BIBA's first national media campaign featuring Ben the Broker generated more than 47 million opportunities to see, read or hear the message in 2025. Independent research by Consumer Intelligence found that the likelihood of using a broker rose from 77% to 96% among those who saw the advert - a 19-percentage-point lift that validates both the investment and the approach. General insurance brokers arrange 77% of all UK general insurance at £105.5 billion in premiums and 94% of all commercial insurance business, contributing 1% of GDP. The campaign is designed to close the gap between that economic significance and consumer awareness of what brokers actually do.
BIBA's 2025 report and accounts, covering the year to December 31, show turnover rose to £8.6 million from £8.5 million in 2024, with growing member engagement across regional events, conference activity and advertising cited as the driver.
The campaign continued into 2026 with a sharper focus on cyber risk, alongside a new Cyber Insurance Directory listing brokers accredited under BIBA's cyber programme. The pivot is commercially specific. Government data from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology shows just 10% of UK businesses and 5% of charities hold a dedicated cyber insurance policy, while the Hiscox Cyber Readiness Report 2025 found 59% of respondents had been hit by a cyber attack in the previous 12 months. A 49-percentage-point gap between attack rate and insurance take-up in the SME market is precisely the protection gap a broker-awareness campaign can address - businesses that understand what brokers can do are more likely to seek advice on coverage they do not know they need.
BIBA's advocacy work was backed by fresh evidence during the year. Research commissioned by BIBA and carried out by London Economics found that regulation costs amount to 5.2% of insurance premiums collected - 3.3% for brokers and 1.9% for insurers. BIBA CEO Graeme Trudgill said at the time that the cost of regulation was disproportionate to the risk brokers pose and that BIBA was working more closely than ever with the FCA to reduce that burden. The London Economics figure gives that argument its specific evidential foundation for FCA engagement.
The 2025 BIBA Tour of the Regions drew a record 1,100 attendees across 11 events, with senior FCA and major insurer figures joining members on stage to discuss market issues - a format Trudgill described as reflecting growing collaboration between the trade body, regulator and capacity providers. The BIBA Conference continued to grow, with record attendance at the 2025 event. Other investments through the year included a new conference team role, live chat on the online Find Insurance Service, seven guides, 50 regional events, 44 webinars and continued work with Gracechurch Consulting on insurer service results for members.
2025 also marked the end of Jonathan Evans's six-year tenure as BIBA chair. Evans, a former MP, MEP and minister with responsibility for insurance, was succeeded by Caroline Barr, who became the first woman to hold the position.
Trudgill said BIBA's healthy financial position would allow it to invest further in supporting and representing members and demonstrating the value of the broker profession to businesses and policymakers.
