MGAA Conversations

The UK's MGA and broker landscape is buzzing with innovation, so why does BIBA remain the linchpin for meaningful partnership and growth? In this candid panel, leaders from PKF, Corin, Unicorn Underwriting, and Blue Fryers pull back the curtain on what really moves the market, how soft conditions are creating new winners, and why a physical presence in Manchester matters now more than ever. From harnessing MGAA community advantages to the next-gen talent push, this episode spotlights strategies, pitfalls, and the soft truths the sector can’t ignore. Get ahead or get left behind; don't miss these crucial insights. Key Quotes: “We try and champion a sort of virtual insurer model. We love the virtual insurer MGA model. What does that mean for us? Really, it's keeping all those key functions in-house, trying to operate, trade and think like an insurer.” “What BIBA represents to us is a fantastic pool of innovators and entrepreneurs. MGAs continue to be a developing and growing space, and I think whilst we've had some mention of the soft market, we don't see that as a barrier.” “Provided the broker sector continues innovating, then I think to a certain extent, without wishing to paraphrase a famous movie, if the broker sector continues to build these offers, then the capacity will follow because the investment opportunity is there.” “I think what's interesting at BIBA is that we know there's an industry where there's been a lot of M&A. We know that it's still a relationship business, and what we like at BIBA is you get a lot of different account execs, a lot of people that you might not generally talk to day in, day out because we are all behind systems.” “There definitely seems to be continuing interest in funding new projects, which is an indicator of the health of the sector. It's relative health or the absolute health of the sector. It's still really positive from that point of view.” Resources: https://www.amwins.com/solutions/underwriting/unicorn https://www.linkedin.com/company/unicorn-underwriting-limited/ https://www.bluefriars.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluefriars-group/ https://www.pkf.co.uk/sectors/insurance/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/littlejohn/ https://corin.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/corin-underwriting/ About the Guests: Richard Ellis, Business Development DirectorUnicorn Underwriting Richard has worked in the Commercial Insurance sector in the UK and overseas for over 35 years, including senior pricing roles at RSA and LV=. He joined Unicorn Underwriting in 2018 to help set up the SME division and is now their Business Development Director https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-ellis-372a329/ Andy Hurrell, Founder and CEO Corin With over 23 years of industry experience, Andy founded Corin in 2016 and is the current CEO responsible for all company strategy and planning as well as overseeing all aspects of the day-to-day business and operational matters. In addition, he is Head of Underwriting for both the UK and Irish liability binders. https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-hurrell-60701627/ John Needham, Partner PKF John Needham is a Partner in PKF’s Financial Services team. He has a particular focus on insurance distribution covering brokers and MGAs as well as working with businesses that include underwriting vehicles in their group. John advises businesses on a range of issues from emerging technology through to strategy. His approach is always hands on, spending significant time with people to get a real understanding of the issues at hand. John has worked with the FCA and ICAEW on the development of the client money regulations and auditing standards. He has also been involved in regulatory investigations, working for firms and on behalf of the FCA. John is a regular speaker on industry-related topics, both for PKF and on behalf of industry bodies such as the MGAA and Insurtech UK, and a frequent commentator on current issues in the insurance press. John wo

In this episode we dive into a frank conversation with Sasha Haco, CEO of Unitary AI, as she unpacks the realities behind automation in insurance. Discover why true transformation isn’t about flashy tech but about smart, practical integration: start small, leverage human-in-the-loop models, and sidestep common adoption errors. Explore which admin-heavy workflows—from claims to underwriting—are ripe for change and how to unlock quick wins. Plus, Sasha shares hard-won advice for women building careers in tech-driven insurance. In a world buzzing with AI hype, get clear-eyed guidance on what works, what doesn’t, and why the human element still matters most. The urgency? Competitive advantage is compounding; don’t get left behind. Key Quotes: “AI is not the right tool for the job in every situation... most businesses wouldn't tolerate a 40% accurate process, which means that AI isn't the right solution the whole way." "The businesses that really embrace