Shared successes and partnership in action for Markel at BIBA 2026

Partnership front and centre

When it comes to broker engagement, BIBA is unrivalled. The conference is a chance to build and strengthen broker relationships through open, collaborative conversations. Over the course of two days, we hosted nine meetings in our dedicated Markel meeting room, in addition to 68 on-stand conversations with brokers from across the UK.

Also on the stand this year was our live podcast studio, where we recorded 19 informative and inspiring conversations between our team members and our brokers and partners. Additionally, we brought back an interactive on-stand game! For 2026, we invited guests to create their own AI-generated player card, inspired by classic footballer collector cards. Over 200 partners took part, joining the Markel squad and extending our commitment to partnerships to the pitch!

A packed programme of unmissable events

We were proud once again to make meaningful contributions to the BIBA programme, demonstrating our technical insight, specialist expertise, and commitment to championing the voices of those who echo our values.

On the Fringe stage, Jo Sykes, Divisional Director – Broker, UK, and our Marketing Director, Simon Johnston, were joined by Ellen White, former England forward to discuss how a strong team can drive success.

At Markel, we know that success in our industry is rarely achieved alone but is built on genuine partnership between brokers and insurers. We work shoulder to shoulder with a shared commitment to trust, collaboration and long-term ambition.

This is a familiar concept for Ellen White, who candidly shared the lessons, challenges, and triumphs of the road to the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 victory. The session explored what it truly means to be a committed partner, with clear insights and actions to take away and implement, helping us all build deeper more valuable partnerships.

We were also the proud sponsor of Day 2’s TIME:TO Talk Men’s Mental Health Breakfast. A brand new event for 2026, the breakfast presented a vital, powerful moment to pause, share experiences, and create space for open conversation.

Speakers included Luke Ambler, Chairman and Co-Founder of ANDYSMANCLUB, Peter Crouch, football presenter and podcast host, alongside Steve Heath, Director of Mental Health in Business. This session reflected our long-term commitment to BIBA, its members, and reinforced our role as a committed partner, supporting the wellbeing of the entire insurance community.

Later that morning, Jo Sykes joined a key conference panel for the TIME:TO Transform – Bringing AI into the Broking Business Responsibly seminar. With AI transforming the insurance sector at speed, bringing both significant opportunity and emerging risk with it, this insightful session helped members understand how to adopt AI effectively, ethically, and within regulatory requirements.

Lights, camera, action! Recording live at BIBA

Our podcast studio returned to BIBA for 2026 with an exciting twist! This year, we recorded our sessions live on the stand, and over the course of the conference we captured 19 high-quality, partner-led conversations amongst the buzz of BIBA. These relaxed, insightful sessions brought expertise and personality to the forefront, showing real partnership in action.

By passing the mic to some of our key brokers and partners, we were able to showcase shared successes, listen to real stories of committed partnership, and highlight expertise within Markel and our partner broker firms.

Society

Our annual BIBA social event was back and bigger than ever! For 2026, we were joined by over 650 brokers at Society, our evening event hosted after day one of the conference.

Society is a relaxed, sociable setting for continuing conversations and strengthening professional relationships against a vibrant backdrop. On the menu this year, we put a Markel twist on classic cocktails, renaming old favourites in celebration of dynamic duos and brilliant partners. Whether you’re more of a Batman & Robin, or a Lennon & McCartney, there was truly something for everyone to toast to another fantastic year at BIBA!

A record-breaking year for Markel at BIBA

Our presence at BIBA demonstrates our continued commitment and investment in partnerships. We’re a people-first business, expert-led, and driven by a clear vision. Every element of Markel’s presence at the conference was carefully thought out to maximise value for our brokers and put their needs at the heart of everything we do.

The conversations we’ve had over the two incredible days will continue to light our path, shape our future products and services, and help us strengthen our propositions in-line with learnings.

We’d like to extend a massive thank you to every broker and partner who took the time to engage with us at BIBA 2026. We’ll continue to show up as your committed partner, driven by your support, insights, and energy.