How healthy is the UK broker landscape really? Ahead of BIBA 2026, leaders from Qclaims, Victor Insurance, Virtue, CGI, and First Underwriting debate the shifting shape of the broking sector. From AI-powered innovation to the resurgence of entrepreneurial ARs, discover where new value is being created and why service,  not just price, is back in vogue. With consolidation slowing and MGAs finding their agile edge, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for insurers, brokers, and anyone invested in the future of distribution. Can community, smarter tech, and a focus on relationships keep the MGA sector ahead? Find out inside.

Key Quotes:

“We’re there to listen as much as we’re there to talk and to sell our products. We want to hear where brokers are struggling in the market, where we can help them out, where there’s gaps… we’re not just building things for the sake of building things. We want to build products that actually make brokers’ lives easier.”

“What I do like about being at BIBA is you can really talk to people about what’s working well, what has worked, where are the struggles… and that allows us to shape our solutions to get the best out of the technology that’s on the table today.” 

“The really interesting thing is to have so many conversations in such a short space of time… and having 75% of your customers and suppliers in the same postcode for three days is genuinely unique.”

“The broking community is so dynamic in the UK, and it’s always changing shape… we’ve seen huge amounts of consolidation, but in the last 18 months the AR community just seems to be exploding again… it’s constantly reinventing itself.” 

“Yes, we are in a soft market, and yes, everyone is after the best possible competitive rate. But we find that where we win and we keep our brokers is by service… they know they can pick up the phone and speak to an underwriter who can make a decision.”

Resources:

https://www.cgi.com/uk/en-gb 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/cgi/ 

https://www.virtuunderwriting.co.uk/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/virtusolutions/ 

https://qlaims.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/qlaims-limited/

https://www.firstuw.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-underwriting-limited/

https://www.victorinsurance.com/uk/home.html

https://www.linkedin.com/company/victoruk/ 

About the Guests:

Daren Rudd - Head of Business and Technology Consulting |UK Insurance | Vice President – Consulting Expert 

Daren is a Vice-President in CGI’s UK Insurance business, leading a consulting team working with clients to shape digital strategy, modernise business models, and apply emerging technologies to deliver measurable outcomes.

With over 30 years’ experience in the London and General Insurance markets, Daren brings deep industry expertise alongside more than a decade in InsurTech, consulting and technolgytechnology delivery. He applies a pragmatic approach in the use of technology to make a difference for the business, focusing on a lean rapid approach to transformation and focused on the value it creates for people.

Daren is passionate about approaching complex challenges differently and believes that traditional transformation does not meet the needs of modern business. He partners with senior business and technology leaders to bridge the gap between innovation and reality, to ensure solutions are focus on real value not technology hype. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/daren-rudd/ 

Emily Gough - Property Owner Department Lead at Virtu Underwriting

Emily Gough is an accomplished insurance professional with extensive experience across property and commercial underwriting. She currently serves as the Property Owner Department Lead at Virtu Underwriting, a position she has held since September 2023. In this role, Emily leads departmental strategy, oversees underwriting frameworks, and ensures the delivery of competitive, profitable, and customer-focused solutions for brokers and their clients.

Before joining Virtu, Emily spent more than a decade developing deep technical and operational expertise. Her leadership has consistently centred on a strong blend of technical knowledge and practical leadership to the property insurance sector.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-gough-acii-3a8a7687/ 

Liz Latter - CEO Qlaims

Liz is a commercially driven insurance leader and CEO of Qlaims, a fast-growing specialist MGA providing Loss Recovery Insurance. With experience across brokers, software providers, and insurers, including leadership roles in start‑ups and mature organisations, she champions using technology to elevate, not replace, the empathy and clarity people need during challenging claims moments.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-latter-70180b11/ 

Simon Taylor - Commercial Director, First Underwriting

Simon Taylor is Commercial Director at First Underwriting – one of the UK’s leading specialist and scheme insurance MGAs. With over 30 years of experience, he’s held a wide range of senior leadership roles in the UK general insurance market with a track record of building businesses and profitable business growth. As Commercial Director at First Underwriting, he’s focused on enhancing and evolving its distribution and insurance solutions – further strengthening the organisation’s commitment to helping broker partners succeed. His favourite insurance story is being served a £4,500 bottle of wine by mistake several years back at a BIBA conference!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-taylor-ab309b1b/ 

Susan Diemer - Head of Sales and Distribution at Victor Insurance 

Susan Diemer is the Head of Sales and Distribution at Victor UK responsible for leading the UK sales team and developing the sales strategy for Victor in the UK. Susan has 25 years of experience in the industry; starting as a graduate at AXA, then working in strategy and proposition development positions at NIG, and most recently as Head of Strategic Partners at Markel. Through her time in insurance she has found her passion in developing good customer outcomes for brokers and end customers alike and loves being in front of brokers, supporting their growth. She is a Chartered Insurer with an Advanced Diploma from the Chartered Insurance Institute and holds a MA in Management Studies from St. Andrews University.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/suz-diemer-acii-ma-32b4911b/ 

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:

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 Director

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 works with many of our private equity clients, advising and supporting them on their transactions in the financial services sector.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-needham-4853527/

David Plummer, Group CEO

Bluefriars

David has been working in the Lloyd’s market since 1987 and has been a specialist consultant and trainer for over 20 years. David draws on both his commercial experience looking after Fortune 500 and FTSE 250 companies, as well as his specialist compliance experience working as Head of Compliance and Head of Financial Crime Prevention for both national and multinational firms. David has worked with retail and investment banks, stockbrokers, asset managers, IFAs, insurers and insurance brokers in both retail and wholesale environments, dealing at all levels - including at c-suite level. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidplummeruk/

Insurers and MGAs face unprecedented complexity in managing counterparty risk, especially as technology amplifies both opportunity and exposure. In this MGA Conversations episode, sector leaders unpack how onboarding, data harnessing, and relentless monitoring are reshaping best practices. Discover why ‘set-and-forget’ risk frameworks are obsolete, how to future-proof your due diligence with tech, and which emerging threats could catch even the nimblest firms off guard. Essential perspective for anyone seeking resilience and regulatory readiness in today’s dynamic market—and for challengers eager to get ahead of the next compliance wave.