automation and change and AI are going to be able to scale in a way they've never seen before, and without having to scale their headcount." "We're an AI company and use AI every single day, but I think AI is not the right tool always for the job... there's definitely a place for people. We're not going to replace them." "I think people need to be careful about confusing automation with AI because actually AI... these models are inherently probabilistic. They're basically making a guess—and a good guess, usually—at every step." Resources: www.unitary.ai https://uk.linkedin.com/company/unitaryai About the Guest: Sasha Haco is the co-founder and CEO of Unitary. Unitary automates repetitive manual work with Virtual Agents: robust AI workers that handle complex tasks for operations teams directly in their tools. They support MGAs, brokers and carriers to achieve rapid ROI with 50% cost savings in just a few weeks. Before founding Unitary, Sasha completed a PhD where she worked with Stephen Hawking in Cambridge to solve the ‘information paradox’ of black holes. https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sashahaco About the Host: Mike's extensive expertise in the insurance sector has allowed him to witness and adapt to the dynamic shifts within the industry. Throughout his 40-year career, he has navigated the traditional realms of insurers, brokers, and MGAs (Managing General Agents) across both Commercial and Personal Lines markets. He has held Executive positions at AXA, Midas, UK General and most recently Insurtech start-up Qlaims before becoming Chief Executive Officer at the MGAA in September 2020. Mike is excited about the new MGAA podcast series, which aims to showcase key figures in the UK insurance industry and beyond, providing insight into the challenges and opportunities that the MGA industry encounters. Mike's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-keating-230b8424/

In this episode of MGAA Conversations, host Mike Keating is joined by Rachel Turk, Chief of Market Performance at Lloyd’s of London, for an in-depth discussion on the evolving Lloyd’s market and its growing appeal to MGAs and cover holders. Rachel explains her role overseeing underwriting performance, delegated authority, exposure management, reinsurance, and claims across the Lloyd’s market. The conversation explores why Lloyd’s has become increasingly attractive to MGAs, how efficiency improvements are narrowing the gap with the company market, and why delegated authority is viewed as a key growth engine. The episode also covers market cycle expectations, portfolio solutions and facilities, claims inflation, regulatory reform in the UK, and the realities of digital transformation and Blueprint Two. Rachel shares candid insights on why claims are a strategic lever for profitability, why portfolio solutions are a structural shift rather than a passing trend, and what success for Lloyd’s will look like by 2026. A must-listen for MGA leaders, capacity providers, and anyone involved in the delegated authority ecosystem. Key Quotes “Cover holders are valuable because they provide unrivalled access to niche risks and distribution – our job at Lloyd’s is to get out of the way and make that as efficient as possible.” “The quality of underwriting in the MGA space is the highest I’ve ever seen it.” “Claims is the only area that can actually add margin back – everything else just slows erosion.” “Portfolio solutions are a structural change in the market, not a cyclical trend.” “I want Lloyd’s to be judged by what we’ve delivered, not what we’ve said.” Resources https://www.lloyds.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lloyd's-of-london/posts/?feedView=all About the Guest Rachel Turk is Chief of Market Performance at Lloyd’s of London, responsible for overseeing underwriting performance across the Lloyd’s market, including delegated authority, exposure management, reinsurance, and claims. Her remit focuses on protecting the strength of the Lloyd’s balance sheet, maintaining capital ratings, and ensuring sustainable performance across the insurance cycle. Rachel is widely recognised for her market insight, pragmatic approach to regulation and efficiency, and her strong advocacy for the strategic importance of claims and delegated authority within the global insurance ecosystem. https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-turk-4330046/ About the Host: Mike's extensive expertise in the insurance sector has allowed him to witness and adapt to the dynamic shifts within the industry. Throughout his 40 year career, he has navigated the traditional realms of insurers, brokers, and MGAs (Managing General Agents) across both Commercial and Personal Lines markets. He has held Executive positions at AXA, Midas, UK General and most recently Insurtech start up Qlaims before becoming Chief Executive Officer at the MGAA in September 2020. Mike is excited about the new MGAA podcast series, which aims to showcase key figures in the UK insurance industry and beyond, providing insight into the challenges and opportunities that the MGA industry encounters. Mike's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-keating-230b8424/

