Young Broker Day
Young Broker Day 2024 is sponsored by
What is Young Broker Day?
The day is designed to provide another avenue of guidance and support to brokers in the early stages of their career. With career stories from insurance legends to celebrity speakers and sessions on personal development, previous Young Broker Days have been invaluable. There is the opportunity to tour around the expansive Exhibition Hall and network with professionals across the industry. You can also add it to your CPD hours!
Check back in early 2025 to see the Young Broker Day agenda for the next BIBA Conference!
Our 2024 hosts
We are delighted to have had 3 wonderful young brokers hosting YBD this year. They have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the industry.
Rob Nicholls
Tia Howard
Kal AbuQuora
16 MAY
Thursday
09:00
Registration
09:15
Welcome to Young Broker Day 2024
09:30
Career Stories
This year we're thrilled to present a distinguished panel of industry experts, who will offer invaluable insights into their remarkable careers. Featuring Jaime Swindle, CEO at GEO Underwriting, Michael Yabantu, Managing Director Mid-Market at Aviva, and Enam Islam, Founder at Jenzah Consulting. Each will delve into their career history to provide attendees with invaluable tips and tricks to elevate their professional journey.
By the end of the session, attendees will be able to:
- Identify and understand key factors that contribute to successful career development in the industry.
- Apply key skills and strategies learned from the panel discussion to their own professional journey.
Jaime Swindle
Jaime Swindle
Having started her insurance journey as an apprentice at a small independent insurance broker in the mid-90s, before the days of work emails and online trading, Jaime’s career has seen her navigate a range of diverse roles in an industry steeped in tradition. Throughout her varied experience, Jaime has used her insight to bring about pioneering developments to ensure the industry continues to innovate to meet the needs of an ever-evolving market. With a clear strategic vision, centred in a firm understanding of the day-to-day challenges faced by brokers, Jaime has successfully delivered complex business transformation programmes, the development of digital systems and product portfolios, envied by competitors and which have made a lasting impact across the market. At NIG (formerly part of Direct Line Group), Jaime developed and launched their digital electronic trading platform, The Hub, acknowledged as an industry leading platform. Aligning the needs of customers and broker to an expert led service proposition resulted in top rankings in industry surveys and award nominations. As the first female MD at Bravo Networks in its 30-year history, her role was to lead and inspire a team of over 150 innovative problem-solvers whose passion is to create innovative value propositions for Network Members, Insurance Partners and ultimately their end customers. Bringing humility and compassion to the business and guiding it and over 700 independent broker members through the Covid pandemic. Named one of Cranfield University’s Women to Watch in 2021, Jaime is now the CEO of Geo Underwriting Services Ltd and has the exciting new challenge of driving the continued growth of Ardonagh’s UK Commercial MGA using the unique knowledge and experience she has gained over her 25-year plus career.
Session details:
Michael Yabantu
Michael Yabantu
Michael works in the General Insurance business at Aviva as Managing Director of their Mid Market business. He has responsibility for all of their commercial regional business that they trade with insurance brokers across the UK covering over £1BN+ of premium and 550 staff. Michael also co-chairs their Inclusion Council in Aviva and he's passionate about driving Diversity, equity and Inclusion in the business and across the industry. He has been in the insurance industry for 25 years across a variety of roles having worked at Endsleigh and AXA previously before joining Aviva in 2018.
Session details:
Enam Islam
Enam Islam
Director of Jenzah Consulting Ltd, with more than 15 years of experience in the Insurance and Reinsurance industry. Enam has a strong desire to promote diversity and inclusivity, particularly for individuals from a BAME background. Apart from his professional achievements, Enam holds the position of Chairman for a local youth organisation, where he plays a crucial role in guiding and empowering young people to reach their full potential. Additionally, he serves as an Enterprise Ambassador for his local council, actively encouraging entrepreneurship and business growth within the community. With his extensive mentoring experience, Enam has made a significant impact by providing valuable guidance and support to aspiring professionals.
Session details:
10:05
Activity
More information to follow!
10:30
Break
10:40
Creating Confidence
Join us for a session aimed at empowering attendees with the tools and techniques to boost their confidence in the workplace. Attendees will learn strategies to overcome self-doubt, navigate challenging situations with ease, and project confidence in their professional endeavors. Whether you're looking to excel in presentations, assert your ideas effectively, or simply feel more self-assured in your role, this session will equip you with the skills to thrive and succeed in any work environment. Don't miss this opportunity to unleash your full potential and become the confident, empowered professional you aspire to be.
