Help for Heroes benefits as over 100 brokers come together to celebrate their combined strength at Purple Partnership Conference & Expo

Over 100 members and 60 industry experts recently gathered at the fifth annual Purple Conference & Expo.

Sponsored by AGEAS, and held at the world-class Celtic Manor Resort near Newport, the members of the organisation for independent brokers gathered for a day of networking and a programme of events covering the key issues facing the industry, including an Expo strongly supported by all of Purple’s 28 partner insurers and providers.

Les Brewin, Purple’s Managing Director, opened the day’s proceedings with an upbeat message about Purple’s continued growth and expanded proposition.

The keynote address was given by Barry Smith, Chief Operating Officer, AGEAS, who gave a thought provoking insight with his ‘View from the top’, sharing his views on the changing face of distribution in the UK market and the strong position which brokers continue to hold.

Eric Galbraith, the current Chief Executive of BIBA, provided members with an update on BIBA’s role in representing brokers’ interests in lobbying central Government and the FSA on a range of issues such as - the FSCS compensation levy on brokers, the provision of flood cover, and the ongoing fight against fraud. Jim Dart, of dart Compliance Ltd, then gave delegates further food for thought regarding ongoing developments in the regulatory environment.

The afternoon session culminated with a presentation from Chris Jelf entitled ‘Growing your Business’ using his own personal experiences to illustrate how Jelf developed from a small brokerage in 1989 to a significant provincial player just a decade later.

The day ended with an evening drinks reception, generously sponsored by Allianz, and dinner providing a great networking event. Delegates also raised a fantastic £1,300 for ‘Help for Heroes’ – the UK charity providing a national network of support for wounded service men and women and their families.

Summing up the event, Les Brewin, Managing Director of the Purple Partnership, said:

“Our 5^th National Conference and Expo was, undoubtedly, our most successful yet with over 80% of our broker members and all our partners represented. “Our biggest Expo to date, coupled with a dinner for members and insurers, created an excellent networking opportunity. The feedback from all those present has been extremely positive and being able to raise some money for ‘Help for Heroes’ at the same time has really put the icing on the cake.”

ENDS

Note to Editors

For media enquiries please contact: Helen Shrimpton, Group Communications Manager
Email: Telephone: 01454 525161

About the Purple Partnership Ltd:
Jelf-owned ‘Purple’ was launched in 2008 as a network for independent brokers providing access to markets, bespoke “Purple Products”, improved levels of service and enhanced commissions.....all in a non-intrusive way which supports members in remaining independent, staying ahead of the competition and improving business performance.

To date it has:

· 70 members

· £145m GWP (gross written premium)

· Purple now has members spread widely across the UK

About Jelf:
Jelf is a leading independent consultancy supporting businesses and individuals with expert advice on matters relating to insurance, employee benefits, health insurance and financial planning. Its purpose is simple: to build a long-lasting relationship with clients and to become their trusted adviser. Formed in 1989 by Chris Jelf, the Group has 30 offices in 28 locations across England and Wales, employing over a 1,000 members of staff.

For further information about Jelf, please visit www.jelfgroup.com