In this special episode of MGAA Conversations, host Mike Keating sits down with Jack Harding—Underwriter at Tokio Marine Kiln and Chair of the MGAA Next Generation Committee—to explore how the next wave of talent is shaping the MGA market and wider insurance industry. Jack reflects on the committee’s evolution, the importance of refreshing membership to keep perspectives current, and the role that MGA leaders and sponsors play in enabling Next Gen initiatives. He also explores how the insurance industry can improve its attractiveness to young talent, shifting the perception from “falling into insurance” to actively choosing a future in it. Jack offers a first look at plans for 2026, including growth of the mentoring programme, learning and development events, industry collaboration, outreach to schools and universities, and support for early-career professionals in areas like leadership, wellbeing, personal branding and technical knowledge. Key Quotes “Our mission is to represent and empower the voices of the next generation across the MGA market.” “I'd love for insurance to become an industry that people hope to get into — not one they simply fall into.” “Engagement, development and visibility are the pillars we build everything on.” “We want people to feel proud to say, ‘I work in insurance,’ and excited about the opportunities ahead.” “Engagement is the key — don’t hesitate to show up, get involved and reach out.” Resources MGAA Next Generation - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mgaa-next-gen/posts/?feedView=all MGAA website – https://mgaa.co.uk/committees/next-gen/ Mental Health in Business – https://mhib.co.uk/ About the Guest Jack Harding is an Underwriter at Tokio Marine Kiln and the Chair of the MGAA Next Generation Committee. With more than a decade of industry experience, Jack is a passionate advocate for empowering early-career professionals and promoting insurance as an exciting and rewarding career path. Through his leadership, the Next Gen Committee continues to expand learning, collaboration and engagement opportunities for emerging talent across the MGA market. About the Host: Mike's extensive expertise in the insurance sector has allowed him to witness and adapt to the dynamic shifts within the industry. Throughout his 40 year career, he has navigated the traditional realms of insurers, brokers, and MGAs (Managing General Agents) across both Commercial and Personal Lines markets. He has held Executive positions at AXA, Midas, UK General and most recently Insurtech start up Qlaims before becoming Chief Executive Officer at the MGAA in September 2020. Mike is excited about the new MGAA podcast series, which aims to showcase key figures in the UK insurance industry and beyond, providing insight into the challenges and opportunities that the MGA industry encounters. Mike's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-keating-230b8424/

In this episode of MGAA Conversations, host Mike Keating speaks with newly appointed Ryan Gill, CEO of Bspoke Group, following the company’s acquisition by NFP. Ryan shares how Bspoke will operate “independent but connected” under its new ownership, his outlook on market softening, regulation, diversification, broker partnerships, and the evolving role of AI and automation within MGAs. He also outlines his 12-month vision as CEO — aiming to cement Bspoke as the UK’s leading niche and specialist MGA while empowering his team to thrive. Key Quotes “Independent but connected — that’s how we’ll run under NFP.” “We will not chase prices down. Discipline is critical through the cycle.” “Diversification isn’t accidental — we built Bspoke that way by design.” “A lot of what people call AI is actually just automation. We’re taking a measured, sustainable approach.” “AI should remove the noise so our people can focus on higher-value work.” Resources Bspoke Group — https://bspokegroup.com MGAA — https://www.mgaa.co.uk NFP — https://www.nfp.com About the Guest — Ryan Gill Ryan Gill is the CEO of Bspoke Group, a specialist MGA platform operating across niche and non-standard insurance sectors. Appointed following Bspoke’s acquisition by NFP, Ryan leads the group’s strategy of disciplined diversification, market agility, and people-focused innovation. With a commitment to speed, service, and solutions, he is steering Bspoke to become the UK’s leading niche and specialty MGA. About the Host: Mike's extensive expertise in the insurance sector has allowed him to witness and adapt to the dynamic shifts within the industry. Throughout his 40 year career, he has navigated the traditional realms of insurers, brokers, and MGAs (Managing General Agents) across both Commercial and Personal Lines markets. He has held Executive positions at AXA, Midas, UK General and most recently Insurtech start up Qlaims before becoming Chief Executive Officer at the MGAA in September 2020. Mike is excited about the new MGAA podcast series, which aims to showcase key figures in the UK insurance industry and beyond, providing insight into the challenges and opportunities that the MGA industry encounters. Mike's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-keating-230b8424/

