Talent tops brokers’ priorities, Mission survey finds

Attracting and retaining talent has emerged as the top priority for UK insurance brokers, according to new research from MGA capital partner Mission.

A survey of 92 brokers conducted at the 2026 Biba Conference in May this year found that 40% ranked talent attraction and retention as the industry’s biggest priority.

The findings placed people issues ahead of adopting artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, which was selected by 24% of respondents.

Emerging risks and protection gaps ranked third on 21%, while 15% identified regulation and compliance as the sector’s primary concern.

Mission said the results reflected growing competition for specialist talent across the insurance market.

Chief commercial officer Tom Hill said the survey demonstrated that while AI remained high on the industry’s agenda, brokers continued to place greater value on experienced professionals.

“While AI is rightly high on the agenda, brokers recognise that its value ultimately depends on the people using it,” he said.

Foundations of success 

Hill added that “specialist expertise, trusted relationships and entrepreneurial leadership remain the foundations of a successful insurance business,” despite the increasing adoption of new technology.

“That’s exactly why Mission exists,” he said. “We back exceptional underwriting talent with the capital, infrastructure and operational support they need to build and scale specialist MGAs, allowing them to focus on what they do best – serving brokers and clients.”

The findings support the notion that recruitment and retention remain pressing concerns for the sector, despite ongoing investment in technology and increasing focus on AI-driven transformation.