Alex Hardy, Director of Delegated & Distribution shared his thoughts on the past year, including his highlights and disappointments and what he hopes to see for the insurance industry in 2026.
What was your highlight as a business in 2025?
We’ve really delivered on our strategy by driving a lot of business through our existing MGA partners and building expanding strong, lasting relationships. In fact, 90% of our new business has come from people we already know, which says a lot. The biggest highlight? The repeated trust our partners have placed in us; it’s been incredible.
What was your biggest disappointment as a business in 2025?
We’ve had to turn down quite a few partnership opportunities to make sure they fit our risk appetite and the bandwidth we have as a business. In fact, our international declinature rate is over 80%. We’ve come across hundreds of fantastic teams and portfolios, but the reality is we just can’t work with everyone.
What was the best news for the UK insurance sector in 2025?
There’s a real sense of momentum in the market, with Europe keen to replicate the UK’s success in the MGA space. Capacity is available, and the focus on MGAs is stronger than ever, with the sector looking buoyant and interest growing across the board. Healthy competition is driving progress, and it’s clear the MGA space is being taken seriously, with the MGAA’s expansion and the creation of FASE, a new forum for Europe’s MGAs.
How would you say the insurance sector is positioned for 2026?
I’d say the insurance sector is heading into 2026 in a strong position. There’s still a healthy level of interest from capital providers, and overall profitability looks solid. While we’re seeing some softening in parts of the market, maintaining discipline will be key to navigating that. The MGA space continues to feel buoyant, with plenty of capacity and growing interest, and the trust we’ve built with partners is a real advantage.
If you could be granted one wish for 2026, what would it be?
My wish for 2026 is all about progress and simplicity. As an industry, I’d love to see us keep pushing on efficiency and automation, really delivering on our tech plans so our talent has access to the best tools, and our customers and brokers feel the benefit. Blueprint Two has been extended, so there’s work to do. On a bigger scale, if I could wish for one thing, it would be an end to the geopolitical tensions that have been hanging over the industry – and the world – for too long.
What would be the title of your dream insurance conference in 2026 and where would it be held?
‘Sunny Side Up: Changing the Insurance Conversation’ – it’ll be about showing insurance in a new light: innovative, human, and full of opportunity. It could bring together ideas on talent and tech, with inspiring talks and real stories from customers to remind everyone why our industry exists and the positive impact we can make to communities. It’ll be set in a sunny location of course!
Alex’s comments were first published in an article in Insurance Post. Click here to read the full article.
