For the 17th day of advent, Jo Sykes, UK broker divisional director at Markel, discusses award wins, next year’s strategy and industry impact
Open your advent calendar below!
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1. What was your insurance industry highlight of 2025?
The award winning performance by our people. Markel celebrated a triple win at the Insurance Times Awards 2025, securing Commercial Lines Insurer of the Year, Specialist Insurer of the Year and bronze for Claims Partner of the Year, while maintaining our five star service rating for service.
These accolades reflect strong underwriting, claims, sector expertise and a people-first approach that resonated with brokers and customers and reward our people for the service they deliver.
2. What is your Christmas message for your insurance colleagues?
As 2025 comes to an end, I want every Markel colleague to feel proud of everything we’ve accomplished as a team. Take time to celebrate our achievements, enjoy a well-earned holiday break and come back ready for 2026.
The year 2026 will be crucial in our five-year strategy – marked by ambition, excitement and potential. We’ll capitalise on this year’s progress by introducing new products, growing our presence in different regions and upholding the exceptional service that sets us apart.
To everyone in the wider insurance industry, thank you for your dedication and the significant impact you’ve had in 2025.
As we look forward, let’s continue to elevate our work – innovating for clients, fostering collaboration across the sector and making insurance increasingly adaptable and meaningful for those we support. By collaborating, we can build a more attractive, stronger market that benefits everyone.
3. What do you hope to find under the industry’s Christmas tree for 2026?
We remain committed to delivering quality for our customers, using broker feedback to guide improvements.
Making a positive difference for customers and brokers demonstrates real value, strengthens relationships and shows our reliability as partners.
Our progress in 2025 confirms that we’re building trust effectively and in partnership with our markets.
Looking ahead to 2026, we are eager to further support broker partners and better address their needs as we start the year.
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Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
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