This article was produced in partnership with PSC Network
Bennett Richardson of Insurance Business asked Tony Walker, chief executive of PSC Network, about the firm’s first in-person company conference since 2019.
PSC Network tipped its hat last month to top authorised representatives (ARs) at a three-day conference held in Singapore.
The winners were selected from the firm’s large network of insurance advisors across Australia for client service as well as excellence from a financial, compliance and cultural perspective.
“What is really key is their stand-out service to their clients and their commitment to support them in their times of need,” chief executive Tony Walker said.
The gathering marked the first time in three years that delegates had been able to get together in person, but also underscored the firm’s growth in the face of adversity.
“The past three years have been challenging with increased catastrophe events, changing regulations, challenging financial climate, not to mention a world-wide pandemic,” Walker said.
“The focus is now to look forward and plan for the future both professionally and personally.”
Rising Star - HBT Insurance Brokers
Colette Hicks and John Barker of HBT Insurance Brokers took out the Rising Star award for 2022, while Reliance Partner of the Year went to Simon Wardman of RP South Perth. PSC Network Authorised Representative of the year went to Jason Fuller and Melissa Wallis of Penguin Risk Solutions.
“We are incredibly proud of our AR network and their ability to adapt and support their clients,” Walker said.
Brokers had to work especially hard in the last few years due to a range of issues most had not encountered before – and certainly not all at once. Claims volumes and supply chain delays have put pressure on the entire industry.
Reliance Partner of the Year - RP South Perth
But ARs such as the 2022 winners were able to put the client first even under such conditions.
“The best ARs are able to work collaboratively with insurers and understand the increased pressure they are under with the objective of ensuring the best outcome for their client,” Walker said.
This year was the first conference able to be held with both AR groups, PSC Connect and PSC Reliance Partners, in attendance.
AR of the Year - Penguin Risk Solutions
With a theme of “The Future is NOW” PSC Network didn’t pull any punches on expectations for the upcoming period as the economy lurches from a public health crisis to a cost-of-living crisis.
“We are not going to get any relief in the next 12 months with expected increased weather events, inflationary pressures, premium increases, capacity challenges, and resourcing challenges,” Walker said.
He acknowledged that ARs of high calibre would continue to be essential to the firm’s vision and cited new investment in technology as a focus with the aim of increasing productivity and reducing mundane paperwork.
More processes would become automated which would allow ARs to spend less time in the office and more time servicing their clients.
“That is what our Network is all about, ensuring we are able to be there for our client in their time of need,” Walker said.
Taking advantage of the support available to PSC Network brokers allows them to support clients when they need help and maintain a work-life balance while building an asset for the future, he added.
Over 250 delegates attended the conference at the 5-star Swissotel The Stamford Singapore, including 30 valued Sponsor partners.
PSC Network Insurance Partners is a division of publicly listed PSC Insurance Group Limited. As a Group, PSC aims to be the trusted insurance and risk management partner for its diverse range of Small to Medium Enterprise (SME) clients. PSC Network Insurance Partners Pty Ltd is an Australian Financial Services Licensee, responsible for a large network of Insurance Advisors across Australia.
