Jo Sykes, Markel’s divisional director for broker and ATE in the UK, talks about the company’s submission for the Commercial Lines Insurer of the Year category
1. Why did you put yourselves forward for this category?
Because our team has consistently delivered sector-led growth, service excellence and broker-first innovation over the past year. We were voted number one by brokers in the 2025 Insurance Times Five Star Rating report, scoring five stars across every service metric.
Our commercial lines book grew significantly between 2023 and 2024, with our combined ratio easily beating our own challenging targets. We have invested in eTrading, our people, expanded our propositions and enhanced our service. We are proud of what we have built and the trust brokers place in us.
2. What makes your entry stand out, and why should you win the award?
As an A-rated insurer, we combine an award-winning claims service with market-leading sector-specific propositions. We handle claims swiftly – often within 24 hours – and provide customers with expertise at every step, from underwriting to legal advice.
Our integrated insurance, tax and legal services are designed to support SMEs and help them grow, which is reflected in the incredibly high retention rate we experienced from 2020 to 2024.
We are committed to supporting brokers by adding a number of new products to Acturis over the next 18 months, including offering product parity between our open market and digital offerings.
3. What would winning this award mean to you and your firm?
It would be an endorsement of our strategy and the resourcefulness of our people. Our team works tirelessly to deliver for brokers, combining expert sector insight, best-in-class service and strong support.
Winning would reinforce that doing the right thing consistently pays off. It would also show our broker partners that we have listened, acted and delivered on service and our promises.
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