Insurance Post writers pick up five Biba Journalism Awards

At the trade association’s 42^nd iteration of the awards, Post editor, Emma Ann Hughes picked up the Digital/Broadcast Award for her work on the Insurance Post Podcast series.

Kelly Ostler-Coyle, head of communications and stakeholder relations at Flood Re, who judged the category, said of Hughes: “The Insurance Post podcast has cut through the noise of many podcasts, curating interesting content and topics that industry professionals want to listen to. Many dry topics have been made engaging and accessible through the way it is hosted.  

“The guests are high-quality with topics you want to hear more about from experts.”

Lifetime Achievement win for former Post editor

Former Post editor, founder of the British Insurance Awards and regular contributor to the magazine, David Worsfold was also honoured as he was given the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Biba CEO, Graeme Trudgill said of Worsfold: “We felt we must recognise the incredible achievements of someone who has written, discussed, and promoted general insurance for almost as long as Biba has held these awards.

“He is someone who is not only a very wise owl, but also someone who I always take the time to read their posts on social media and reflect upon them. 

“He is passionate about developing and recognising excellence and is a fantastic journalist to boot!

“His many years of service get to the heart of the insurance issue.”

Hat-trick

However, the big winner on the night was Post’s news editor, Scott McGee, who walked away with a hat-trick of awards, including the big one.

His profile interview of the Financial Conduct Authority’s Matt Brewis won him the Interview/Profile of the Year award, while his story revealing that Amazon’s foray into UK insurance had been short-lived when it closed its Insurance Store after just 16 months landed him the Scoop of the Year award..

Judge Nick Hobbs, chief distribution officer at Allianz UK described Scott’s profile piece as a “truly big interview”.

He said: “Well-constructed, rich, good numbers and addition, wide ranging, interesting and insightful, slightly provocative, probing and prodding. A job well done.”

On his Amazon scoop, Karen Weir, founder and managing director at Weir Insurance said she “loved the simplicity and style” of the article.

“I can see that it would engage a much needed younger audience into the sector.”

McGee was then named as the Biba Journalist of the Year for 2024.

Trudgill said: “Almost every day we see great stories written about insurance, many of which help raise important issues or serve to clarify misconceptions about insurance to help consumers and businesses alike. We are privileged to have regular contact with many journalists who specialise to some degree in insurance, and we respect and are pleased with their level of understanding of our sector.

He continued: “Scott is someone who is keen to unearth issues and look in depth at emerging insurance stories.  He is uncompromising in seeking out the facts while never sacrificing writing style.”

Congratulations to all winners and nominees for their fantastic work throughout the year.