Previous Insurance Times Awards MGA of The Year and Training Excellence and Impact Award winner on what it takes to stand above the crowd

Insurance Times Awards

With only a month left to get your entries in to the 2016 Insurance Times Awards, we speak to inspiring past winners about their win, top tips on submitting entries and industry experiences.

Here UK General managing director Karen Beales talks about winning the MGA of The Year Award for the second year in a row and the Training Excellence and Impact Award for the first time. 

What did it feel like to be recognised like this by the industry?

Winning the awards was fantastic to further strengthen our reputation in the industry. In such a challenging market, it can be difficult to gain the acknowledgement that is deserved and external recognition is hugely important. I feel extremely proud to be working with such a dedicated team that work hard to maintain our high service levels resulting in the award win.

What is needed to be a great MGA?

It takes a range of factors to make a great MGA. Firstly, you need to have the right products with the underwriting capability and the appetite to tailor them to our customers specific requirements. Secondly, great insurance partners who support the business and allow it to flourish and grow. An MGA will likely offer an insurer partner access to markets they otherwise would not be able to trade in. And finally, a collection of great employees. At the heart of UK General are conscientious individuals who strive to deliver the best customer value. In return, we look after and develop them to ensure we keep them!

What did winning the Training Excellence and Impact Award mean for your team?

Winning the Training Excellence and Impact Award was a moment of huge pride for myself and the team. To receive acclaim for the value we put into our employees through training initiatives and excellence recognition is very rewarding. We’re an Investors in People Gold Standard employer too, so these awards highlight just how important it is to invest in your people. This reward was a great surprise in view of the competition, against major insurers and it does show that the award entry and judges presentations are considered on their own merit.

Are industry awards important?

We work in such a saturated industry that these awards help to set us apart from the competition. Industry awards are an excellent example of how to differentiate the business and increase our market presence. Across my career I’ve been fortunate enough to see UK General win MGA of The Year two years in a row, it’s hugely satisfying to know that our persistence, tenacity and hard work is paying off!

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