Goals, Giveaways and Great Conversations at BIBA 2026

Building lasting partnerships in a record-breaking year.

BIBA 2026 brought the insurance industry together, with insurers, brokers, partners and suppliers from across the market in attendance and over 10,000 attendees - making it a record-breaking year.  As a veteran of the BIBA conference, Carpenters Group returned to Manchester Central with an added sense of fun to drive connection, leading to a busy few days on the stand.

This year saw us build on the momentum of 2025, with a full programme of activity across both days including media interviews, client meetings, football challenges and targeted support for gender equity and social impact. 

A highlight of this year’s BIBA was the Women in Insurance Breakfast, sponsored by Carpenters Group. The event saw a strong turnout, beating 2025 attendee numbers and leaving standing room only.  

Owner/Director, Donna Scully, took to the stage and bravely turned the tables on Sky News broadcasting legend, Kay Burley, placing her in the hot seat. Kay spoke of her career and rise within the industry, including her upbringing in nearby Wigan and the early days of her career, when she was the only woman in the newsroom. The trailblazer shared a strong message of making the most of now, as well as firm encouragement to help pave the way for others, regardless of gender or background.  

Thursday marked Young Brokers’ Day. Each year, Carpenters Group organise a school trip to BIBA for students from Liverpool school, St Francis of Assisi. The group spent time on the stand speaking with the team and learning more about the industry, giving pupils a valuable insight into the range of career opportunities available within the insurance and legal sector.  

The students enjoyed their time, and feedback from their teacher highlighted the impact the visit had, with several students expressing an interest in pursuing a future in the insurance industry. This means a great deal to us, especially as signatories of Destination Insurance. Initiatives like this remain an in important part of how we support the long term strength and accessibility of the sector.  

Across the two days, we were joined by two special guests; LFC legends Chris Kirkland and Natasha Dowie. Both delighted delegates by chatting about their careers, taking photographs and signing memorabilia.   

Chris spoke to visitors about his book "Keeping It Quiet - The Chris Kirkland Story", as well as sharing his experience of working as a mental health advocate. Natasha hosted a keepy-up challenge, which quickly became a popular feature of the stand. Visitors of all skill levels took part throughout the day trying to beat Tash’s impressive record. The winner - achieving over 100 keepy-ups - won a football signed by Chris, Tash, and Peter Crouch! 

We are always trying to do our best for the charities we support, and BIBA was the perfect opportunity to run a charity raffle in support of the LFC Foundation and Fans Supporting Foodbanks. As a business founded in Merseyside, the prizes were appropriately chosen and included signed Liverpool FC shirts and a Liverpool Gin hamper, with all proceeds supporting two organisations doing important work in communities across our head office’s local region. 

As ever, BIBA provided unrivalled opportunity to spend time with the colleagues and friends and continue strengthening relationships across the industry. 

BIBA 2026 was the perfect TIME:TO reconnect with longstanding partners while also meeting new faces across the market. Great partnerships are built on genuine connections and we’re already looking forward to #BIBA2027!