Dear Member,

It gives me great honour & pride to represent the Halifax Institute which has seen continuous growth over the recent years, a pattern which I hope to help continue.
 
First of all I would like to thank Natasha Kucinskas who served as last years president and did an exceptional job. I now find myself responsible to ensure that this Institute continues to grow, with the help of all council members and that Natasha's good work was not in vain.

I would also like to say a special thanks to Jeff Dunn who unfortunately has had to give up his role within the council due to work commitments. Without the hours of hard work and commitment Jeff has put in over the years it is safe to say we would not have an Institute in Halifax today. 

The Halifax Insurance Institute is a not for profit organisation of which I am very lucky to have been involved in for a period of two years now and have such wonderful colleagues who I would like to thank for their continued support. 

All our council members work in insurance in or around Halifax and all council duties are done in council member’s free time and on a voluntary basis without payment.

Thanks go to David Heap our Treasurer assisted by his wife Irene, Chris Kirkbride who is our Charity Organiser, Website Administrator and Deputy president, Michelle Gothard our NERG representative, Martyn Foulds our Social Event Organiser assisted by myself, Martin Randall our Membership Secretary, Terri Chapman our Secretary and last but by no means least Karen Kay who, together with Michelle Gothard, will be doing everything they can to ensure we all have a fantastic evening at our Annual Dinner.
 
The running and continued success of the Halifax Institute relies on the hard work and commitment of all the above, so a special thank you to each and every one of you. If you are interested in becoming a member of the council then please contact us as we always welcome the opinions and views of others no matter how big or small.
 
Martyn along with other council members has worked exceptionally hard to plan our Social Programme & Seminars in advance, which will hopefully help our members get these events in their diary in plenty of time.
 
This years Educational Seminars include talks on Forensic Investigations, Bribery Act & Disaster Restoration - which in November maybe just in time for the bad weather. Our Social Events for the next 12 months include a Brewery Trip, Our Inaugural Golf Day, Quiz Night, Pig Racing Night, Ten Pin Bowling and a Ladies Night (sorry guys but you can't go to that one but I'll let you know how it goes). We are always open to suggestions for future events especially on the seminars, if you have topics you would like us to arrange a talk on then please get in touch. All these events offer a fantastic networking opportunity and your support and attendance is always welcomed. The Seminars also entitle attendees to qualify for 15 CPD credits under the Continuous Professional Development Scheme.
 
Karen, Michelle and Terri are in the process of organising our 52nd Annual Dinner at Cedar Court, Ainley top on the 23rd March 2012 this is always a fantastic night! The Magician and DJ will be returning, as usual we will have some excellent raffle prizes and our after dinner speaker should not be missed. Anyone who would like to book a table at the dinner should contact Karen or Michelle via our website.

 I would like to especially thank SSP for their continued and valued sponsorship as without this our Annual Dinner would not be possible. I would also like to thank Highbury Homes & Prism Network who will be providing us with sponsorship at our Inaugural Golf Day.
 
Finally, I hope we all enjoy a successful year during my presidency and please do not hesitate to contact me or any other member of the council if you have any ideas, suggestion or just general thoughts. We are always open to ways we can improve.
 
I look forward, nervously, to my year in office and hope to see you at our events.

Click here to visit our Facebook page.

Graeme Kay
 
President, Insurance Institute of Halifax.

graeme@bush-associates.co.uk

Secretary - Terri Chapman - terri.chapman@beaumonts-insurance.co.uk
Social Secretary - Martyn Foulds - martynfoulds@halifax.co.uk
Dinner Secretary - Karen Kay - karen.kay@uk.rsagroup.com