In this episode of MGAA Conversations, host Mike Keating sits down with Kelly Ogley, CEO of Howden Consumer and Local Commercial, to explore the current state and future of broker distribution in the personal lines insurance market. The conversation touches on branch network trends, the role of scale and specialism, MGA-broker partnerships, regulation, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in the industry. Kelly shares her leadership perspective on adapting to ongoing market shifts, innovating for customer needs, and empowering the next generation of women in insurance. Key Quotes “We can't rest on our laurels—we’ve got to be looking for the next innovation.” Kelly Ogley “Scale matters, but it’s not everything. Brokers with a real USP and client focus can thrive.” Kelly Ogley “Clients want choice. Not everyone wants a fully digital experience.” Kelly Ogley “It's okay to be yourself but be your best self with practice. Be authentic and build your network.” Kelly Ogley “We’ve got more to do on gender diversity, but the progress and conversations we’re having today wouldn’t have happened when I started.” Kelly Ogley Resources and References Howden Group: www.howdengroup.com About the Guest – Kelly Ogley Kelly Ogley is the Chief Executive Officer of Howden Consumer and Local Commercial. She leads a wide-ranging portfolio that includes Howden’s personal lines, private client services, and its commercial business via a 117-branch network across the UK. With nearly four decades of experience in insurance, Kelly has held leadership roles across M&A, operations, and strategic transformation. A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, Kelly actively mentors young talent and supports initiatives to increase female representation in the industry. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-ogley-135a99107/ About the Host: Mike's extensive expertise in the insurance sector has allowed him to witness and adapt to the dynamic shifts within the industry. Throughout his 40 year career, he has navigated the traditional realms of insurers, brokers, and MGAs (Managing General Agents) across both Commercial and Personal Lines markets. He has held Executive positions at AXA, Midas, UK General and most recently Insurtech start up Qlaims before becoming Chief Executive Officer at the MGAA in September 2020. Mike is excited about the new MGAA podcast series, which aims to showcase key figures in the UK insurance industry and beyond, providing insight into the challenges and opportunities that the MGA industry encounters. Mike's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-keating-230b8424/

In this episode of MGAA Conversations, Mike Keating, CEO of the MGAA, is joined by David Nichols of Zurich and Clive Nathan of Brown & Brown to explore what makes a capacity relationship successful over the long term. Their candid discussion reveals how clarity, communication, and commitment underpin their capacity partnership. From structured claims oversight and forensic performance reviews to managing change and avoiding friction during onboarding, David and Clive offer a masterclass in collaboration between insurer and MGA. The episode also reflects on moments of tension, transparency in problem-solving, and the importance of mutual understanding during acquisitions and contractual transitions. Listeners will walk away with practical advice and a clearer view of how capacity relationships can be built—and sustained—for the long haul. Key Quotes Clive Nathan, Brown & Brown "You can't have a healthy relationship without some really healthy tension in it—it makes both sides better." "We've used the Zurich model as a template for others... it’s a discipline that pays off." "This isn't about 20 lawyers sitting in a room. It's about how you and I move forward." David Nichols, Zurich "If I wanted to play hardball, I could have stood behind the contract... but the relationship is more important." "Even with a great onboarding process, there’s always a risk of overburdening oversight—you have to be alert to it." "We need to protect what the MGA does well and not erode that with misapplied controls." Resources Zurich Insurance UK Brown & Brown Europe Managing General Agents’ Association (MGAA) About the Guests David NicholsDavid is Head of Retail at Zurich Insurance UK, with extensive experience in underwriting, claims, and distribution leadership. He is known for his measured, collaborative approach to MGA relationships and strategic oversight. Clive NathanClive leads Brown & Brown UK and Ireland, bringing decades of leadership in broking and MGA businesses. Under his direction, Brown & Brown has expanded significantly