Organisers of the Valerie Baker Memorial Award have extended the entry deadline to February 12, giving nominees more time to work on their submissions over summer.

It follows the rescheduling of a function in May at Lloyd’s Australia, where the winner will be announced. The original deadline was Sunday.

The award is open to all Australian brokers and underwriting agents. It is sponsored by Austbrokers & IBNA Member Services (AIMS), Gold Seal and Steadfast, with support from Lloyd’s in Australia and London.

The winner will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to London to attend a short course at the Chartered Insurance Institute or similar, a tour of Lloyd’s and a number of educational experiences and meetings.

Gold Seal MD Sheila Baker, who is on the judging panel, told insuranceNEWS.com.au the extra time means “better opportunities for nominees to put in their applications”.

The other judges are Gary Seymour on behalf of Steadfast, Lloyd’s Australia representative Chris Mackinnon and former AIMS GM Martin McAvenna.

The award, recognising excellence in the general insurance intermediary sector, was established in 2013 in memory of Gold Seal founder Val Baker.

To nominate or apply, visit here.