Informa Professional

About The Insurance Day London Market Awards 2009

In an unprecedented 18 months for the global economy one of the few things that has remained stable has been the insurance industry. Certainly there have been some concerns, but generally the insurance industry has come through the turmoil with flying colours. Cover is still being provided, deals are being done and most crucially claims are being paid.

It is frustrating therefore that the very real achievements of the insurance industry are not more widely recognised. Stock values remain low amid a feeling that somehow insurers are tainted with the same problems as bankers. We know that is not the case and I would urge you all to take this opportunity to shout your achievements from the rooftops.

The Insurance Day London Market Awards provide a unique endorsement of the good work that has been seen over the last 18 months and continues to be done. Once again to reflect the organic and evolving nature of the London insurance market we have added some new categories to the lineup, which we feel provide further platforms to underscore its good work.

Insurers cannot hope to escape the increased scrutiny facing the whole of the financial services industry. Against this background the role of the professional adviser is becoming ever more central. That is why we have introduced this year's new Professional Adviser of the Year category.

Equally our new Corporate Social Responsibility Award recognises that there is much more to running a business today than just achieving profits. Shareholders and increasingly regulators are looking for companies to demonstrate an understanding of their role as corporate citizens.

The insurance industry is in a privileged position in that it has huge influence over clients and - though its investment capabilities - other corporate entities. With risk forming such a crucial part of modern day life and business, what better industry can there be to specialise in?

Richard Banks Editor
Insurance Day