Community Broker Network has presented its annual awards with two brokerages sharing the top corporate honours.

Grace Insurance, headquartered in Perth, and Arma Insurance Brokers in the Hunter Valley were both named Corporate Authorised Brokerage of the Year during a virtual awards ceremony yesterday evening following the annual conference.

CBN CEO Richard Crawford says Arma Insurance, founded in 2007 by Amanda Morris, has continually strived to improve client experience through technology and education and is committed to the development and growth of their community.

Grace Insurance, led by Frans du Plessis, this year opened a Sydney office and has aspirations to expand in Brisbane and Adelaide as part of aims to be one of the network’s top five brokers, Mr Crawford said.

The Individual Authorised Representative of the Year award was presented to Anthony Barbara of AJB Insurance Solutions in Sydney.

Mr Crawford says Mr Barbara has worked in insurance for more than 20 years, has grown the new business portfolio and is actively involved in the community.

“He understands the importance of continued education for himself and for his staff, encouraging his staff to remain educated in all facets of the industry,” he said.

The Service to the Industry Award, recognising the contribution of an individual over their career, was presented to Steadfast Group Technical Manager Michael White.

In other categories, Insurer/Underwriting Agency Person of the Year was presented to Toni-lee Vincent of CGU and Innovator of the Year was awarded to Shane Moore of Trade Risk.

Andrew Patchett of Insight Insurance won Network Rising Star of the Year and the award for Non Advisory Staff Member of the Year went to Jayden Ralph of AJB Insurance Solutions.

Awards for Recognition of Service to the Community were made to Kerrie Woodards Insurance, Simon Sickerdick of Managed Insurance Solutions, Abbie Wilson of National Insurance Brokers and Tom Powell of Powell Investments.

The awards were sponsored by NTI.