Exclusive images from the first broker forum held in Manchester

The inaugural Insurance Times Broker Forum was held yesterday at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester.

See a selection of photos from the day where brokers were treated to an impressive line up of speakers.

The day kicked off with an introduction from Insurance Times editor Tom Broughton, who was followed by keynote speaker Patrick Smith, chairman of Swinton.

The first live interview of the day paired Perkins Slade chairman David Slade and former Axa chief executive Peter Hubbard who enjoyed a frank and open chat on a number of current market topics.

After coffee, The Regulation Panel Debate - including Biba’s Steve White, CII director general Sandy Scott, Paul Hopkin from Airmic and Peter Smits from independent broker Ashbourne Insurance - produced a lively discussion.

Lunch was followed by part two of the live interview where Axa’s Paul Meehan led a three way discussion with consolidators Chris Giles, chief executive of Giles Insurance Brokers and Oval chief executive Phillip Hodson.

The day ended with a final panel session titled ‘What lies ahead - finding the right new business opportunities’ where Fortis Insurance managing director Mark Cliff, Alec Finch Group chairman Alec Finch, Biba chief executive Eric Galbraith and Marsh UK’s head of commercial Julie Page held an interactive debate.

Brokers were also offered the chance to provide their feedback on the day as well as complete Insurance Times’ latest Broker Service Survey - open to all brokers - with the chance win one of five iPods.

The Insurance Times Leaders Forum will take place at the Hilton Tower Bridge, London in October while the next Insurance Times Broker Forum will be held in Birmingham on December 4, the same day as the Insurance Times Awards.

See next week’s issue of Insurance Times for more.