through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions. About the Host: Mike's extensive expertise in the insurance sector has allowed him to witness and adapt to the dynamic shifts within the industry. Throughout his 40 year career, he has navigated the traditional realms of insurers, brokers, and MGAs (Managing General Agents) across both Commercial and Personal Lines markets. He has held Executive positions at AXA, Midas, UK General and most recently Insurtech start up Qlaims before becoming Chief Executive Officer at the MGAA in September 2020. Mike is excited about the new MGAA podcast series, which aims to showcase key figures in the UK insurance industry and beyond, providing insight into the challenges and opportunities that the MGA industry encounters. Mike's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-keating-230b8424/

In this episode of MGAA Conversations, host Mike Keating speaks with Rinku Patel, CEO of Pine Walk Capital, about the firm's innovative platform model for MGAs. Founded in 2017 and backed by Fidelis, Pine Walk provides experienced underwriters with the infrastructure, support, and operational freedom to launch and scale underwriting businesses. Rinku discusses how Pine Walk blends entrepreneurial freedom with robust capital backing, their approach to governance and risk, and what sets their platform apart in the evolving MGA landscape. Key Quotes “We give entrepreneurs real freedom — underwriting freedom and operational support — but we do so in a way that’s disciplined and governed.” “We’ve created a structure that’s not only attractive to underwriters but also gives confidence to capacity providers and regulators.” “Our model is very different. We take real ownership of the businesses we back — they carry our name, our compliance standards, and our risk management culture.” Resources Pine Walk CapitalWebsite: https://www.pinewalkcapital.com/ Fidelis Insurance Group – Pine Walk's strategic parent companyWebsite: https://www.fidelisinsurance.com/ About the Guest Rinku Patel is the CEO of Pine Walk Capital, an MGA platform launched in 2017 with backing from Fidelis Insurance. With a background in insurance, investment, and operations, Rinku leads Pine Walk’s mission to empower underwriters through a supportive, well-governed infrastructure that combines entrepreneurial freedom with institutional-grade standards. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rinkupatel About the Host: Mike's extensive expertise in the insurance sector has allowed him to witness and adapt to the dynamic shifts within the industry. Throughout his 40 year career, he has navigated the traditional realms of insurers, brokers, and MGAs (Managing General Agents) across both Commercial and Personal Lines markets. He has held Executive positions at AXA, Midas, UK General and most recently Insurtech start up Qlaims before becoming Chief Executive Officer at the MGAA in September 2020. Mike is excited about the new MGAA podcast series, which aims to showcase key figures in the UK insurance industry and beyond, providing insight into the challenges and opportunities that the MGA industry encounters. Mike's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-keating-230b8424/

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Radke, CEO and co-founder of Accelerant, to explore how the company is revolutionizing the specialty insurance industry from the inside out. Jeff shares his personal journey, from growing up around family-owned businesses to navigating the complexities of the insurance ecosystem. We talk about the inefficiencies plaguing traditional models, the challenges of raising capital with discipline, and how Accelerant is creating a modern infrastructure to empower MGAs. From rebuilding the value chain to reshaping relationships in the insurance world, Jeff offers a candid, thoughtful look at what it means to grind out meaningful change — not with flashy slogans, but with quiet determination, humility, and deep domain expertise. Key Quotes "We’re not trying to be clever — we’re trying to be better."– Jeff Radke, on Accelerant’s mission "The product that gets delivered is the product that the underwriter creates. We believe underwriting is the hero of the story." "We’re trying to change everything — but only what’s broken." "This is a long game. It's not a 5-year vision. It’s 10 or 20 years. And we're patient." "I wanted to work with people that I respect and trust, to build something we believe in." "It’s hard to build quietly, but it’s the right thing to do." Resources Learn more about Accelerant Read about Accelerant's recognition on the Forbes Fintech 50 Book Jeff mentioned: Good to Great by Jim Collins About the Guest Jeff Radke is the CEO and co-founder of Accelerant, an insurance platform built to empower underwriters and transform the way specialty insurance is underwritten, distributed, and serviced. A veteran of the insurance industry, Jeff previously held leadership roles at Argo Group and was CEO of Ariel Re, part of the