Key Quotes:

Resources:

https://antaresglobal.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/antares

https://pro-global.com/pro-mga/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/pro-global

https://reg.uk.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/reg-uk/

About the Guests:

Nathan Banfield is Head of Customer Success at REG Technologies, where he leads with a clear focus on helping clients run their businesses faster, smarter and safer. Acting as a trusted advisor to regulated firms across the insurance landscape, Nathan goes beyond implementation and partners closely with clients to understand their strategic objectives and operational challenges. 

With a customer-first mindset, he is passionate about delivering exceptional service and building long-term relationships rooted in trust, transparency and measurable value. Nathan works alongside firms to ensure they maximise the impact of REG’s solutions, embedding stronger, more efficient risk and compliance processes that support sustainable growth. Known for his proactive approach and commitment to continuous improvement, he champions service excellence at every stage of the customer journey.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-banfield

Richard started his underwriting career in 1990 with SCOR and later Munich Re in a variety of reinsurance underwriting roles, both in the UK and overseas. In 2008 he transferred to delegated insurance underwriting within the Munich Re Group and has specialised in this sector ever since. Working with both MGA’s and capacity suppliers, Richard has extensive experience in managing delegated underwriting operations across multiple lines of business. In recent years he has focused on improving underwriting efficiencies and performance through enhanced data, analytics, and processes.

Most recently Richard worked with HDI Speciality joining Antares Group in March 2024 as Chief Underwriting Officer for Antares Insurance Company Limited, a delegated only insurance platform which launched in January 2024. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-marshall-b0b6a165/

Sonia is an accomplished insurance and compliance expert with over 20 years of experience in the finance and insurance sectors. She possesses extensive technical knowledge of global legislative and regulatory requirements across various insurance operations, including underwriting, risk management, legal compliance, auditing, analytics, and loss assessing.

As a chartered insurer with an advanced diploma in insurance, Sonia has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional development and excellence in compliant insurance practices. She is currently pursuing the prestigious FCII accreditation. Her expertise includes adeptly navigating complex regulatory landscapes and promoting high standards in insurance compliance.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonia-stanton-acii-chartered-insurer-a4867160/ 

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/

The Accident & Health (A&H) market isn’t just surviving - it’s redefining how MGAs, carriers, and TPAs collaborate and compete. In this episode, Kieran Morrin of HDI UK & Ireland shares what’s powering their growth: a data-centric mindset, tech-enabled efficiency, and a consciously balanced approach to distribution. Hear why AI isn’t a silver bullet, how true partnership can cut frictional costs, and why nurturing talent now is business-critical. Whether you’re navigating soft markets or wrestling with outdated processes, this conversation offers sharp insights and honest takes for anyone committed to staying ahead in specialty insurance.

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/kieranmoran

Mike is excited about the new MGAA podcast series, which aims to showcase key figures in

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

Resources

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 episode of MGAA Conversations, MGAA CEO Mike Keating sits down with Hannah Gurga, Director General of the Association of British Insurers (ABI), for a wide-ranging discussion on the state of the UK insurance market in 2025.

Key Quotes

Resources

About the Guest

Hannah Gurga leads the ABI, representing the UK’s general insurance and long-term savings industry. Under her leadership, the ABI champions regulatory reform, supports market resilience, drives progress in diversity and inclusion, and promotes innovation across the sector.

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, Mike Keating is joined by Caroline Wagstaff, CEO of the London Market Group (LMG), for a wide-ranging discussion on the health, competitiveness, and future of the London insurance market.

Caroline explains how the LMG acts as the collective voice of brokers, insurers, and Lloyd’s businesses, working with government and regulators to promote the market’s global strength. She reflects on the market’s robust performance, continued international growth, and the importance of maintaining the UK’s competitiveness amid global competition.

A passionate advocate for new talent, Caroline highlights the LMG’s pioneering initiatives to make specialty insurance a destination career for young people. She shares the success of the Lime Street Festival, a vibrant event designed to showcase the industry’s opportunities, and outlines plans to expand entry-level hiring through shared talent pools and apprenticeship programmes.

The conversation also touches on the LMG’s ongoing engagement with regulators to improve proportionality in oversight and the introduction of a new UK captive regime — all part of ensuring that the London Market remains innovative, competitive, and fit for the future.

“Our role is to speak up for the London Market — to make sure we’re fit for the future and recognised for our global contribution.”

“We can’t rest on our laurels. There are people out there who’d like a bit of our lunch.”

“Every year there’s a new generation of 17-year-olds who’ve never heard of insurance — so we have to keep telling our story.”

“You can’t make short-term decisions without understanding the long-term consequences. Hiring young people is an investment in our future.”

Resources

About the Guest

Caroline Wagstaff is the Chief Executive Officer of the London Market Group (LMG), which represents the combined interests of brokers, insurers, and Lloyd’s market participants.

A seasoned communicator and industry leader, Caroline is known for her strategic advocacy work on behalf of the London Market — from regulatory engagement and government relations to championing initiatives that attract new and diverse talent into the sector.

She is particularly passionate about positioning the insurance industry as a force for social good and an exciting, long-term career destination for young professionals.

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

Resources

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/