Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham will deliver the opening keynote at the BIBA 2026 conference on May 13, the British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) has confirmed.
The conference, themed "Time:To," is centred on immediate priorities for brokers and insurance businesses, from rising claims costs and capacity constraints for complex risks to gaps in customer understanding of policy coverage.
It will be Burnham's first appearance at the event since 2022, and the market has shifted considerably in the intervening years. The Financial Conduct Authority's Consumer Duty came into force in stages during 2023 and 2024, imposing a higher standard of care across the sector.
Weather-related claims for storm, flood and freeze damage hit record levels in both years, with industry figures showing insurers paid around £585 million for climate-related home damage in 2024 alone. Marsh data from late 2025, meanwhile, put UK commercial rates down 7% in the fourth quarter, the eighth consecutive quarterly decline.
BIBA CEO Graeme Trudgill also said the political and economic landscape had changed since Burnham last addressed delegates.
"It will be great to welcome Andy back to The BIBA Conference," Trudgill said, adding that he looked forward to hearing Burnham's "updated plans and objectives for Manchester."
Read more: Ben Stokes to close BIBA Conference 2026
Burnham described the BIBA 2026 conference as "a major event that delivers a significant positive impact to Greater Manchester's local economy." He noted the region was home to the largest professional and financial services sector outside London, calling Greater Manchester "the UK's fastest-growing city region."
Burnham is expected to discuss regional opportunities, government engagement and how Manchester plans to capitalise on innovation for job creation and economic growth. His appearance follows the recent local elections.
First elected mayor in 2017, Burnham won a third term in May 2024. He previously served as MP for Leigh from 2001 and held cabinet roles including Secretary of State for Health and for Culture, Media and Sport.
He will open the event and join host Kay Burley for a fireside chat. England cricket captain Ben Stokes is set to close the BIBA 2026 conference on 14 May, while television presenter Davina McCall MBE, who has in recent years become a prominent wellness and resilience advocate, will also take the keynote stage.
More than 9,900 professionals and 220 exhibitors are expected. The figure is broadly in line with last year's record; BIBA data shows the 2024 and 2025 editions drew 9,616 and 9,907 registered delegates respectively.
Registration is open, with free entry for BIBA member brokers. Exhibition and fringe access is also free for FCA-registered brokers.
