The BIBA Conference 2027 Exhibitor List

Richard has worked in independent brokering for 18 years and has recently taken on the Role of CEO of Towergate Insurance, part of The Ardonagh Group.

Samantha Ridgewell delivered a talk on networking as part of Young Brokers Day at BIBA. She works with Empower Development, speaking to graduates and school leavers about careers, and has over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry.

The Wellness Zone is the perfect place to unwind during a busy day at #BIBA2026. With complimentary massage and maybe some furry friends, take a moment to reflect, have some downtime then get back out into the Exhibition Hall to carry on networking and doing business.

Shân Millie – who chairs Day 2’s Sustainability/ESG Seminar in discussion with Simon Colvin (Weightman’s), Simon McGinn (Allianz) and Vasilka Bangeova (Guy Carpenter) – says it would be a mistake for Insurance professionals and leaders to think that. Not so long ago it, it was possible to separate completely what made a business successful financially, from both the societal context in which it operated, and the societal impacts of what it did, sold, made or invested in. In essence, the firm and its Board could demonstrate strong financial results, publish an annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report, and consider ‘job done’. That is no longer the case. In 2022, civic society, investors, your current and future Talent and increasingly regulators are setting new and different expectations of how the firm articulates ‘where you stand’ on the (growing) range of Environmental, Social and Governance issues encapsulated in ‘ESG’. Whether its Class Actions on Climate (inaction and/or ‘greenwashing’), reputational (and bottom-line) damage arising from perceived inaction on Human Rights violations in the supply chain, or civic society activism in response to the corporate response to the Russian aggression in Ukraine – expect to be called out. Where the 2006 Companies Act (the foundation of CSR reporting applied only to quoted companies, ESG knows no such limits. Every firm, from micro- to global, is part of someone else’s (Environmental, Social and Governance) supply chain: many SME brokers will already be aware that their insurer partner cannot meet their Net Zero commitments unless they too are with that programme i.e. setting their own Net Zero policy and credible plans to achieve it. Who decides what is a ‘credible’ plan for an SME broker? That question, and many others, is yet to be answered in anywhere like sufficient detail. I think it’s inevitable that ‘blueprints’ will emerge in 2022, but I also think this is a test of Leadership: just as insurer partners support their broker partners and networks with compliance, business development and other expert capabilities, so specific and focused support on ESG should be part of the commitment to ‘grow together’. Do those insurers and large brokers have ESG completely ‘sussed’ yet? In my experience, no, but getting to that point is considered by many to be an Operational and Strategic Resilience goal of the highest importance in 2022. For them, ESG isn’t just CSR with a few bells and whistles: it is a data-driven probe into how the firm defines and generates Value way beyond the Profit & Loss; the rules (metrics, standards) are being developed and set by others (from investors and regulators to Civic Society players like Insure Our Future); and how the firm ‘scored’ has the power to move EDITDA valuations, all-important Buy-Sell-Hold verdicts, credit ratings, Talent retention and acquisition and more, decisively, at breakneck speed. All this takes us a world away from the annual commentary, that told the story the firm wanted to tell in the way it chose to, on optional activity like charitable giving and community engagement, right? It also makes for a fascinating and important conversation on Thursday 12 May with a panel of leaders who are in the thick of it for their firms, clients and partners. I look forward to seeing you there.

Ben joined the insurance industry in 2019 and has since progressed into his current role as an Account Executive, where he looks after a diverse portfolio of commercial clients. Early in his career, Ben became actively involved with BIBA, joining the South Wales council and quickly stepping into the role of Young Broker Ambassador. His continued commitment led to him becoming the youngest ever Chair of BIBA South Wales, while also serving as Chair of the Young Broker Ambassadors nationally. Alongside his BIBA responsibilities, Ben contributes to the wider industry through his involvement with the BIBA Insurance Technology and Innovation Committee, helping to shape conversations around digital transformation and the future capabilities of brokers. In 2023, Ben was recognised as one of the Top 25 Insurance Brokers by Insurance Business, reflecting his professional impact and growing influence within the sector. Alongside his role with BIBA, Ben is also part of The Insurance Institute of Cardiff, where he has held roles as NOVUS President and Regional Forum Officer within the Cardiff CII. Ben has also been honoured with the Novus Emerging Professionals Award from the Cardiff Institute of Insurance. Further demonstrating his passion for championing the broker voice, Ben is a member of the Voice of the Broker Champions Council with Gracechurch, where he contributes to improving insurer–broker relationships and raising service standards across the market.

Graeme was appointed CEO in July 2023. Prior to this he was BIBA’s Executive Director for ten years when he joined the main board of BIBA and led the BIBA policy team that incorporates corporate affairs, technical services and communications. He is personally responsible for BIBA’s public affairs lobby with government, has provided written and oral evidence to the House of Commons and the House of Lords and is the author of the annual BIBA manifesto. Prior to joining BIBA Graeme was a general insurance broker between 1989 and 2001. Graeme’s knowledge of insurance and the sector is wide-ranging, and he appears regularly as a source of expertise in the media where he promotes the benefits of using a broker. He sits on the main board of the Employers’ Liability Tracing Office, the Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities: Building Safety Programme Market Assurance Group, the MOD Financial Services Steering Group and the Chartered Insurance Institute’s Society of Insurance Broking, as well as BIBA’s Insurance Brokers’ Standards Committee. He has also participated on the CBI Trade Association Council and Insurance Fraud Taskforce. As a strong advocate of expanding access to insurance, Graeme sits on the Insurance Disability Champion’s Access to Insurance Steering Group and the BIBA Access to Insurance cross-sector committee. Graeme is a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute and a Chartered Insurance Practitioner.

I am a dedicated and dynamic New Business-focused Broker with over 15 years of experience in corporate, commercial, and private client sales, broking, and insurer relationships. I thrive in client-facing roles, excelling at winning and retaining clients, and have managed insurance programs with global exposures. I have a broad expertise in commercial products and enjoy designing global programmes that fit around businesses. My career journey is a testament to my adaptability, enthusiasm, and commitment to professional growth. What I Love About My Current Role: I love the opportunity to meet and collaborate with independent brokers, understand their needs and network expectations, design and present effective proposals, and consistently meet and exceed new business sales targets. Current Job Title/Position and Responsibilities: Associate Director – Head of Sales at Willis Networks, I Help Insurance Brokers Maximise Growth Whilst Remaining Fiercely Independent.

Peter Crouch is one of the best-known and loved football presenters in the country. Former Liverpool, Spurs and England striker, he played 42 times for England including appearances at the World Cup. He is known for his sharp wit, engaging storytelling, and 19-year top-flight career. He offers insights on peak performance, teamwork, and football, delivered with humour and personality. As host of one of the UK's top podcasts, 'That Peter Crouch Podcast', is also a successful author having released three best-selling football books.

After the tragic loss of my brother-in-law in 2016 myself and Andy’s mum Elaine wanted to prevent other families from going through what we have. The idea was that to stop families going through this you had to help guys and the idea of #ThatOneMan was born. For me it always has been and always will be about finding that one man. I know that our groups are not for everyone but all I ask is you give them a go. In life what truly matters is giving it your best shot, that starts with you – #ITSOKAYTOTALK Vision with action makes for a powerful reality. ANDYSMANCLUB - It's Okay To Talk