Brokers from across Australia are being urged to enter a prestigious industry award which offers one deserving winner the opportunity to fast-track their career and forge invaluable connections.

Sponsored by Gold Seal, AIMS and Steadfast, the Valerie Baker Memorial Award recognises excellence in the general insurance intermediary sector and is supported by industry stalwart Lloyd’s.

“Anyone with passion for our industry and their community should apply, it is the gift that keeps on giving,” said Karen Hardy, 2017 winner and principal broker at ACME Insurance Brokers. “I would highly recommend this programme to others – for me, this was a career highlight and I truly believe that anyone with an interest in our industry and/or their future within it should apply.”

The winner, chosen by a panel of industry leaders from each of the sponsors, will receive a career-changing opportunity to see first-hand how the London market operates.

The prize includes an expenses-paid trip to London, with business class air fares and accommodation in the heart of the financial district, an education experience tailored to the winner’s special interests, a thorough familiarisation with Lloyd’s of London and the workings of the London Market, meetings with brokers, underwriters and other senior members of the London market and AU$1,000 spending money.

Speaking to Insurance Business upon her return late last year, Hardy also said her interactions with Lloyd’s market participants had been nothing but positive.

“There appears to be multiple offerings by multiple providers for most classes of business without geographic exclusion,” she said. “My question to my Australian counterparts is: why aren’t we exploiting this to its full capacity?”

To be eligible, candidates must reside in Australia and be the principal of a general insurance intermediary or be employed by one. A keen interest in exploring the foundations of the insurance industry and in helping to fly the flag for Australian and New Zealand intermediaries in the London market will also be highly regarded.

Brokers can nominate themselves or anyone else they think is deserving of the award, but applications will only remain open until July 20, 2018. More information on the application process can be found online.

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