Goldman Sachs group. Known for his calm, disciplined approach and belief in long-term thinking, Jeff is on a mission to build a better insurance experience — one that values trust, expertise, and alignment above all. About the Host: Mike's extensive expertise in the insurance sector has allowed him to witness and adapt to the dynamic shifts within the industry. Throughout his 40 year career, he has navigated the traditional realms of insurers, brokers, and MGAs (Managing General Agents) across both Commercial and Personal Lines markets. He has held Executive positions at AXA, Midas, UK General and most recently Insurtech start up Qlaims before becoming Chief Executive Officer at the MGAA in September 2020. Mike is excited about the new MGAA podcast series, which aims to showcase key figures in the UK insurance industry and beyond, providing insight into the challenges and opportunities that the MGA industry encounters. Mike's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-keating-230b8424/

In this engaging conversation, Mike Keating, CEO of MGAA and Simon McGinn, CEO of DUAL UK, delve into the shifting dynamics of the insurance market, addressing key challenges like rate adequacy, regulatory changes, and risk management strategies for 2025. They also explore the importance of attracting and nurturing the next generation of talent in the insurance industry. Listen in as they discuss the critical role of innovation, claims management, and branding in ensuring long-term success and customer satisfaction. Key Quotes "As the tide goes out, it’s only then you find out who’s got good swimming costumes on." "We are the problem solvers for the UK economy—helping businesses grow by allowing them to focus on operations rather than risks." "The industry is far more innovative than it gets credit for; it’s about time we start showing, not just telling." "It’s easy to write business; the real test is delivering to the customer when it matters most." Resources Mentioned DUAL UK - http://www.dualgroup.com/ DUAL UK LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/dual-uk/ About the Guest Simon McGinn, CEO of DUAL UK, brings over 30 years of diverse industry experience in UK general insurance across commercial, personal, and specialty lines. Previously CEO of Allianz Commercial and a member of the UK PLC Board, he now drives ambitious growth at Dual UK by providing strategic direction and fostering a collaborative, people-first culture. Simon’s expertise spans negotiation, business planning, management, and risk, making him a prominent leader in the insurance industry. About the Host: Mike's extensive expertise in the insurance sector has allowed him to witness and adapt to the dynamic shifts within the industry. Throughout his 40 year career, he has navigated the traditional realms of insurers, brokers, and MGAs (Managing General Agents) across both Commercial and Personal Lines markets. He has held Executive positions at AXA, Midas, UK General and most recently Insurtech start up Qlaims before becoming Chief Executive Officer at the MGAA in September 2020. Mike is excited about the new MGAA podcast series, which aims to showcase key figures in the UK insurance industry and beyond, providing insight into the challenges and opportunities that the MGA industry encounters. Mike's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-keating-230b8424/

In this episode, MGAA CEO Mike Keating and COO Julia Coakley are joined by guest host Joe Malone to examine the association’s successes throughout 2024, and outline their resolutions for the next year and beyond. Both affirm that, as a non-profit organisation, the MGAA’s most fervent priority is to maintain the satisfaction of its current and new membership, by continually enhancing its proposition through the collation and implementation of member feedback. This year, Julia reflects, the MGAA has achieved this through the creation of its DNI program and Mental Health in Business program, both of which were borne out of member suggestions. Beyond this, the MGAA remains committed to attending to the issues most important to members, namely assisting with the introduction of new regulatory measures. Given its healthy relationship with the FCA, Mike notes that the MGAA is well-positioned to directly communicate the concerns and interests of its members to policymakers. This ensures that regulation remains proportionate and can facilitate, rather than hinder, positive customer outcomes. Mike and Julia also reflect on the MGAA’s highly successful events in 2024. Both our flagship conference and the London Broker Exchange exceeded our expectations in terms of footfall. As with every other aspect of the association, Julia notes that we will continue to improve our events through the feedback delivered by our members. The association’s priorities for 2025 and beyond are not hinged upon any arbitrary implementation of change simply for the sake of doing so. Even as MGAA membership continues to expand, Mike and Julia assure