This is the highest honour at the Insurance Business Australia Awards.

This award recognises and celebrates a leading figure who has contributed much to the advancement of the insurance industry in Australia.

Though there are no defined parameters, this award will acknowledge someone with an established history and reputation of distinguished service to the insurance profession and who has exhibited leadership and provided inspiration to others in the sector and own workplace, whilst putting the interests of the industry at the top of their priorities throughout their career.

There are no finalists/excellence awardees for this category. Nominations will be evaluated by the shortlisting team. The recipient of this award will be contacted before the awards event and will be revealed at the Insurance Business Awards gala dinner.

This award recognises the best brokerage operation with 1–5 staff (or full-time equivalents) in Australia. The number of staff includes all brokers writing business (license holders or authorised representatives) and support staff. To be eligible your brokerage must be independently branded and headquartered in Australia. Based on performance over the past 12 months – 1 January 2023 – 31 December 2023.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered from an overall business perspective:

• Client retention
• Customer service proposition
• Financial results including total revenue, percentage of new business and growth in client and staff number
• Staff development and retention
• The business’ value proposition and strategy around stakeholder engagement

The winner of this category will become a excellence awardee for Australian Brokerage of the Year.

This award recognises the best brokerage operation with 6–20 staff (or full-time equivalents) in Australia. The number of staff includes all brokers writing business (license holders or authorised representatives) and support staff. To be eligible your brokerage must be independently branded and headquartered in Australia. Based on performance over the past 12 months – 1 January 2023 – 31 December 2023.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered from an overall business perspective:

• Client retention
• Customer service proposition
• Financial results including total revenue, percentage of new business and growth in client and staff numbers
• Staff development and retention
• The business’ value proposition and strategy around stakeholder engagement

The winner of this category will become a excellence awardee for Australian Brokerage of the Year.

This award recognises the best brokerage operation with more than 20 staff (or full-time equivalents) in Australia. The number of staff includes all brokers writing business (license holders or authorised representatives) and support staff. To be eligible your brokerage must be independently branded and headquartered in Australia. Based on performance over the past 12 months – 1 January 2023 – 31 December 2023.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered from an overall business perspective:

• Client retention
• Customer service proposition
• Financial results including total revenue, percentage of new business and growth in client and staff numbers
• Staff development and retention
• The business’ value proposition and strategy around stakeholder engagement

The winner of this category will become a excellence awardee for Australian Brokerage of the Year.

This award of excellence recognises the outstanding young insurance broker in the insurance industry who has shown the highest potential for greater leadership and has exceled at pushing the envelope with innovation and growth, garnering industry’s attention and the respect of peers. Based on performance over the past 12 months – 1 January 2023 – 31 December 2023.

To be eligible, nominees must be 40 or younger as of December 31, 2023.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

• Open to any insurance broker under 40
• Calendar year growth in # of clients, policies written, new business
• Overall approach to business development, client service, client education, and relationship management reflecting business success
• Use of technology, marketing/branding and innovation in business strategy
• Relevant achievements over the past 12 months (inc. accolades, courses/certifications completed, speaking engagements, active efforts to raise education, press features, etc.)

This award recognises the best authorised representative in Australia. Based on performance over the past 12 months – 1 January 2023 – 31 December 2023.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

• Calendar year growth in clients, policies written, new business
• Overall approach to business development, client service, client education and relationship management reflecting business success
• Exhibited leadership and provided inspiration to others in the use of technology, marketing/branding, and innovation in business strategy
• Relevant achievements over the past 12 months (inc. accolades, courses/certifications completed, speaking engagements, active efforts to raise education, press features, etc.)

This award recognises the best authorised representative network in Australia. Based on performance over the past 12 months – 1 January 2023 – 31 December 2023.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

• Year-over-year growth
• Effective business development and lead generation strategies
• Development of key partnerships and relationships with ARs and insurers
• Demonstrated broker support systems and processes
• Overall support of and contribution to the insurance intermediary channel
• Demonstration of positive impact on the wider community
• The business’ value proposition and strategy around stakeholder engagement

This award of is one of the highest accolades given to an individual in the insurance industry.

This award recognises the most outstanding insurance broker in Australia who has best excelled at pushing the envelope with exemplary service, commitment to clients, innovation and growth. Based on performance over the past 12 months – 1 January 2023 – 31 December 2023.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

• Calendar year growth in clients, policies written, new business
• Overall approach to business development, client service, client education and relationship management reflecting business success
• Exhibited leadership and provided inspiration to others in the use of technology, marketing/branding, and innovation in business strategy
• Relevant achievements over the past 12 months (inc. accolades, courses/certifications completed, speaking engagements, active efforts to raise education, press features, etc.)

This award recognises the best underwriting agency operating in Australia. Based on performance over the past 12 months – 1 January 2023 – 31 December 2023.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

• Business achievements in the insurance intermediary channel including but not limited to coverage, service levels and turnaround times (claims and new business)
• Calendar year growth and market share in the insurance industry
• Service innovations including but not limited to technology, broker communications, training and development
• Overall support of and contribution to the insurance intermediary channel
• Demonstration of positive impact on the wider community

This award recognises the best claims team within an insurer operating in Australia. Considerable weight will be placed on nominations that come directly from the broking community. Based on performance over the past 12 months – 1 January 2023 – 31 December 2023.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

• Overall customer service proposition
• Turnaround times
• Evidence of staff engagement with claimants/business partners to keep them informed and up to date
• Demonstrated commitment to innovation and continuous improvement to the claims process
• Examples of a response to an event/issue or multiple claims that went beyond business-as-usual

This award recognises an organisation in the Insurance space that has diversity and inclusion at the heart of its business, providing programs for employees from five groups including women, members of visible minorities, persons with disabilities, Aboriginal peoples and the LGBTI community.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

• Outline your organization’s overall approach to workplace diversity and inclusion and how this aligns with broader business objectives and values.
• Outline how your organisation has gone above and beyond to champion diversity, equity and inclusion in and around the workplace specifically within the past 12 months. 1 January 2023 – 31 December 2023.
• Share how your organisation has taken an innovative approach to DE&I and how this has led to successful outcomes.