By the end of the session, attendees will be able to:
- Identify and challenge negative self-talk patterns that hold them back from achieving their goals
- Project confidence in their professional endeavors through effective communication and presentation skills
11:20
A journey of self-discovery and resilience: What's next for Vicky Pattison?
In this intimate discussion chaired by Jasmine, Vicky will share her candid insights, reflecting on pivotal moments in her life and career. Discover What's next? for Vicky Pattison as she continues her path towards personal and professional fulfilment. This session promises to be a beacon of inspiration for anyone seeking to overcome challenges and embrace their true potential.
By the end of the session, attendees will be able to:
- Identify and learn from pivotal moments in Vicky Pattison's life and career that have contributed to her personal and professional growth
Vicky Pattison
Vicky Pattison
TV presenter, author and influencer, Vicky Pattison career in TV spans over a decade. She began on Geordie Shore, has presented shows on MTV, ITV, and Channel 5, had her own reality show on TLC, reached the final of Celebrity MasterChef and won I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here. She has also taken part in in Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins and Sport Relief. In her critically acclaimed Channel 4 documentary, Vicky Pattison; My Dad, Alcohol and Me, she gave an insight in to the devasting impact that her dad’s alcoholism has had on her family. She has appeared on the cover of Fabulous magazine, Dare Magazine and OK! Magazine, and released collections with women’s handbag brand LRM Goods, jewellery brand Abbot Lyon and has had fashion and lingerie edits with Quiz Clothing and Pour Moi. Vicky has also worked on large campaigns for brands such as Bodyform, Fudge Hair & Interflora and launched her beauty and cosmetics line No Filter. She is the host of the podcast Vicky Pattison: The Secret To and has published six books including her novels; All That Glitters, A Christmas Kiss and My Sister’s Wedding, as well as her autobiography, Nothing But the Truth: My Story which was a Number One Sunday Times bestseller. Outside of work, Vicky is a supporter of charities including Many Tears Animal Rescue. She is a patron for Coppafeel and completed their five-day Sahara Desert Trek. She is an ambassador for the Alzheimer’s society and took part in their twenty six mile charity trek, and for Centrepoint, where she has taken part in their Sleep Out and All-nighter campaigns.
Session details:
Jasmine Shell
Jasmine Shell
With over a decade of experience in the specialty insurance market, Jasmine is an expert innovator, communicator, and creative problem-solver. As the Innovation Manager at EDII, she has led hundreds of insurance professionals to achieve change via design thinking and innovation techniques, instilling a culture of creativity and continuous learning, and promoting future-focused skills. Jasmine also demonstrates her passion for the insurance market and empowering others through her role as Vice Chair of the Next Generation Insurance Network (NGIN). Outside of professional life, Jasmine is a dedicated Brownie leader, with over 15 years of volunteer service with Girlguiding, helping girls of all backgrounds achieve through talent, tenacity and teamwork.
Session details:
11:50
Exhibition tour
Explore the bustling Exhibition Hall at The BIBA Conference with our hosts and Young Broker Ambassadors. Get ready to immerse yourself in the dynamic atmosphere filled with innovation, networking opportunities, and industry insights. Discover the latest trends, forge valuable connections, and experience the hubbub of activity.
13:30
Networking lunch with iCAN
Head back to Charter 1 to have lunch and network with your peers. The Insurance Cultural Awareness Network will also be there! Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy great food, foster meaningful connections, and engage in stimulating conversations in the company of industry leaders and cultural advocates.
14:25
Game, Strategy & Determination: A Panel of Sporting Success
KEYNOTE STAGE, AUDITORIUM
Session chair Gabby Logan MBE holds a career spanning an impressive 25 years within the media industry. Gabby is renowned for hosting shows such as Sports Personality of the Year, the London Marathon, live coverage of the FA cup and has presented for BBC sport on our screens since 2007. This makes Gabby one of the UK’s most recognisable broadcasters in her field. Gabby is an active advocate for women in sport and was awarded an MBE in 2021 for services to broadcasting. Join us as Gabby Logan steers the conversation, bringing her wealth of experience and passion for sports broadcasting to the forefront.
Gabby is joined by the iconic American sprinting sensation Michael Johnson, boasting an impressive five Olympic gold medals alongside eight golds in the World Championships. Undoubtedly one of the greatest sprinters of our time, Michael held records for the 200m and 400m distances during the span of his remarkable athletic career, showcasing his unparalleled speed and dominance on the track. Michael shares with you the world of elite sprinting and the mindset behind his record-breaking achievements.
