Best Bits from BIBA - Europe’s Largest Insurance Broking Event

The BIBA 2025 Conference was as ever an inspiring celebration of the insurance industry, with an impressive gathering of key players from every part of the insurance industry, both long established BIBA regulars and exciting newcomers, coming together amongst energetic crowds and stunning stands. Many delegates got into the competitive spirit by playing interactive games ranging from curling and darts to Scalextric car racing. Tastebuds were tickled with popcorn, doughnuts, coffee and cocktails, in bougie booths and cosy corners

It was also a banquet for the brain, with a wonderful selection of panel discussions, networking and learning sessions. A definite highlight was hearing unique insights from guest speakers and sporting legends British boxer Anthony Joshua OBE and Former England Football Head Coach Gareth Southgate.

Serving The Perfect Blend of Technology and Expertise

Applied were on Stand D60, eagerly discussing how digital technology empowers brokers, insurers and MGAs to streamline processes, drive efficiency, get connected and stay competitive.  With coffee and cookies to start every morning, and our cocktail mixologists shaking things up in the afternoons we were delighted to catch up with so many customers and welcome many new enquiries. In fact, one of the most consistently powerful benefits of BIBA is bringing together everyone in one space, both insurers, brokers and technology partners where can collectively the industry's most pressing challenges.

Businesses consistently tell us that investing in digital technology is essential to them and the wider insurance industry. This mindset continues to be a driving theme across the many refreshing chats we’re having with customers, old and new, who are open to the opportunities that digital technology can bring.

Unsurprisingly, Artificial/Augmented Intelligence (AI) was a key talking point throughout the conference, with discussions about how it can deliver additional value to brokers and clients through increased process efficiency, data insights and other positive use cases. However, questions remain about ethics and humanising tech, which ultimately led to one panel discussion concluding that humanity, i.e. the personal touch, was the true value of a broker.

Opening up at BIBA 2025 for a New Era in Insurance

The 2025 conference theme was A New Era, dedicated to exploring what brokers want the industry's future to look like with new energy, revenue streams and solutions to modern challenges.

In the UK, brokers demand greater access to markets and data to compete in a busy and complex market. Insurers and MGAs also want choices for digital capabilities, product customisation, and distribution partners.   It is always exciting to see how the industry is adapting and bringing innovative ideas to the table.

At the show, alongside many deep conversation regarding our Broker Management platform – Epic, we discussed making direct access to a broad range of products easier through Applied Rating Hub. Expanding into new markets opens up new opportunities, but we know building new insurance products can be expensive, complex and time-consuming. It was refreshing to talk with MGAs about Applied Riskhandler, our simple, low-code build and distribution solution.

The insurance industry needs more collaboration and openness to provide greater value for all stakeholders, especially the end insured.  Applied is creating a more accessible and dynamic market where healthy competition pushes everyone in the insurance sector to improve.