Daniel Bullock from Safeguard Insurance Brokers has won this year’s Valerie Baker Memorial Award.

The award, announced at a Lloyd’s event in Sydney last week, recognises excellence in professional practice in the general insurance intermediary sector.

Mr Bullock demonstrated many of the required values, including an ability to grow and adapt his business in the face of significant internal changes, and sustained involvement with broking network IBNA.

He wins a trip to London for an industry short course to help him network and increase his market knowledge. He will also take part in learning activities with key underwriters and brokers in the London markets, receive a tour of Lloyd’s and be introduced to senior managers.

Gold Seal MD Sheila Baker – sister of the late Valerie, after whom the award is named – says Mr Bullock is the first SA intermediary to win the honour, which “speaks volumes for Daniel’s achievements both within his own businesses and supporting the broader insurance community”.

“He has long been a strong, positive figure in the intermediary space and I know he will make the most of every minute he spends in the heart of the London market and at Lloyd’s,” she said.

The scheme is sponsored by Austbrokers & IBNA Member Services (AIMS), Gold Seal and Steadfast, with support from Lloyd’s in Australia and London.

Ms Baker says the calibre of entrants was high. She has thanked judges including Lloyd’s Australia General Representative Chris Mackinnon, Steadfast broker board chairman Jim Rudkin and former AIMS GM Martin McAvenna.

Highly commended finalists were Michael Kincaid of Regional Insurance Brokers Queensland and Kurt Nilsen of Lion Underwriting.