For insurance professionals, recognition at a national level is more than just a trophy on the shelf — it’s a powerful catalyst for business growth, credibility and personal development. Tate Harris (main picture, left side with Rachael Lavars, Elantis Premium Funding), winner of the Elantis Young Achiever Award at last year’s Insurance Business Awards, is proof of the impact. His journey offers compelling reasons why brokers and other insurance professionals should consider nominating now for the awards that take place in May 2026.
When Harris, partner at local Canberra brokerage allinsure, heard his name announced as the winner in his category during the awards night earlier this year, he was shocked. “It was a surprise to be perfectly honest with you,” said Harris.
The significance of the award quickly translated into tangible business benefits. Harris said the recognition has helped set his brokerage apart in a competitive marketplace.
“Most definitely, yes,” he said. “Through our marketing we leverage what we can and what we do better, so this recognition on national scale for our little privately owned brokerage in Canberra is definitely something that separates us from the competition down here.”
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“There's a lot of data and information that's available these days,” said Harris. “This Award provides that level of confidence before you've even stepped in the room or had a conversation with someone.”
In today’s digital world, clients are more informed than ever, often researching potential brokers online via socials before making contact. An award win is a visible marker of credibility and trustworthiness.
However, winning at the Insurance Business Awards isn’t just about external validation, it’s also about the skills and values that underpin success in the industry. Harris credits his win to a blend of adaptability, empathy and a willingness to go beyond the basics of broking. “I think a good skill that a broker should have is the ability to be nimble and shift into different spaces when a customer needs it,” he said.
That includes critically reviewing an insurance program and providing advice on alternate possible solutions. A broker should also work with the client’s other key business partners, including accountants and lawyers to understand the bigger picture of challenges and opportunities facing the business. “Reviewing the contracts that clients are entering into is, I think, outside the big corporate world, a lost art from an insurance perspective,” said Harris.
He said it’s important for brokers to check that any contractual terms their clients are entering into are in alignment with their insurance policies. This attention to detail and willingness to dig deeper is what distinguishes top brokers from the rest.
Harris asks his clients multiple questions around any new contracts they could be entering into, where responsibilities lie and who is indemnifying who. “All of those factors will change what an insurance program will look like and whether or not your policy or your insurance program is fit for purpose,” he said.
For Harris, participating in the Elantis Young Achiever Award and attending the awards night is an experience he would recommend wholeheartedly to industry colleagues. “Yes, most definitely, I would,” he said.
On the one hand, there’s the industry recognition that can be converted into leverage for the business. “Particularly if you're trying to stake your claim within a particular organisation or maybe you're setting out on your own or you have your own little operation already,” said Harris.
Then there’s the awards night itself – a three course gala dinner with live entertainment. “The awards night is a great night,” he said.
Nominations are open for the Insurance Business Awards 2026 and close on November 21. For more information, including how to nominate and register, please visit the awards website.
