James Dunk from regional NSW brokerage Dunk Insurance has won this year’s Valerie Baker Memorial Award.

He received his trophy last week at a special event hosted by Lloyd’s in Sydney.

The eponymous award celebrates the achievements of Gold Seal founder Valerie Baker and is sponsored by her company, Austbrokers & IBNA Member Services and the Steadfast Group, with additional support from Lloyd’s.

Mr Dunk will go on an expenses-paid educational trip to London where he will meet with key underwriters and brokers. He will also be given a familiarisation tour of Lloyd’s.

GSA Insurance Brokers’ Rocco Pirrello, one of the five award finalists, will also be flying to the British capital to attend an emerging risk program run by Lloyd’s Global Development Centre.

“I know [they] will be standard bearers for our industry in London,” Gold Seal MD Sheila Baker said.

“I can’t wait to see what they will bring back to help their businesses and community.”