listeners that their decision-making will always remain underpinned by comprehensive research into members’ interests and needs, both individually and collectively as a market. Quote: “We’re not, as an association, solely looking at ‘we have to grow by 20, 30, 40 or 50 [members in the next year]’, because it's just as important that we deliver a service and a proposition for our existing members, as well as attracting new ones. We'll never lose sight, ever, of our existing core 400+ members who we provide a service to and a membership benefit proposition to, as well as inviting new members to come on board.” “Everybody embraces and accepts that regulation is the right thing. It's the right thing for customer outcomes. It's the right thing that there's regulation across all our industry, both to serve the consumer and to protect the consumer. The key challenge and the key question is around proportionality. Is that proportionality at the right level, ensuring that it's not stifling innovation? Is it stifling the introduction of new products into the market, because the bar is the bar is too high? Number two, is the expense for increasing regulation a burden on the industry? Both ourselves and BIBA have commented around the increase in regulation, and how that can impact innovation and impact business models. So, I think, one of the good things the Association has got on behalf of members is an excellent relationship with the FCA.” Resources: https://www.mgaa.co.uk/ About the Guest: Julia Coakley is the Chief Operating Officer of the MGAA. Julia has built a career centered on exceptional customer service and strong business relationships. With 23 years in broking and underwriting, she brings deep expertise to the insurance industry. As Senior Customer Relationship Manager at the Motor Insurers’ Bureau, Julia has spent the last five years delivering high-profile events and shaping a high-performing CRM team across key industry services like the Motor Insurance Database and Insurance Fraud Bureau. A dedicated West Ham United fan, Julia enjoys walking her dog, Ted, along Southend-on-Sea’s seafront, balancing life’s challenges with brisk exercise. Julia’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliacoakley/ About the Host: Mike's extensive expertise in the insurance sector has allowed him to w

In this episode of MGAA Conversations, we are privileged to be speaking with Tara Foley, CEO at AXA UK and Ireland, our first Platinum annual sponsor. Tara notes the importance and mutually beneficial nature of our partnership, such as AXA’s climate training initiative which is available to all MGAA members. Indeed, she suggests that such training will become increasingly crucial as our industry navigates the major challenges facing the world today: climate change, AI and cybercrime. Tara argues that such training, amongst other initiatives, will be key to attracting and retaining new talent. To more confidently wage the war for talent, we must also highlight how universal and purposeful our industry is. A career in insurance promises to be fulfilling and purposeful, contrary to the grey, stuffy image which our industry continues to project to the uninitiated. As we strive to recruit future industry leaders, we must first confront and dismantle this presiding collective preconception. Furthermore, individual organisations must consider how they can become ‘destination workplaces’, by curating new training opportunities, alongside additional benefits to meet the expectations that new generations of workers expect of their employers. Tara also dissects emerging fears that Gen AI will soon replace many insurance careers. She suggests that it will be deployed as an enabler rather than an end in itself, automating bureaucratic tasks and enabling the workforce to strengthen service capacities and maintain or grow their business partnerships. Quote: “We're all concerned with what forces shape the nature of the risks that we're looking at today: climate change, AI, cyber. All of the big issues that society is facing, are issues that we need people to be actively involved with. And the endgame of all of this is we show up for people when they really need us, when they’re vulnerable. So, to me, [insurance is] an industry that offers a very empathetic career path. It's got the full spectrum. If you want to be challenged intellectually, there's plenty of that. If you want to be very people-focused, there's plenty of that. I just think we've got to get better at how we explain that.” “We [AXA UK and Ireland] can't be specialists in everything, and we don't want to be. We get a lot of capability by partnering with members of the MGAA organization. We've got long and successful histories of that. I think we learn from each other. We can provide things to members of your organization that you don't have and, and vice versa. So, it's a very complementary, symbiotic relationship that we have.” Resources: AXA UK – https://www.axa.co.uk/ AXA Climate School – https://axaclimateschool.com/ About the Guest: Tara Foley is the Chief Executive Officer of AXA UK and Ireland, appointed in September 2023. She has previously worked in managerial roles at Lloyds Banking Group and Deutsche Bank. Tara’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-foley-56327212/ About the Host: Mike's extensive expertise in the insurance sector has allowed him to witness and adapt to the dynamic shifts within the industry. Throughout his 40 year career, he has navigated the traditional realms of insurers, brokers, and MGAs (Managing General Agents) across both Commercial and Personal Lines markets. He has held Executive positions at AXA, Midas, UK General and most recently Insurtech start up Qlaims before becoming Chief Executive Officer at the MGAA in September 2020. Mike is excited about the new MGAA podcast series, which aims to showcase key figures in the UK insurance industry and beyond, providing insight into the challenges and opportunities that the MGA industry encounters. Mike's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-keating-230b8424/

In this episode, we are very pleased to be speaking with Claire Russell, founder of Mental Health in Business, about the importance of implementing wellbeing initiatives to positively reshape workplace culture. Whilst in recent years, the proliferation of awareness regarding the need for mental health support has undoubtedly had a positive impact on businesses, there remains a risk that it could become merely a box-ticking exercise. Claire argues that it is crucial for businesses to foster an environment in which employees would genuinely feel comfortable raising their hand and asking for support when they need it. The challenge regarding the need for a change in the conversation is amplified by the contrasting attitudes toward mental health across generations. Amongst some older industry professionals there is often an attitude that personal problems should be left at the door. This conflicts with the expectations and interests of younger industry professionals who consider the need for mental health support as urgent and fundamental. Bridging this generational gap is key, and can only occur if the discussion about mental health support in the workplace is embraced and reinforced from the top down. There is also a powerful business case for such initiatives. In the UK, the cost of poor mental health by headcount for businesses is £3.5-4k per person per year; and in the insurance industry, the number is closer to £4.5k. As such, by investing wisely into meaningful mental health initiatives, businesses can achieve a significant return on investment, in addition to fostering a more supportive and encouraging work environment. To this end, the MGAA is delighted to be partnering with the MHIB to provide an array of tools and resources to members. This includes regional courses and workshops running throughout the year, and four quarterly webinars examining current issues relating to mental health. These provisions will be expanded in accordance with member demand. Quote: “Six years ago, when we started this business, in a lot of the conversations that I was having with leaders of businesses, I was really having to make a business case for them to invest in workplace mental health and wellbeing. The conversation has changed a little bit now. It's not so much that business owners or leaders in the main need to be persuaded of that. It's more that they really need to look at what they're doing and make sure that that what they're doing is wise, and that they're putting in place initiatives and programs that are really meaningful.” “There are attitudes and beliefs that are held by [certain] people that we should be able to be resilient, and dust ourselves off, and leave our problems outside of the door. I understand where those attitudes come from. That's the attitude that I was surrounded by when I was in the early stages of my career. So I get it. But then if you look at the younger people who are coming into the industry now, our future industry leaders, they are bringing a very different perspective. They have very different requirements [and] views around mental health. So, there can exist something of a generation gap.” Resources: MGAA - https://www.mgaa.co.uk/ Mental Health in Business - https://mhib.co.uk/ About the Guest: Claire Russell is the Founder of Mental Health in Business, which she launched 6 years ago. Having previously worked in a number of insurance brokerages, after undergoing a mental health crisis Claire became interested in driving change around wellbeing support in the workplace. Claire’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-russell-business/ About the Host: Mike's extensive expertise in the insurance sector has allowed him to witness and adapt to the dynamic shifts within the industry. Throughout his 40 year career, he has navigated the traditional realms of insurers, brokers, and MGAs (Managing General Agents) across both Commercial and Personal Lines markets. He has he