Marsh’s Craig Claughton and Markey Insurance & Risk’s Megan Farmer were today crowned the 2021 NSW/ACT National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) award winners.

Sydney-based Mr Claughton, Marsh’s Head of Financial and Professional Services Pacific, won NSW/ACT Broker of the Year.

He now competes against four other regional winners for the national QBE-sponsored Stephen Ball Memorial Award: WA’s GSK Insurance Brokers Senior Account Manager Jeff Booth, Tasmania’s Capital Innovation Chairman Ian Goninon, Queensland’s Crucial Insurance & Risk Advisors MD Tony Venning and the SA/NT winner, to be revealed at a gala lunch in Adelaide on July 23.

“I’d like to acknowledge Marsh for giving me endless opportunities. I have the privilege of leading an outstanding team,” Mr Claughton said.

“Most importantly, to our clients, it is an honour to represent and advocate for you and I look forward to doing so for many years to come.”

Mr Claughton competed against finalists Driessen Insurance Brokers MD Leo Driessen and Arma Insurance Brokers Hunter Valley MD Amanda Morris.

“Craig has demonstrated a commitment and drive to provide meaningful, exemplary service to his customers, teams, and community, and has consistently operated to the highest standards amongst the broking industry,” QBE GM Sales & Relationship Management Elliot Hill said today.

Ms Farmer, who is senior account executive at Markey Insurance & Risk, is the NSW/ACT Young Professional Broker of the Year.

“It’s an honour to be presented with this award,” she said, thanking her team and clients. “Your valuable input over the years and your support has made my career what it is and I wouldn’t be accepting this award if it wasn’t for all of you. Thank you.”

She now competes for the national Warren Tickle Memorial Award, sponsored by Vero.

Fellow contestants in the under-35 category are Albany District Insurance Brokers Account Executive Luke Cameron, Victoria’s Integral Insurance Services Senior Broking Executive Mitchell Wight, Queensland’s Crucial Insurance & Risk Advisors Broker Alishia Oliver and the SA/NT winner.

The award also earns her a place in Vero's prestigious Young Brokers Alumni Program, a 12-week mentoring initiative, which this year heads to Cobargo, 400km south of Sydney, to meet local communities and help with rebuilding and regeneration activities.

“Vero is a firm believer in nurturing the next generation of broking leaders, which is why we will continue to support young professionals like Megan,” Vero State Distribution Manager NSW/ACT Yusuf Alexander said today.

“Megan is a great ambassador for the insurance broking profession. She is a true advocate for her clients, both SME and commercial, and is a great contributor to the broader industry.”

Ms Farmer competed against finalists Ian Jones Insurance Brokers Newcastle Account Broker Kayla Smith and Warren Saunders Insurance Brokers Broking Operations Manager Lindsay Turner.

NIBA is conducting most of its award ceremonies online due to recent COVID-19 outbreaks and will host a five-day hybrid convention, visiting Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney from September 28 to October 28.

The NIBA/UAC Queensland Underwriting Expo and gala lunch was rescheduled to September 22 while WA and NSW gala lunches are now slated for August.