Biba Manifesto 2026: Biba to launch broker AI school in partnership with Markel

Trade body Biba plans to establish an artificial intelligence (AI) training school in partnership with insurer Markel, aimed at helping its members “better understand the opportunities presented by AI and how to manage the associated risks”.

This is according to Biba’s Manifesto 2026, which was revealed in full at a launch event in parliament yesterday (14 January 2026).

The new AI school builds on an AI guide the two firms produced in 2025 and is planned to be available to brokers early this year.

According to Simon Johnston, marketing director for the UK at Markel, it will “further help Biba members to embrace innovation and drive our industry forward for the benefit of customers”.

The initiative is one of a raft of commitments Biba has made to help brokers in 2026, including continuing its successful “Ben the Broker” advertising campaign, releasing a new guide for those interested in setting up a start-up broker and creating a directory of cyber accredited brokers.

AI training

Speaking about the planned AI school, Graeme Trudgill, chief executive at Biba, told Insurance Times: “It’s a new announcement. We’re doing it together with Markel, who helped us put the [2025 AI] guide together.

“It’s about how we work together to make sure brokers can be trained in AI, understand AI, understand the risks, but also the benefits and positives as well.

“It’s very early days, but much more will come out soon. It’s our main technology and AI commitment – it’s a big piece of work for us.”