Sportscover CEO David Lamb and Axis Underwriting’s NSW Manager Emily Walker have joined the Underwriting Agencies Council (UAC) board, which met last week to discuss strategy for next year.

Millennium MD Heath Amber and Sterling Insurance director Linda King were re-elected as Chairman and Treasurer respectively.

Steve Boucher from Sportscover and Jo Lindsay-Eschbank from SUA have retired as directors.

UAC CEO William Legge says the group will emphasise the value of its underwriting expos to members and business sources next year. Although UAC has expanded the popular events, he will be talking to participants about how they can be improved.

“They are going great guns but I’m always concerned that we don’t rest on our laurels,” he told insuranceNEWS.com.au after the annual general meeting.

UAC is to hold its first New Zealand expo in Auckland in February, and Mr Legge plans to visit businesses outside the city to explain the council and the advantages of membership.

“There are other parties in New Zealand that may not call themselves underwriting agencies but effectively are,” he said.

UAC will also assess its education program next year.

The emerging leaders course in February is almost booked out by up-and-comers, plus senior executives seeking a refresher. Experts explain what is involved in running an agency and participants have the chance to build their networks.