Fri 12 May 2023
President's Themes 2023
From the President
I feel very proud a privileged to be taking up the baton that was first held by Richard Edwards MBE FCII, who was instrumental in founding this institute as ‘The Shrewsbury Centre of The Birmingham Insurance Institute’ on 30th September 1927, almost 100 years ago!
Firstly, I would like to thank Prof. Tony Granger for his commitment and dedication as President last year. I would also like to express my gratitude for the enthusiastic support from all council members, some of whom have served this institute for over 40 years – quite remarkable.
We may be one of the smallest local institutes out of the 55 across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. However, we do indeed live up to the reputation of ‘punching above our weight.’
There has always been a strong focus on helping members to progress with their qualifications and professional development, social activities, and charity; and that will continue with a programme of activities and events that are already planned and organised. However, I would like to focus on three themes during my year of tenure:
- Heritage: This institute has been built over the decades by volunteer members who operated to the highest standards of professional conduct, simply motivated by the desire to help others and to evolve the profession they were proud to belong to.
- Supporting and celebrating success: Every member is important to the institute and the wider profession they belong to. Everyone benefits from the application of high standards of professionalism. That is a cause worth promoting and celebrating.
- Consumer outcomes: The Consumer Duty represents a significant opportunity for both the insurance and the financial planning professions to evolve towards parity of esteem by focussing on helping our clients to achieve the best possible outcomes. Supporting our members in meeting the deadline for implementation of 31st July this year, will be an important focus for us.
Anyone wanting to join us on this journey, you will be made very welcome at a social event, a CPD lecture or, if you would like to get involved with council, please come along to the next meeting.
Please feel free to give me a call, send me an email or connect on social media.