Inspiring Future Talent at BIBA 2026

At BIBA Conference 2026, we were proud to sponsor the Future Talent initiative, focused on giving students a genuine introduction to the insurance industry and what a career in it could look like.

As an industry, we talk a lot about the need to attract new talent; but that starts with visibility and access. Many young people do not know what insurance involves, or how broad the opportunities really are. Initiatives like this help bridge that gap.

For me, it also reflects something wider about Gallagher - we are not just creating opportunities; we are helping people navigate them, together.

Why This Matters

Insurance is constantly evolving, and the challenges we face are becoming more complex. To keep up, we need people who bring different perspectives, skills, and ideas.

But attracting that talent means doing more than just talking about careers. It means:

• Explaining what we do in a clear and relatable way

• Showing that there is no single route into the industry

• Giving people the confidence to see themselves in these roles

As Emilia, Talent Acquisition Partner, shared: "You always hear about careers like becoming a doctor or a lawyer, but insurance is genuinely a fantastic path... the opportunities really are endless."

If we do not actively create those early moments of exposure, we risk missing out on the next generation entirely.

What we did at BIBA

Working with BIBA, we invited local students to attend the conference and spend the day learning about the industry. Our aim was simple: make it interactive, engaging, and real.

Scavenger hunt across the market

We organised a scavenger hunt to encourage students to explore the exhibition floor, speak to different organisations, and ask questions.

It gave them a reason to take part, rather than just observe.

As Emeka, Talent Acquisition Partner, explained: "The scavenger hunt showed the students the various silos of insurance and the exciting career paths it consists of… having different voices and perspectives created variety and options."

That variety mattered. It reinforced how connected the industry is and how much collaboration sits behind it.

The energy in the room afterwards stood out.

Paige, Talent Acquisition Partner, reflected: "There was a real buzz when the students came back from the scavenger hunt… a clear sense of excitement and energy across the room."

Speaker sessions

Alongside this, we ran short sessions to help students better understand specific career paths:

• David Mullen on Broking

• Alistair Danesh and Stewart Gardiner on Underwriting

• Stephen Bevan and Charlotte Harrison-May on Claims

These conversations helped bring structure to an industry that can feel complex from the outside.

As Alistair, Strategic Business Development Manager, shared: "It was about showcasing the diverse opportunities this industry has to offer and inspiring the next generation."

The Response

What stood out most was the shift in perception.

At the start of the day, only two students had considered a career in insurance. By the end, every student said they would consider it.

That shift is exactly why this matters.

As David, Talent Acquisition Partner, put it: "Once they engaged directly with the market, they saw tangible examples of why the industry can be exciting… by the end, every student raised their hand."

Kimberley, Talent Acquisition Associate, also shared her perspective: "I watched a room full of young people go from thinking it would be a boring day to really getting stuck in and enjoying it."

And beyond awareness, it was about building confidence and connection.

Jenny, Training Delivery Manager and Account Handler Academy Leader, said: "It is so important to support and help the next generation to grow."

A Shared Effort

With around 25% to 30% of the insurance workforce expected to retire in the coming years, the industry is at a real turning point. It is clear that attracting and developing future talent has to be a shared effort across the market. And collectively, through initiatives like this, knowing we may have inspired someone to consider a future in insurance is something worth celebrating.

That was evident throughout the initiative. Organisations including AXA, SSP, Bravo Networks / Geo, Aviva, Crawford, Intact, Close Brothers, ICAN, and Carpenters all came together to support the day; speaking with students, sharing their journeys and offering real insight into what a career in insurance can look like.

From our Talent Acquisition colleagues to ambassadors and speakers across the business, there was a shared sense of pride in what we were building together.

As Paige described: "I got a real sense of pride… seeing everyone come together, overcome challenges, and make the day a success."

Looking Ahead

BIBA 2026 was a strong reminder of where the industry is heading, and the role Talent Acquisition can play within it.

As Jennifer, Talent Acquisition Partner, shared: "We’re starting to see a shift towards people choosing insurance, and we have a key role in shaping that narrative."

"We’re not just responding to change, we have a real opportunity to help drive it."

There is more we can do. We can refine the approach, build on what worked, and continue to engage early talent in meaningful ways.

And this felt like a strong step forward.

For me, it was also a reminder of what makes Gallagher different. We create opportunities, but more importantly, we support people through them. We guide, mentor, and grow together.

That is what navigating the future together really looks like.

And based on what we saw at BIBA this year, there is every reason to feel optimistic about what comes next.

If you are curious, motivated, and open to learning, there is a place for you at Gallagher.