Personal line brokers targeted in drive to form retail grouping
Biba is in the final stages of negotiations with the top personal lines brokers to join the organisation and form a large retail broker group.
BDML confirmed it will be one of the first companies to join the association, and is likely to be followed by a number of other brokers such as Budget and Swinton.
Biba chief executive Eric Galbraith said: "We have spoken to, or are speaking to, most individuals in the large broker group, such as Budget, Swinton and BDML."
Swinton chief executive Patrick Smith said: "It would be sensible if companies like us became members so Biba could be representative of the whole industry.
"As Biba reassesses its approach to this part of the industry we are happy to do the same."
Biba will also set up other industry specific groups to better represent the needs of the individual sectors.
Groups include: small brokers, national networks, large regionals, the retail segment and majors such as Aon, Willis and Marsh.
Galbraith said: "It is an area where we can generate ideas and make sure we understand and represent all our members' requirements, such as through lobbying."
"We are looking to grow our membership this year. Hopefully, we can prove to companies the value we can bring."
