A survey of Underwriting Agencies Council (UAC) members has found they employ a total of about 1800 people, with most agencies employing 10 or fewer staff.

UAC Chairman Damien Coates says the online survey found a third of member companies have gross written premiums of more than $20 million a year (excluding statutory charges). The likely total premium pool for agencies is about $2.5 billion a year.

He says member satisfaction with UAC services overall is high, but the survey contains suggestions that the board will look to implement next year.

“We’ll use these comprehensive results as a blueprint to take UAC forward and ensure we can value-add to the services already provided,” he told insuranceNEWS.com.au. “We will also increase members’ awareness of other services.

“For example, only 43% were aware of UAC’s work in the regulatory arena.”

More than 60% of members say they are keen to participate in member forums to discuss relevant issues, and there is greater interest in broadening UAC’s services by using the power of the membership base to negotiate exclusive member deals.