The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) has announced that Patrick Smith, Chairman of Swinton, will become Chairman of the trade association in September.   He takes up the post following unanimous Board approval and will be confirmed as Chairman elect at the BIBA Annual General Meeting this month. 

Patrick has 38 years experience in the insurance industry including being Chairman of Hill House Hammond. He has also set up an e-commerce general insurance intermediary, fronted the buy -out of Swinton from R&SA, held the Chief Executive position and is now the Chairman.  Patrick has previously sat on the BIBA Board and chaired the BIBA Personal Lines Focus Group.

Derek Thornton, Chairman of BIBA, said: "As my two years in the role come to an end, I am delighted that Patrick has agreed to take up the mantle. Patrick has a wealth of broking knowledge and experience of the industry which I know he will now apply to the benefit of both BIBA’s Board and the whole Association. I’m sure he will prove to be a strong leader for the organisation and will successfully guide BIBA and its members through the challenges that face insurance brokers and intermediaries in the general insurance sector.”

Patrick Smith commented: “I am honoured to be selected for such an important role and I am very much looking forward to taking up my position as BIBA Chairman in September. It’s important to make a contribution to the industry and I’m pleased to have this opportunity to give something back to broking. I am determined that BIBA will continue to make an impact on the tough issues that it has to deal with and I’m planning to participate wherever possible.”

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Notes to editors

1. For further information please contact:

BIBA press office:
Leighann Burtrand, Communications Manager
020 7397 0223
burtrandl@biba.org.uk

2. About British Insurance Brokers' Association

The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) is the UK’s leading general insurance organisation representing the interests of insurance brokers, intermediaries and their customers.

BIBA membership includes 1700 regulated firms. Insurance brokers and intermediaries distribute nearly two-thirds of all UK general insurance. In 2007, insurance brokers and intermediaries generated £1.5 billion of invisible earnings and they introduce £22 billion of premium income into London’s insurance market each year.

BIBA is the voice of the industry, advising members, the regulators, the Government, consumer bodies and other stakeholders on key insurance issues.  BIBA provides unique schemes and facilities, technical advice, guidance on regulation and business support and is helping to raise, and maintain, industry standards. BIBA works closely with the Chartered Insurance Institute to provide training to those working in the industry and actively participates in helping the industry and its customers deal with some of the major issues of the day.

BIBA members provide professional advice to businesses and consumers, playing a key role in identification, measurement, management, control and transfer of risk.  They negotiate appropriate insurance protection tailored to individual needs and operate to a very high standard of customer service with the aim of ensuring peace of mind, security, financial protection and the professional advice required.

To find your nearest BIBA broker visit the ‘Find A Broker' section of the BIBA website, www.biba.org.uk or call BIBA’s consumer helpline on 0870 950 1790