At the 2019 BIBA conference in Manchester, commercial accounts executive Ryan Legge was announced as the 2019 Young Broker of the Year. The award, which was presented by Huw Edwards and Professor Green (pictured with Legge above), recognises young brokers who have made outstanding contributions to the sector.
When commenting on this competitive category, the judges cited Legge’s commitment and professionalism, and BIBA Chair Lord Hunt of Wirral said: “[Legge] is clearly set to have a stellar career in broking, and I know we shall all enjoy watching his progression within the industry in the years ahead.”
Legge’s career to date has illustrated a fascinating inclination to choose the road less travelled. After his A-levels, he was unsure about whether to attend university or to take on an apprenticeship and, when his decision was made easier by the tripling of university fees that year, he found his place at Hayes Parsons.
“I was very keen at that point to get into the real world and learn new skills in a fast-paced role,” he said. “Insurance, and specifically my employer, offered me that.”
Starting at Hayes Parsons as an apprentice, Legge worked tirelessly to build his reputation as an insurance broker and received a powerful affirmation of these efforts with the Young Broker award. He is careful, however, to give credit where credit is due, displaying a maturity that might belie his years, but which proves the responsibilities he has embraced from a young age.
“[It was] great recognition personally, but also for my employer who has supported and challenged me along the way,” Legge said.
Discussing the role of organisations such as BIBA in encouraging communication and involvement in the broking industry, Legge states that they are a vital part of the industry. “Events such as [the BIBA conference] in particular are a great way to meet people,” he said, “and to trade experience and knowledge.”
Looking forward, technology, Legge noted, is the major disruptor likely to impact the broking industry in the near future, and he believes that it will ultimately be responsible for improving the customer journey. He cited developments in blockchain and big data as being particularly capable of improving the customer service currently provided by the broking industry.
“I think how well we embrace [technology] will be a real challenge for the industry,” Legge said, “but it also represents an exciting opportunity to change how we’re perceived externally.
“As technology becomes more sophisticated, I think it’s likely to take care of the more admin-driven roles in our industry.” This, Legge noted, should be considered a positive, as more interesting roles designed to genuinely add value are created as a result of this disruption.
“I think that the challenge for young people coming through today is to ensure that they have the expertise to add value where technology won’t be able to,” he added.
Legge considers CII qualifications a definitive way to do this and recognises achieving the ACII qualification as another defining moment of his career to date.
“Anybody that’s done it will know the hours and discipline that goes into completing that,” he said.
Today, Legge remains passionate about broking - embracing the prospect of not having the same day-to-day routine, and of having the opportunity to meet new challenges and feel a genuine sense of achievement in his work.
“Broking is so diverse and we’re fortunate to be able to deal with a real variety of interesting risks,” Legge outlined. “The opportunities and challenges have changed as I’ve taken on new roles but are just as, if not more, rewarding.”