We’re also joined by British racing driver David Coulthard MBE. With an impressive record of 13 Grand Prix victories and an astounding 62 podium finishes throughout his illustrious driving career, on his retirement after over a decade in F1 David was the highest-scoring British driver of all time. David raced with McLaren, Red Bull and Williams later seamlessly transferring his knowledge and expertise of Formula One to consulting for Red Bull, also commentating on the exhilarating sport. Don’t miss the chance to see David Coulthard sharing his unparalleled insights and experiences, offering a unique perspective on the dynamic world of high-speed racing.
Come and immerse yourself in the first hand insights of renowned sporting superstars in this inspirational session, and gain valuable perspectives and insights to success to take back to your business.
On your marks...
David Coulthard MBE
David Coulthard MBE
David Coulthard won thirteen Formula One Grand Prix, racing for the Williams, McLaren and Red Bull teams. He is now a popular broadcaster as well as the author of The Winning Formula, a look at the key lessons F1 holds for businesses and business leaders. David dominated Britain’s junior Formula Ford categories and was the first ever recipient of the McLaren Autosport Award for young drivers. His first memorable battle was with future F1 rival Rubens Barichello for the British Formula 3 Championship, a battle David won. Appointed a test driver with the Williams F1 team, he was unexpectedly promoted to the team after the tragic death of Ayton Senna. He partnered fellow Brit Damon Hill for the remainder of the season. In his first full season as a driver, David won the Portuguese GP and finished third in the Championship. He enjoyed more success at McLaren, with 12 of his 13 career wins coming with the team. He twice supporting team mate Mika Häkkinen to the Drivers’ Championship and two seasons later finished runner-up behind Michael Schumacher. Coulthard’s last few years were spent at the newly-formed Red Bull team and, on his retirement after over a decade in F1, he was the highest-scoring British driver of all time. Since his retirement from Formula 1 driving, David has served as a consultant to the Red Bull team, and has continued to race in the DTM class of touring cars and the Race of Champions series. He has also become a popular pundit and commentator, first for BBC, and then as a key part of Channel 4’s race team. Away from the track he has written two books, including The Winning Formula: Leadership, Strategy and Motivation The F1 Way, a look at how lessons from the world of F1 apply elsewhere, from how pit crews work to what sponsors get from their involvement in the sport to how team principals operate. In speeches he lifts the lid on the high-risk, high-pressure, high-tech and high-finance world of F1 and looks at the innovation and teamwork required to succeed in the world’s fastest sport.
Session details:
Gabby Logan MBE
Gabby Logan MBE
Gabby Logan is one of the country's best-known sports presenters. She's fronted the BBC’s Inside Sport, Final Score, and live coverage of the FA Cup, as well as coverage of rugby, athletics, and the Olympics. She is also one of the hosts of the Sports Personality of the Year show. She joined Sky Sports soon after graduating before moving on to present ITV’s Premier League, Champions’ League, and World Cup coverage. Going over to the BBC Gabby became only the second woman to front Match of the Day. She has gone on to host coverage of both football and rugby world cups, world, and European championship athletics, as well as events including the Olympics, the London Marathon, and the Boat Race. Gabby's also a regular guest host on The One Show, and presented her own show on Radio 5 Live, bringing a light touch to a mix of sport and current affairs. Alongside presenting Gabby's a regular columnist for The Times, has appeared on Would I Lie to You?, Room 101 and 8 Out of 10 Cats, has tried her hand at standup comedy for Sports Relief and dared the cold Freeze the Fear with Wim Hof. She also competed in Strictly Come Dancing, where she was controversially voted out before her husband, Scottish rugby player Kenny Logan. Gabby’s recent focus has been to educate and encourage dialogue about the Menopause and mid-life, topics she regularly covers on her podcast, The Mid•Point, and in her debut The First Half.
Session details:
Michael Johnson
Michael Johnson
Five-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson held the world records in both 200 and 400 metres, winning 40 outdoor events and 18 indoors. He won an exceptional nine world titles and retired with a collection of 19 gold medals. Johnson put on one of the greatest shows in Olympic history in Atlanta, winning his second gold medal and becoming the first man to win double gold. In the same year he won the 400 meters in an Olympic record time, then smashed his own world record in the 200 meters. He has earned the accolade Sportsman of the Year for three out of four years, one of only two three time honourees. He is also a two time recipient of the United States Olympic Committee award. Since giving up life on the track, Michael has become a regular commentator for the BBC and other broadcasters around the world. He has also founded Michael Johnson Performance, a training and performance facility in Texas where some of American’s best and most promising sportspeople train with state of the art coaching and facilities. Michael’s objective is to motivate and rejuvenate others by sharing his message of success. Drawing on his Olympic triumphs Michael captivates audiences with his discipline to stay focused, overcome obstacles and achieve long-term goals. In speeches he discusses his belief that races are won in the mind, both in preparation, but also during the event when adapting to the situation, to the environment, to competitors, and to all manner of variables. He also emphasises the power of the team (in his case a host of coaches, technical specialist, supporters and commercial partners) and the focus on planning and taking opportunities.
