Looking over the horizon

Biba's 2002 conference was arguably the most important one in its ten-year history. Statutory regulation of general insurance distribution means we will see the biggest shake-up of broking ever.

So it was strange that during the conference's 90-minute open forum, questions from the floor followed the well-worn path of moaning about insurers' late terms, poor service, rate hikes and general arrogance. Brokers, seemingly, are not looking beyond the immediate horizon.

And that's not suprising. Risks are taking three or four times longer to prepare and place. And, when they are placed, lots of effort goes into explaining the rate hikes to customers. Unfortunately, that's not enough.

I reckon there is about four months left to really change government's ideas about regulation, so unless we summon up more energy to do our daily jobs and think about the issues over the horizon, there will be another nightmare situation next year - impending regulations that are not fair or proportionate.

Interestingly enough Biba's speaker programme had the imagination to look at strategic issues. Mind-mapping, leadership and innovation are the kind of words we should take time out to consider deeply for the sake of our business, but rarely do because of day-to-day pressures.

So congratulations to Biba chief executive Mike Williams for giving everyone the chance to think strategically, at least.

Another lasting impression from Biba is that AXA worked very hard at making friends and that Peter Hubbard, in just a few months, seems to be having an effect on the hearts and minds of his troops.

Take Mark Cliff, AXA's commercial lines director. In the nine months I have been in the industry, I've never seen Cliff smile as much as I did over the past few days and talk about customer focus with such conviction. It remains to be seen whether AXA will deliver, but a new will seems to be emerging. For everyone's sake I hope so.