Which industry firms are blazing a trail in 2022?

The intense work of brokers, insurers, underwriters and authorized representatives (ARs), both firms and individuals, will be recognized in 25 prestigious categories.

This year, the Insurance Business Australia Awards proudly return as an in-person event complete with the pre-awards cocktail reception, red carpet, dinner banquet and awards ceremony – and, of course, live entertainment throughout the evening.

Blake Oliver Consulting, the insurance specialist recruitment and consulting firm, is sponsoring the Australian General Insurer of the Year award.

“We are very proud to have sponsored these awards since their inception five years ago,” said Daniel Marsh, Blake Oliver’s managing director. “Having worked in the industry myself, I understand how important the recognition for your hard work is and it means so much more knowing you were nominated by your peers.”

Marsh is excited that it’s finally possible to hold the awards in-person.

“Catching up with industry leaders after spending the last two years in lockdown is a real treat,” he said. “You can’t beat the buzz of the room and being able to congratulate nominees and winners is what makes it special.”

Another awards sponsor is global insurer AXA XL.

“AXA XL is the proud sponsor of the Young Gun of the Year – International Award for the fourth year in a row. As an industry I feel it is important that we recognise up and coming talent, helping shape the future of insurance in Australia,” said Sydney based Catherine Carlyon, country manager Australia for the insurer.

The Underwriting Agencies Council (UAC) is another long term supporter of the event.

“UAC is proud to sponsor the Underwriting Agency of the Year award,” said UAC general manager William Legge. “The recipient represents the pinnacle of professionalism in client service and underwriting across the many underwriting agencies operating in the Australian market.”

UAC is also sponsoring the Underwriting Agency BDM of the Year award.

“Agencies thrive on their ability to build relationships with brokers and keep the market well informed about their products and service levels,” said Legge. “A well-rounded, professional BDM is the key to achieving that, which is why UAC is so proud to sponsor this award.”

Smart Nine, the project management and resourcing firm, is sponsoring the Australian Brokerage of Year award.

“I am impressed with the strong line up of industry specialists in the running for the 2022 Australian Brokerage of the Year award,” said Smart Nine’s director, Martin Hodgkinson. “With competition this fierce it goes without saying that Smart Nine is proud to sponsor this award.”

Comedian, actor and presenter Ed Kavalee – a recurring panellist on Network 10’s Have You Been Paying Attention? – is the Awards host. The entertainment includes Groove Academy’s Party Band, regarded as one of Australia’s most in-demand acts.

This year’s awards event is the fifth annual celebration and follows two years of virtual gatherings. The exciting occasion gives brokers, brokerages, insurers, underwriting agencies, BDMs, service providers and more the chance to be showcased on a national stage, while celebrating with all the glitz and glamour that they deserve.

Last month, after an arduous selection process, Insurance Business announced the 2022 excellence awardees. Click here to see who is shortlisted for each category. This is a shortlist of the top performers in each awards category.