UPDATED
The coronavirus is having a massive impact across the UK, with a host of concerts and sporting events falling by the wayside. Now it appears its impact is also being felt in the insurance sector.
In reply to an event status request from Insurance Business, AXA UK clarified that it had taken the difficult decision to withdraw from this year’s BIBA Conference, scheduled for May 13-14.
“AXA has continued to monitor the ongoing coronavirus situation and the potential impacts this may have on the UK and on AXA, our partners, employees and customers,” an AXA UK spokesperson said. “In light of this, and after careful consideration, AXA entities in the UK (AXA UK&I, AXA XL and AXA Partners) have decided not to attend the BIBA annual conference this year.
“The BIBA conference is a fantastic event and an important one in our calendar but, given the current situation, we must put the health and wellbeing of our staff, brokers and partners first. We will find other ways to engage with brokers and they can be certain of our continued support.
“We believe that this is the right decision to take for the health and wellbeing of our employees, brokers and partners.
Insurance Business reached out to BIBA for clarification on the event’s status and it issued the following statement.
“The outcome of the Cobra meeting yesterday has not changed our plans and we remain confident that our 42nd Conference & Exhibition - The Year to Pioneer - will go ahead in Manchester on May 13 and 14,” a spokesperson said.
Separately, Allianz UK told Insurance Business that it “will continue to monitor the situation but at present is still planning to attend BIBA as usual.”
