The 2025 BIBA Tour of the Regions has now drawn to a close, concluding in Leeds after an ambitious journey through all 11 BIBA regions. This year marked a significant milestone. For the first time, attendance across the Tour exceeded 1,000 participants. It’s an achievement that speaks volumes, not only about the relevance of the conversations taking place, but also about the appetite within our profession to engage and influence the direction the industry takes. We were delighted to sponsor the Tour once again.
From the opening sessions in the East Midlands and Anglia to the final discussions in Yorkshire, the Tour demonstrated its unique ability to bring our community together. While the themes of regulation, technology, and evolving customer expectations were familiar, what surfaced at each stop was the nuance of how these issues play out locally. Every region faces its own pressures and opportunities, and hearing directly from brokers about their day-to-day realities gave the national agenda clarity, context, and purpose.
An accessible and impactful forum
One of the defining strengths of this year’s Tour was the accessibility of the sessions. With BIBA CEO Graeme Trudgill and Regulation Director David Sparkes attending alongside regional managers and representatives from the FCA and Premium Credit, there was a genuine sense of leadership in the room. The absence of corporate formality encouraged real dialogue. Questions flowed easily, feedback was candid, and members had space to express both their concerns and ambitions.
That open environment ensured that the Tour was not merely a series of updates, but a two-way conversation. It’s a model so effective that other European trade bodies have mirrored it - proof of BIBA’s growing influence beyond the UK insurance market.
Collaboration at its best
Beyond the formal agenda, some of the most energising moments came from brokers sharing ideas with one another. Whether discussing how to streamline compliance, enhance customer service, or make better use of technology, it was often the peer-to-peer insights that resonated most. This spirit of generosity, brokers helping brokers, is one of the profession’s greatest assets, and the Tour provided the perfect platform for it to shine.
For Premium Credit, this collaboration extended across all the regions visited. Our involvement was never simply about attendance; it was about active listening. We gained valuable insight into the challenges brokers are navigating, as well as the opportunities they see emerging. These conversations will directly shape how we continue supporting our partners in the months ahead.
A Tour with tangible impact
The success of the Tour is a testament to the combined efforts of BIBA’s central team and the regional committees (7 of which include Premium Credit representatives) who worked tirelessly to make each session relevant and impactful. It also highlights the importance of BIBA’s wider initiatives - most notably its strong lobbying work and programmes like the ‘Ben The Broker’ promotion, alongside the Find Insurance service, which continues to generate a substantial volume of leads for broker members.
These efforts, both at regional level and nationally, reinforce why BIBA remains such a vital force for the broker community. The Tour exemplified that influence, showcasing how coordinated action can address local challenges while pushing forward industry-wide progress. We were proud to play our part.
Owen Thomas, Chief Sales Officer, Premium Credit, adds: “What was clear to me from the Tour was the honesty of the conversations. Brokers were open about the challenges they’re facing, but also very clear about the ambition and optimism within the market. Listening to those conversations, and having the FCA actively involved, reaffirms why these regional sessions are so important. It’s vital that we as a business stay connected to the insurance industry, informed and focused on how we can help brokers in a way that really makes a difference.”
By Chris Emmanuel, Head of National Accounts, Premium Credit
