UNA Alliance

Members and Partners were among over 170 delegates who attended the 20th annual Una Alliance conference on 16th November at The Belfry.

Hosted by Una's Executive Chairman, Tim Ryan, delegates were 'entertained' by short videos from the 13 members showcasing their businesses before keynote speaker Paul McGee aka 'The Sumo Guy' took to the stage to inspire and motivate the audience with his engaging and thought provoking presentation about 'Change & Resilience'.

Back by popular demand members enjoyed a 'Speed Dating' session with our partner insurers and breakout sessions included 'Current Issues & Future Trends in Claims' with Zurich Insurance and 'How to Harness the Power of Social Media & Digital Marketing' presented by expert Mark Brill.

The afternoon saw Nick Hobbs and David Martin from insurer partner Allianz looking back at how the industry has changed over the last 20 years with some nostalgic slides and memories and a vision of how tomorrow may look.

Allianz Director David Martin looking to the future!

This year's Una Achievement Awards sponsored by Chubb were presented to our winners by Olympic gold medallist and adventurer James Cracknell who also closed the day with his own amazing and inspirational story of achievement.  This year, we had 2 different awards.  Firstly, the Newcomer of the Year Award, open to those employees with less than 2 years Insurance Industry experience, and secondly, the overall Achievement Award.  Both went to employees of Sutton Winson, so many congratulations! 

 Winner Rachel O'Hara from Sutton Winson being presented with her Una Newcomer Award

Winner Chris Baumann from Sutton Winson being presented with his Una Achievement Award

The conference was followed by a champagne reception and dinner including table magician 'Magic Matt' who kept guests both entertained and astonished us with his 'pick pocket' skills during the evening and made a great end to another successful and enjoyable Una Conference to mark their 20th Anniversary.

As well as pulling out all the stops for a special 20th annual conference – headlined by Olympian James Cracknell OBE - UNA Alliance has added a new member to its ranks.

Established in 1972 MRIB has developed into one of the UK’s top Chartered Insurance Brokers and Financial Advisers offering dynamic, innovative solutions in three core areas: Corporate Insurance, Private Client Insurance and Financial Services.

Its enviable client list includes Innocent Drinks, Laurent-Perrier and Furniture Village.

The Buckinghamshire-based firm offers diverse specialist services including advertising, marketing and media, chemicals, and pharmaceutical and medical. Specific risks which can be covered range from ‘props, sets and wardrobe’ and ‘cast and crew indemnity’ to ‘clinical trials’ and ‘herbal and homeopathic medicines’. The company has also developed specialist knowledge in the rapid growth sector of ‘green trades’ such as wind, solar and hydroelectric power as well as energy from waste and recycling.

UNA represents 14 of the largest independent regional insurance brokers from across the UK. Founded in 1997, it has established strong commercial relationships with its insurer partners, based upon the sound principal of mutual benefit. This will enhance MRIB’s market presence throughout the business communities and other key markets it represents.

UNA Executive Chairman, Tim Ryan comments: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome MRIB on board. There’s an optimum size at which UNA Alliance operates most profitably and efficiently for its members, partner insurers and customers and we don’t want to grow much larger. We’re therefore highly selective in which brokers we incorporate. MRIB offers specialisms not covered by other UNA brokers and its Chartered status enhances our standing.”

Edward Finch, Managing Director at MRIB, says of the announcement: “We are very excited about joining UNA. We share common values with other UNA members and are focused on providing exemplary customer service. The UNAversity learning and development offering is of particular interest and will dovetail nicely with our own MRIB Training Academy.”

This year's Anniversary Conference is beginning to all come together nicely.  Set for The Belfry on Thursday 16 November, the day will be a mixture of keynote speakers, interactive breakout sessions and lots of networking opportunities.

Back by popular demand following his attendance last year, our first keynote speaker of the day will be Paul McGee, aka SUMO Man.
Our final speaker of the day will be inspiring sportsman, athlete and adventurer James Cracknell OBE who will undoubtedly send us away with a spring in our step.

Should you require any further details, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

UNA is very proud and pleased to announce the launch of its UNAversity – a stimulating residential programme designed to accelerate the performance of twenty-five high-potential account executives, handpicked from 1,000 employees across all 13 UNA members.

UNA member Centor Insurance & Risk Management Ltd has been shortlisted for three awards at the UK Broker Awards 2017.