QBE Mercantile Mutual has been voted General Insurer of the Year by NIBA brokers.

The three-year-old company, formed by the merger of broker-based general insurance units owned by ING and QBE, took out the prestigious award from a field that NIBA CEO Noel Pettersen described as the cream of the industry.

The award, announced at the NIBA Convention in Adelaide on Sunday, is the first won by the company, which is commonly regarded as a youngster that is still developing. Deputy GM Mike Goodwin, who accepted the award from NIBA President David Harris, said as much when he acknowledged “some recent troubles” that have been overcome by dedication and hard work.

“We’ve come through a difficult situation with flying colours,” he said. “Thanks to brokers, we’re going to keep increasing our services and processes. That’s what will keep us in front.”

Voted by NIBA brokers and collated using sophisticated criteria, the NIBA General Insurer of the Year Award has grown in status since NIBA halted all state-based insurer awards.

QBE Mercantile Mutual’s exhibition stand at the convention – one of a record number of exhibitors – was also judged the best.

The Warren Tickle Trophy for outstanding young brokers was won by Victorian regional broker Ben Goodall, of Griffiths Goodall Insurance Brokers. The Lex McKeown Award, awarded for services to broking, was awarded to Marsh Director – and former NIBA President – Alastair Mitchell.