This award recognises the organisation whose outstanding contribution of time, leadership and financial support over a sustained period of time, beyond normal expectations, has made significant impacts in the receiving causes or communities.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

• Open to any organisation within the insurance space
• Major philanthropy and community service programs or initiatives over the last 12 months, 1 January 2023 – 31 December 2023.
• Impact on local, national or international causes or communities
• Contribution in $ and/or time figures
• Overall commitment to philanthropy and community service
• Testimonials from beneficiaries or partners

This award of excellence goes to the outstanding female trailblazer in the insurance industry whose astounding personal and professional achievements have earned them a place among the industry’s best. Based on performance over the past 12 months – 1 January 2023 – 31 December 2023.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

• Professional accomplishments in the last five years (business initiatives in which the nominee played a critical role, new business brought to the company, innovative ideas, etc.)
• Demonstrate promotion, influence and championing of women within the Insurance industry
• Leadership of professional associations
• Other relevant accolades and accomplishments (charitable work, accomplishments outside the industry, etc.)

This award recognises the individual BDM within the insurance space who is pushing the envelope in business development, client service and education, and has demonstrated commitment to brokers and developing knowledge of markets. Based on performance over the past 12 months – 1 January 2023 – 31 December 2023.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

• Calendar year growth in revenue contributions and book of business
• Client service and strategy to relationship management and new business development
• Demonstrated success in creating opportunities for growth and providing ideas and support to one’s organisation
• Demonstrated commitment to brokers through education, updates, research, etc.
• Relevant achievements over the past 12 months (inc. accolades, courses/certifictions completed, speaking engagements, active efforts to raise awareness, press features, etc.)

This award recognises the best insurer operating in Australia.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

• Business achievements in the insurance intermediary channel including but not limited to service levels, turnaround times (claims and new business), product ranges
• Calendar year growth (1 January – 31 December 2023) and market share in the insurance industry
• Service innovations including but not limited to technology, broker communications, training and development
• Overall support of and contribution to the insurance intermediary channel
• Demonstration of positive impact on the wider community

This award goes to the CEO that has demonstrated exceptional leadership over the last 12 months (1 January 2023 – 31 December 2023), bringing their organisation to a new level of growth and success and stimulating the insurance industry.
Nominees can be a CEO/President/equivalent of any organisation, in any facet of the Insurance industry in Australia
excellence awardees will be invited to provide supporting documentation for submission to the judging panel for winner selection.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

• Demonstration of vision, leadership and engagement of workforce
• Corporate growth, achievements, recognition, performance and positive financial results reflective of leadership
• Commitment to corporate values (e.g. values, innovation, customer care, knowledge and education)
• Commitment to the insurance industry
  industry reputation

This award acknowledges insurance companies, underwriting agencies, brokerages and independent adjusting firms with a proven track record of providing their clients with superior support. Whether it is providing best-in-class assistance or reducing turnaround times, customer support is essential for client satisfaction. Based on performance over the past 12 months – 1 January 2023 – 31 December 2023.

This award recognises the industry player that has mastered that service and is number one on all fronts.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

• Open to any insurers, underwriting agencies, brokerages and independent adjusting firms
• Excellence awardees will be asked to provide details on how they go the extra mile to provide excellent customer support, in all aspects from sales to claims service
• Criteria for judges include interpersonal communication strategies, telephone and face-to-face service
• Innovation in the use of technology and within processes including Contact centers, loyalty Management, Chat Bots & Conversation AI

This award recognises the best organisation for employers to work in the Insurance space. Based on performance over the past 12 months – 1 January 2023 – 31 December 2023.

Employers of Choice are required to demonstrate their achievements the across the key areas of Organisational Culture & Leadership; Employee Education, Training & Development; Employee Health, Safety & Satisfaction; Performance Management; Recognition & Remuneration.

This award recognises the service provider in claims that adds the most value to the business of insurance professionals, allows insurance professionals to maximize their business and help clients achieve their goals and who is making a major contribution to insurance claims in Australia. Based on performance over the past 12 months – 1 January 2023 – 31 December 2023.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

• Must be a claims service provider
• Unique value proposition and major strengths reflecting in client success
• Approach to client service and retention
• Overall commitment to the insurance industry

This award recognises the service provider in insurtech that adds the most value to the business of insurance professionals, allows insurance professionals to maximize their business and help clients achieve their goals. Based on performance over the past 12 months – 1 January 2023 – 31 December 2023.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

• Must provide an innovative solution/service/platform that services insurers or brokers
• Unique value proposition and major strengths reflecting in client success
• Approach to client service and retention
• Overall commitment to the insurance industry

This award recognises the most outstanding brokerage operation in Australia. The excellence awardees in this category comprise the winners of the brokerage categories:

• Small Brokerage
• Medium Brokerage
• Large Brokerage

This category is not open for nominations. Excellence awardees will be announced on the night.