“The distribution landscape has changed significantly over the past few years,” said Steve Talbot (pictured above), head of Q nect, partnerships at QBE Australia Pacific.
He was referring to the way insurers deal with their broker partners. One example of this change is the QBE division that Talbot leads. Q nect is the giant insurer’s portal of services that brokers can access through the QBE website. These include product materials, educational resources and live connections to underwriting teams.
Talbot told Insurance Business that this platform now services more than 1,600 individual AR practices and broking offices Australia-wide.
As a way of celebrating this relationship, Q nect is sponsoring two prizes at the upcoming Insurance Business Australia Awards: Authorised Representative Network of the Year and the Authorised Representative of the Year.
This year’s event is taking place at The Fullerton Hotel in Sydney. This black-tie occasion on May 3 involves a gala dinner, prize presentations and live entertainment.
IB recently announced the excellence awardees for each category of awards. One winner from each category will be announced on the big night.
“Congratulations to all the 2024 Insurance Business Award nominees,” said Talbot. “We look forward to celebrating this recognition with you all.”
The QBE leader provided more details about how the Q nect package of services can help brokers.
“It was launched in October 2021 and is a distribution channel specifically designed for ARs and predominantly SME aligned brokers,” said Talbot. “Q nect partners are serviced by our national team of dedicated Q nect Managers, Partnerships, who are responsible for building relationships and providing seamless access to our underwriting services.”
He said part of this relationship involves Q nect being QBE’s main point of contact for brokers and ARs. Talbot said this service is also focused on helping broker partners grow their businesses.
One way Q nect does this, he said, is through education.
“It gives brokers and ARs the opportunity to learn more about QBE Insurance products, receive e-training and attend virtual events, plus access tools and resources that can help them achieve their business ambitions,” said Talbot. “For example, brokers and ARs can access articles on how to position themselves as a trusted advisor to customers, and how to use LinkedIn to boost their digital presence and give themselves a competitive advantage on the platform.”
He said the insurance offerings serviced through Q nect cover most sectors including property, white collar professions and even hobby farms.
“Whilst our partners mainly transact through our SME products, we are also their advocate for other lines including ISR, Fleet and Liability, amongst others,” said Talbot.
One change he’s noticed during more than two decades in the industry is today’s greater focus on speed of service and responsiveness.
“Our broker partners have busy schedules and the old model of BRMs largely being on the road has been replaced by a responsive service with a strong emphasis on timeliness,” said Talbot. “Our partners want us to be present when they need us.”
Artificial intelligence is also making a positive impact, he said, but as part of an overall digital upgrade.
“QBE is undertaking a multi-year modernisation agenda focused on three core areas that will deliver for our customers and ensure we deliver on our purpose, vision and strategy,” said Talbot.
The three core areas, he said, are:
QBE’s 2024 annual report also referred to accelerating “data-centric capabilities” and expanding the ability to support customer resilience through new technologies, such as AI.
Thanks to all our supporters, including QBE, for investing in this year’s Insurance Industry Awards. AAMC, ShieldCover, Financial Education and Crawford & Co are the award’s other sponsors.
The 2024 Insurance Business Australia Awards are taking place on May 3 at The Fullerton Hotel in Sydney. You can book your table and buy individual tickets here.
