients. He then undertook extended secondments in Mexico & the USA, occupying senior management positions. Currently leads WTW’s Retail Insurance Broking Business in the UK – the area responsible for servicing many of the UK’s largest and most complex companies, he is a Director of Willis Limited and is WTW’s representative for BIBA and a director on their board.
Session details:
“What a conference indeed, one of the best that I’ve been to so far. It’s certainly the most worthwhile event when it comes to insurance”
“My biggest takeaway this year was that for whatever personal challenge I had, whatever business opportunity we wanted to move forward, whatever inspiration I needed and whatever question I had, there was someone there to talk to”
“The BIBA Conference is a collection of all markets and professionals under one roof. That is something that you cannot put a price on for convenience and opportunity”
“For me it’s the marketplace created by the event. We get to see people over the course of two and a bit days that we’d not see over a year in the ordinary course of trading.”
“It is of a high standard and the best conference we attend for access to decision makers”
“You can’t beat face-to-face time for building great relationships. What I love about The BIBA Conference is the matchmaking opportunities it provides and the chance to get people in front of people”
Join the conversation
Follow us on Linkedin

Sponsored by:

Aviva
At Aviva we help our 19.6 million customers make the most out of life, plan for the future and have the confidence that if things go wrong, we’ll be there to put it right. We’ve been taking care of people for more than 325 years, in 2023, we paid £25.6 billion in claims and benefits to our customers. Powered by our broker partnerships, we’re committed to helping you and your clients meet the demands of the ever-changing insurance landscape. It’s always been our goal to stand alongside you, whatever the challenges. We’re here for you, and with our sharpened focus on service excellence, an expanded appetite, a bolstered team of talent, and continuous investments in our infrastructure, we’ve never been better positioned to help you move forward, wherever you want to go. We’re proud to continue our support of the BIBA Conference for 2025 as Principal Sponsor, and look forward to seeing you in May to share how we can go even further for you and your clients this year. It takes a partnership. It takes Aviva.
Stand C20

RSA
RSA’s heritage as one of the world’s longest-serving general insurance companies offers stability, knowledge and experience for our diverse customers and broker partners. Since becoming part of Intact Financial Corporation, we have built upon these solid foundations and focused upon the future, where outperformance will be achieved through our core values of integrity, respect, excellence and generosity and ensuring we remain customer-driven in everything we do. Our customers are our biggest advocates, therefore a core pillar of our Commercial strategy is to improve experience with optimised service levels, claims provision and product quality.
Stand E10

Ardonagh Advisory

AXA
AXA Insurance offers personal and commercial insurance, while AXA XL focuses on P&C and specialty
risks. AXA Health is AXA’s UK health and wellbeing specialist and AXA Partners is a B2B specialist,
providing solutions in assistance services.
Together, we cover individuals and businesses operating in diverse sectors, and distribute our
products through brokers, aggregators, corporate and retail partners and direct to the customer. We
work hard to become a genuine partner to our customers, summed up in our tagline ‘Know You
Can’.
We wish everyone a successful conference and look forward to working with you.

Carpenters Group
Established in 1994, Carpenters Group is the UK’s leading provider of insurance and legal services.
Our family heritage and long-standing relationships are a testament to the quality of our service, maintaining an agile small firm mindset while handling a high volume of claims.
With over 30 years of experience, our growing team of around 1,500 colleagues, partner with insurers, brokers and MGA’s to deliver comprehensive claims solutions. At Carpenters Group, we focus on the customer and ensuring their claims journey consistently exceeds expectations.
We operate across the UK from seven locations: Liverpool, Birkenhead, Leeds, Haywards Heath,
Manchester and Glasgow.
Stand F48

CFC
CFC is a specialist insurance provider, pioneer in emerging risk and market leader in cyber. Our global insurance platform uses cutting-edge technology and data science to deliver smarter, faster underwriting and protect customers from today’s most critical business risks. Headquartered in London with offices across Europe, USA and Australia, CFC has over 1000 employees and is trusted by more than 150,000 businesses in 90 countries. You can learn more at cfc.com and LinkedIn or visit the CFC team at BIBA! We’ll be on stand B18 and the Cyber Hub throughout the entire conference!
Stand B18

Close Brothers
With over 45 years of experience, we’re a leading provider of premium finance in the UK, dedicated to putting our brokers and their customers first. Working in partnership with brokers, we offer practical support, unique data, and insights, to unlock opportunities for you and your customers. Our wide range of products help all types of customers pay for their insurance, by spreading the cost over regular fixed monthly payments. Come and speak to us about how we can help you to reach your premium finance potential.
Stand D30

Cowbell
Cowbell is a cyber insurance provider for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-market businesses with up to £1 billion in turnover.
We harness the power of technology, data, and AI to provide businesses with advanced warnings of cyber risks. Our AI-powered platform assesses cyber risks in real-time, enabling our broker partners to customise quotes and deliver clear, easy-to-understand policies for their clients.
Policyholders benefit from hands-on support before, during, and after a cyber event. This includes cyber risk consultations with our Cybersecurity Resources team, real-time security recommendations, personalised risk assessments, micro penetration testing, free cybersecurity awareness training for all employees throughout the first policy year, and dedicated in-house claims support.
Stand F32

