Melbourne-based Australian Consolidated Insurance Services has been named Resilium Practice of the Year.

The Victorian business was one of four finalists shortlisted by Resilium regional managers for the annual award.

The other three contenders were MKS Insurance Services of NSW/ACT, Lords Insurance Services of Queensland and Provident Insurance Services of WA/SA/NT.

Resilium handed out the award last week in a one-off virtual ceremony due to COVID restrictions in parts of the country, making it difficult to gather all 600-plus ARs in one place.

The practice of the year award is typically handed out during Resilium’s three-day annual conference. Resilium is aiming to hold the conference in Queenstown, New Zealand, in July next year.

Resilium Insurance Broking MD Ben Hastie says the winner is carefully selected through a thorough review process, examining a number of key factors.

“It’s always tough picking an overall winner because all of our Resilium ARs are doing so well in their businesses despite the difficult market conditions,” Mr Hastie said.

“[Australian Consolidated Insurance Services] stood out this year for a number of factors including their consistent adherence to compliance and training, attendance at Resilium key events, outstanding business development and growth, amongst others.”

MD Zik Cai and his business partner Peter Ding, who have been Resilium ARs since 2013, welcomed the award.

“My team and I are so thrilled, this win is due to all of their hard work and dedication to helping our clients achieve the best possible outcomes,” Mr Cai said. “Having the Resilium network working with us and continuing to support us along the way has been pivotal for our business’ growth.”

Resilium Partners Executive Director Adrian Kitchin says scale for the Ardonagh-backed business is crucial in delivering for the network’s ARs and clients. Ardonagh, the UK’s largest independent insurance broker, acquired a majority stake in Resilium early this year.

“Investment by Ardonagh earlier this year has enabled us to become active in growing our network through acquisitions, both internally but also from outside,” he said in a speech during the virtual award ceremony.

“In 2022, we will accelerate our plans to actively acquire authorised representatives both from inside but also outside the network through Resilium Partners.”

Mr Hastie told insuranceNEWS.com.au the business achieved “significant growth” this year despite COVID challenges.

“It’s been a good year,” he said, adding the network has also put more resources into training and education during the period.

“We have managed to supercharge that in 2021 and will continue with that.”

Resilium also announced the new Gold and Silver practices for 2021 during the award ceremony. Here are the new Gold and Silver practices for 2021:

Gold Aspire Recipients

Cape to Cape Insurance Services

Reflective Insurance Group

Getley Paulsen General Insurance Services

Cornerstone Risk Group

CPS General Insurance Agencies

Provident Insurance Services

Ensure Risk Solutions

FIS Insurance Services

Goldsworthy General Insurance Services

Australian Consolidated Insurance Services

MKS Insurance Services

Pinnacle Insurance Services

Professional Insurance Agencies

Strategic Insurance Services

Minerva Insurance Strategies

Lords Insurance Services

Insurance Solutions NT

Triple T Insurance Services

Blynx Insurance Services

Amicus Insurance Services

Silver Aspire Recipients

Altus Insurance Services

AWJ Insurance Solutions

Carr McRae & Associates

Central Highlands Insurance Services

Simon Purdie Insurance Solutions

Total Insurance Agencies

Zoteria Insurance Group