Entries for the Valerie Baker Memorial Award close on Friday, but organisers will consider an extension if would-be applicants are pressed for time.

“If people are finding it hard to meet the timeframe, I am happy to extend the deadline to allow them more time,” Gold Seal MD Sheila Baker told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“I can’t be definitive on the time. It will need to be decided on a case-by-case basis. All potential candidates need to do is call or email me.”

The competition, sponsored by Gold Seal and Steadfast, is open to all Australian brokers and underwriting agents.

It was launched in 2013 to honour Ms Baker’s late sister, Gold Seal’s founder Valerie Baker.

The winner will be announced at the Steadfast Convention in Adelaide on April 18-21.

The prize includes a trip to London, an introduction to Lloyd’s operations, a short course at the Chartered Insurance Institute and learning activities with key underwriters and brokers.

“It will give [the winner] a greater international perspective and exposure to the London market, both through the brokers and underwriters they will meet and the contacts they will make,” Ms Baker said.

“They will have an opportunity to meet senior people at Lloyd’s and get to enhance their careers at the centre of the insurance universe.”

For more information or to apply, click here.