DUAL
DUAL is a different kind of underwriting agency. We believe people and relationships are what matters most. Building strong relationships with our brokers is at the heart of our people-first approach. This drives collaboration with the ultimate goal of delivering solutions that help meet the needs of our brokers, their clients and our strategic partners. In fact, for more than 25 years, DUAL has built a reputation as trusted industry experts with specialist underwriting knowledge and experience across a broad range of business lines. We provide products and services that work for you, delivered by some of the best underwriters in the market.
Stand B11

Ecclesiastical
Our specialist approach and charitable purpose is what makes us unique.
We’re a forward-thinking organisation which has built a best-in-class reputation of being one of the most trusted specialist insurers for our ability to cover complex risks.
With significant capacity in insurance solutions, backed by an award-winning claims and risk management expertise, we’ve grown and entered new markets. And with your support, we aim to double in size to give back more.
Proudly part of the Benefact Group, we give all available profits to charity, and plan to donate £250m by the end of 2025 through our ‘Movement for Good’.
Visit us on stand C40 to learn more and nominate your favourite charity for a chance to win a
donation!
Art & Private Client |Charity | Care | Education | Faith | Heritage | Leisure | Office Professions |
Real Estate | Schemes
Stand C40

Gallagher
Gallagher is a leading global insurance, risk management and consulting services company which supports clients in more than 130 countries around the world through a network of correspondent brokers and consultants. In the UK Gallagher has more than 7,000 employees specialising in risk management, and insurance solutions, for corporate, commercial and personal customers. Through a regional network of branches based in communities across the UK, and its specialty London market operations, Gallagher offers tailored insurance programmes and coverage for both UK and international clients. It is also one of the UK’s leading employee benefit and reward, employee communication and financial planning consultancies and is dedicated to providing local service and support to businesses, backed up by national industry specialism and global reach.
Stand B10

LexisNexis® Risk Solutions
LexisNexis Risk Solutions is a leading provider of data and advanced analytics solutions, helping leading insurance companies automate and improve critical business processes, reduce expenses, combat fraud and gain pivotal insights to differentiate and deliver higher levels of customer experience across multiple lines of business.
Stand D40

Markel
Markel is a leading specialist insurer, serving regional brokers and UK SMEs. We are proud to empower, support and protect over one million UK customers with specialist insurance, tax and legal solutions. We’re specialists and have provided sector-specific solutions for over 30 years. In that time, we've established a strong reputation for technical excellence, product innovation and service excellence to the broking community. Whether it’s access to 24/7 legal advice, tax and R&D support or a debt recovery service, we understand the day-to-day challenges facing our customers. We put people first because we believe in the power of relationships and doing what’s right.
Stand B2

Mission Underwriters
With 28 MGAs across the US, UK, and Europe, we offer unparalleled access to targeted lines of business backed by guaranteed A- rated, 5-year capacity. By investing in elite underwriters and transforming their expertise into thriving, independent MGAs, Mission creates unique opportunities for brokers to grow their business. Our approach combines startup agility with established backing, giving you direct access to specialised insurance solutions your clients need. Our streamlined platform ensures quick response times and efficient placement. Partner with Mission's MGAs and experience excellence without compromise – where exceptional underwriting meets unmatched service delivery. Mission MGAs think differently. Meet with us and build partnerships that drive growth.
Stand D28

Munich Re Specialty
Munich Re Specialty - Global Markets combines specialty expertise, capabilities, and products to offer partners and customers access to a wide range of specialty insurance solutions and services. When partnering and working with Munich Re Specialty - Global Markets you gain a dedicated partner committed to understanding your needs and delivering a tailored solution. You also benefit from claims, underwriting, and risk management services powered by a network of trusted advisors across the globe. Thanks to Munich Re’s renowned stability, robust financial backing, and dedication to the industry, we provide a wide-range of solutions and services worldwide to cater to diverse client needs.

Pearson Ham Group
Pearson Ham Group is a specialist pricing consultancy helping clients improve performance through better pricing decisions. Our team brings real industry experience with consulting expertise to deliver successful outcomes for clients. In the competitive UK insurance sector, agility is paramount,
and our insurance price tracker provides daily, actionable data on market and competitor pricing and its impact on your performance. By running daily quotes on the major UK price comparison
websites, we enable clients to track market movements and respond quickly to changes. Core
premium is just one element influencing customer choice, and we can provide insights on related
elements of the proposition such as compulsory excess, ancillary pricing, and premium finance
architecture. Our benchmarking reports deliver detailed analyses of competitor strategies in these
areas, equipping you with the insights needed to optimise your approach. Partner with Pearson Ham
Group to stay ahead in a dynamic market and achieve a competitive advantage through more
informed decisions. 80% of top UK insurers rely on our insights, can you afford not to?
Stand G55

Verisk
Verisk is a strategic data analytics and technology partner to the global insurance industry. We help (re)insurers, brokers, and MGAs make more informed decisions across underwriting, policy admin, and claims. Our underwriting solutions help you make faster and more accurate decisions for home, commercial, motor, health, and travel insurance through real-time data enrichment, property attributes, perils models, vehicle information, and medical risk assessment tools. Built for automation and e-commerce, our Ignite policy admin solution offers a complete back and front office system for insurance businesses: prospect capture, new business, MTAs, cancellations, renewals, ratings, document production, payments, buying online, and integrated accounts. Our fraud detection and claims solutions enhance efficiency, minimise expenses, and expedite claims processing for property, motor, and personal injury claims.
Stand D48
Stay Connected
Sign up to our newsletter and get all the latest news, event details and offers from the BIBA Conference.