Session details:
15:30
Close
Pre-YBD Networking
On Thursday, April 18th, we’re excited to host two exclusive networking events in both London and Manchester, starting at 5pm. This special occasion offers young brokers, aged 35 and under, a unique opportunity to connect and engage with industry peers. Don’t miss out on this prime chance to expand your professional network and foster valuable relationships. Representatives from The Ardonagh Group and iCAN will also be there.
Coming soon
Last year was the biggest Young Broker Day yet! We had brilliant feedback and can’t wait to welcome you all again this year. Young Broker Day is on the second day of The BIBA Conference, so will be held on Thursday 16 May 2024. The agenda will be released soon so make sure to keep an eye on our socials and come back here for full details.
Sponsored by:
Aviva
Here for you.
At Aviva we’re committed to helping you and your clients meet the demands of the ever-changing insurance landscape. We’re continually listening and acting on your feedback, so whatever happens next, we will continue to deliver exceptional solutions for our mutual clients and create a more sustainable future together. It’s your partnership that powers us, as without your unwavering support, we couldn’t have achieved the milestone of being awarded General Insurer of the Year* for the tenth year running – amazing recognition of our partnership and what we achieve together.
The Aviva team are thrilled to be returning to BIBA this May and can’t wait to talk to you about what’s next and how we can be here for you in 2024.
It takes you. It takes a partnership. It takes Aviva.
*Insurance Times Awards 2014- 2023 & British Insurance Awards 2023.
AXA
We’re delighted to sponsor The BIBA Conference 2024. We’re one of the largest insurers in the UK. 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.
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 in New York, Austin, Brussels and Brisbane, CFC has over 850 staff and is trusted by more than 130,000 businesses in 90+ countries.
Close Brothers
As pioneers with more than 45 years’ experience in insurance premium finance, we continue to deliver award winning support through our strategic drivers of service, expertise, and relationships.
Working in partnership with brokers, we offer practical support, unique data, and insights, to reinforce business decisions and goals. Our wide range of products help all types of customers pay for their insurance, by spreading the cost over regular fixed monthly payments.
Together, we’ll help you unlock opportunities for your business and customers.
Cowbell
Cowbell is a pioneer of Adaptive Cyber Insurance, a leader in providing businesses – from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to companies with up to £1 billion annual turnover – with coverage adaptable to today’s and tomorrow’s threats and the advanced warning of cyber risk exposures. In its unique AI-based approach to risk selection and pricing, Cowbell’s continuous underwriting platform, powered by its patented risk rating factors, Cowbell Factors – an offering not available with any other cyber insurance provider – compresses the insurance process from submission to issue in less than 5 minutes, and gives businesses the ability to benchmark their IT security against industry peers.
Cowbell is backed by 20 prominent leading global (re)insurance partners and serves SMEs and mid-market companies in 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and the United Kingdom. Founded in 2019, Cowbell is based in the San Francisco Bay Area with employees across the U.S., Canada, India and the U.K.
Ecclesiastical
Ecclesiastical’s specialist approach and charitable purpose is what makes us different.
Named Specialist Insurance Company of the Year, Ecclesiastical has ambitions to grow. We’ve built a reputation of being one of the most trusted1 insurers for our specialist insurance solutions, all backed by award-winning claims service and risk management expertise.2
Come and see us on stand C40 to talk about our new Professions product and proposition. We are now fully open for Leisure business, are investing in our Schemes proposition and helping clients to build resilience with our new Risk Maturity Assessment tool.
Proudly part of the Benefact Group, we continue to build a ‘Movement for Good’ to transform lives through charities and good causes with an ambition to give £250m by 2025. Visit our stand to nominate your favourite charity for a chance to win!3
1 FWD Broker Opinion survey 2008 to 2023
2 Claims Product Solution of the Year - Insurer - Insurance Times, Claims Service Quality Marque from Gracechurch Risk Management Specialist Company of the Year, CIR Risk Management Awards 2022
3 Terms and Conditions apply
ERS
We are the UK’s largest specialist motor-only insurer with over 20 products created to cover a range of vehicle types making motoring passions and livelihoods possible. We specialise in motor insurance for Personal, Commercial, Agriculture and Fleet classes, offering brokers a breadth of specialist Lloyd’s A+ rated products; from tractors to modified food trucks, supercars and classic cars to fleets, each built with specialist underwriting knowledge. Our products are available across a range of digital platforms, including software houses, ERS eTrade and Plug in to ERS alongside our team of expert underwriters who understand the more specialist complex risks.
