President's Message

Welcome To the Insurance Institute of Manchester

As we enter our 153rd year in 2026/27, it is a privilege to serve as President of the Insurance Institute of Manchester. I am Emma Ackers, and my career in the insurance industry began in 2005, opening the post at Swinton Insurance. What started as an entry-level temp role has since become a rewarding career shaped by continuous learning, professional development and community.

From those early days, I went on to gain experience at Towergate Insurance Brokers and MCM Insurance Brokers, building technical capability, confidence, and a genuine appreciation for what a rewarding and meaningful profession insurance really is. Over time, my passion for the industry grew beyond my own role and into supporting others. For the past ten years, I’ve worked in apprenticeships and Learning & Development, helping people find their feet, grow in confidence and build sustainable careers, one of the most fulfilling chapters of my professional life. I’m now proud to work at Aviva as a Learning and Development Manager within the Broker Propositions Team, and I’m grateful to Aviva and my line manager, Gillian Brennan, for their continued support.

Insurance has shaped far more than my career. Through this profession, I’ve made lifelong friends, met my husband, and become part of a community that is supportive, generous, and genuinely invested in helping others succeed. The Insurance Institute of Manchester reflects everything I value about our industry, connection, professionalism, development and community, and it’s a real privilege to give back as President.

You may not be aware that by being a member of this Institute, you are part of something truly special. The Insurance Institute of Manchester is the oldest insurance institute in the world, and its formation not only preceded, but directly led to, the establishment of what later became the Chartered Insurance Institute. This rich heritage is something we should all be immensely proud of, and a powerful reminder of Manchester’s longstanding influence on our profession. We are twinned with The Gibraltar Insurance Institute, the youngest of the insurance institutes, they are also deeply passionate about the insurance landscape, and I welcome more collaboration with them in 2026/27.

As President, I’m excited to launch our new Emerging Professionals Committee this year, ensuring the Institute continues to evolve, remains accessible, and supports members at every stage of their career. This year, we’ll also take time to remember the 30th anniversary of the Manchester Bomb, an event that changed our city forever and continues to shape its resilience and sense of community. Alongside this, we have a fantastic programme of events planned, including padel socials, emerging professionals events, and of course our much‑anticipated flagship dinners. I also look forward to working closely with our Deputy President, Anita Pollastretti, whose support helps us build deeper and more meaningful connections with our legal community who are immensely important in what we do day to day within insurance organisations. 

My chosen charity for the year is The UK Sepsis Trust, a cause extremely close to my heart, and I’m proud for the Institute to support the vital work they do.

Finally, I’d encourage all members, both new and long‑standing, to get involved. Attend events, expand your network, learn something new, and experience everything our Institute has to offer. Thank you to all our sponsors for 2026/27 - your support makes all of this possible. I very much look forward to connecting with you over the year ahead.

Here’s to an amazing year!

Best wishes,

Emma