President's Message 2026-27
Last year I was honoured to be asked to serve as Deputy to Stuart Harbourne, and it is now a privilege to step forward as President of the Birmingham Insurance Institute. Our Institute founded in 1887 has a proud history of supporting professionals across our region, and I am committed to building on that legacy with energy, collaboration, and a clear focus on the future of our profession.
A central priority for my presidential year is championing young talent. I am delighted to be working closely with our Social & Engagement Committee, a fantastic group of younger professionals who bring fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and a real passion for shaping the future of our Institute. Their involvement is not only vital to our events and member engagement, but also to our long‑term succession planning. This year, we will be encouraging committee members to shadow council roles, gain hands‑on experience, and build the confidence and capability needed to become our future leaders.
My passion for supporting young talent is rooted in my own experience. I began my career as an apprentice, and I know first-hand how powerful it can be when someone is given the opportunity to learn, grow, and build confidence within this industry. Insurance has offered me far more than a job; it has provided a career, a professional community, lifelong learning, and the chance to develop personally as well as professionally. That experience has shaped my belief that we must continue to open doors for apprentices and early-career professionals, helping them see the breadth of opportunity available and encouraging them to play an active part in the future of our profession.
I am equally passionate about strengthening our ties with local institutes across the West Midlands. Collaboration makes us stronger. By sharing ideas, resources, and best practice, we can deliver richer experiences for our members and amplify the impact of our collective work.
Serving our members remains at the heart of everything we do. This year, we will continue to provide relevant, high‑quality CPD, ensuring our community stays informed, skilled, and ready for the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry. Alongside this, we will offer meaningful networking opportunities — spaces where professionals at all stages can connect, learn from one another, and build relationships that support long‑term success.
This year also carries a deeply personal purpose for me. I have chosen to support MDS UK Patient Support Group as my chosen charity in honour of my father, whom I lost to Myelodysplastic Syndrome in 2017 – a condition I and my family had never heard of. MDS UK provide vital care, information, and advocacy for patients and families navigating this difficult diagnosis and are actively looking to widen their reach into Birmingham and the wider West Midlands, ensuring more patients and families in our region have access to the support they need. As an Institute, we have a real opportunity to help them raise awareness, build connections, and strengthen their presence locally — whether through fundraising, visibility at our events, or simply sharing their message across our networks. Together, we can help bring their support closer to home for those who need it most.
A Little More About the Birmingham Insurance Institute
Who are we?
The Birmingham Insurance Institute is the second largest local institute in the UK, run entirely by elected Officers and Council Members. Every person involved is a volunteer who gives their time to support our profession and our local insurance community, alongside their day job.
Our responsibility is to ensure you get the most out of your CII membership by providing local events, CPD, networking, and opportunities that support your professional journey.
What do we do?
We exist to provide educational support, professional development, and networking opportunities for members living or working in Birmingham and the surrounding areas. Whether you are working towards qualifications, looking to expand your knowledge, or wanting to connect with others in the industry, the BII is here to support you.
We have spent considerable time reflecting on how we, as your local Institute, can best serve our members and the wider insurance profession in Birmingham.
Professional Development & Education
We deliver a wide range of CPD sessions and professional development opportunities covering relevant, practical, and thought‑provoking topics. These are designed to help members maintain their knowledge, develop new skills, and stay informed about the changing needs of our profession. Each year, we also celebrate the achievements of successful examination candidates at our annual awards ceremony, recognising diplomas, certificates, and prizes for outstanding performance.
Charity
The BII continues to play a leading role in charity fundraising — supporting both local chosen charities and the Insurance Charities. Giving back is an important part of who we are.
Networking
Our social events, CPD programme, and face‑to‑face events offer valuable opportunities to meet others in the industry, build relationships, share ideas, and enjoy a welcome break from the working day. To stay informed, please ensure you are opted in to receive local institute communications via the ‘My CII’ section of the CII website, or visit the Events page on our site.
The Institute is here to serve you, our members. I encourage you to get to know your Council representatives and make full use of the support and services available.
If you have any questions about the Birmingham Insurance Institute, please feel free to contact me or any of our Officers. A full list of Council members can be found on our ‘About Us’ pages.
We warmly welcome anyone who wishes to become involved in the BII Council. It is a fantastic way to meet new people, broaden your understanding of the industry, and contribute to the local insurance community. You will have opportunities to:
- Gain insight into the wider insurance landscape
- Work alongside experienced, like‑minded professionals
- Give something back to the profession in our region
I am genuinely excited for the year ahead. With your support, your ideas, and your involvement, we can continue to strengthen our Institute, champion our profession, and make a meaningful difference — both within our industry and within our community. I look forward to meeting many of you at our events and working together to make this a successful and memorable presidential year.