FinanceMalta
Malta is internationally recognised as a brand denoting excellence in financial services. It offers an attractive and efficient base for financial services operators looking for a European Union-compliant, yet flexible, domicile.
FinanceMalta, a non-profit public-private initiative, was set up to promote Malta as an international financial centre, both within, as well as outside Malta. It brings together, and harnesses, the resources of the industry and government, to ensure Malta maintains a modern and effective legal, regulatory and fiscal framework in which the financial services sector can continue to grow and prosper.
The Board of Governors, together with the founding associations: The Malta Funds Asset Servicing Association, the Malta Bankers Association, the Malta Insurance Association, the Association of Insurance Brokers, the Malta Insurance Managers Association, the Institute of Financial Services Practitioners; its members and staff are all committed to promote Malta as a centre of excellence in financial services and international business.
Investec Premium Finance
The credible alternative.
Investec Premium Finance innovate financial solutions designed to meet the dynamic needs of today’s insurance premium finance market. For too long commercial insurance brokers have been met with a lack of a credible alternative in the market and have been limited on choice when it comes to a finance provider. At Investec Premium Finance we’re disrupting the status quo by calling on our rich entrepreneurial heritage, 50 years of financial stability and customer-obsessed focus.
Our purpose statement is simple: “To be the commercial funder of choice for UK commercial insurance brokers”. We mean to deliver on this statement by making our broker partners 3 simple promises:
1) We’ll give your clients a competitive deal.
2) We’ll fund you on time.
3) We’ll give you the personal service you deserve
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.
Markerstudy
Established in 2001, the group includes the UK’s largest MGA, Markerstudy Insurance Services Limited, which supports UK broker partners and protects millions of policyholders with a comprehensive range of products and services.
We are an inclusive organisation of more than 5,000 employees, and are proud to have achieved Gold accreditation from Investors in People for three consecutive periods.
Other sectors within the group include the Markerstudy Distribution division, which comprises of a number of brands including Brightside Insurance and Insurance Factory – one of the UK’s largest pet insurance platforms – and complementary businesses Auto Windscreens, VisionTrack and Vision Vehicle Solutions.
Markerstudy Group is also awaiting regulatory approval on its proposed merger with Atlanta, Ardonagh Group’s personal lines broking business, which will offer an enhanced proposition for the benefit of millions of UK customers.
Pearson Ham Group
Join the elite - 80% of top insurer brands that trust our cutting-edge insights. At Pearson Ham, we're on a mission to elevate your performance through precise pricing strategies. Our tailored insurance market insights offer a daily snapshot of your competitors' pricing dynamics and quotability. Stay steps ahead, make informed decisions, and price confidently in the dynamic insurance landscape. Can you afford to fall behind when the leaders trust us? Seize the opportunity now and secure your position at the forefront of the industry.
QBE
QBE helps businesses build resilience through risk management and insurance.
QBE European Operations is part of QBE Insurance Group, one of the world’s leading international insurers and reinsurers.
As a business insurance specialist, we offer a range of insurance products from the standard suite of property, casualty and motor to specialist financial lines, marine and energy – all tailored to the individual needs of our small, medium and large customers.
We understand the crucial role that effective risk management plays in all organisations and work hard to understand our customers’ businesses to offer insurance solutions that meet their needs – from complex programmes to simpler e-trading solutions. Our expert risk management and rehabilitation practitioners focus on helping customers improve their risk management so that they may benefit from a reduction in claims frequency and costs.
Find out more about us and read our latest articles to help build business resilience.
The Ardonagh Group
Ardonagh is a leading independent insurance distribution platform and a top 20 broker globally. The Group was founded in 2017 when five businesses were brought together to explore a new vision for the insurance industry. Since then, Ardonagh has been on a remarkable growth journey and now encompasses more than 50 best-in-class entrepreneurial and specialist brands in more than 30 countries worldwide.
With over 10,000 talented professionals expertly navigating our clients’ challenges, who work to evolve and grow our business, we know that our people are at the very heart of our success. That is why we are proud to offer training and development opportunities that are second to none. From leadership programmes, technical training and mentoring, right through to our graduate and intern programmes, there’s really no end to the opportunities you could discover with a career at Ardonagh.
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 policy admin solutions offer a complete back and front office system for insurance businesses: prospect capture, new business, mid-term adjustments, 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.