ABI names BLM as first associate member

Insurance law firm BLM has become the Association of British Insurers (ABI) first associate member.

BLM works with the general insurance sector, the London Market, the public sector, brokers, corporate policyholders and the health and care sector. In addition, the firm has an established policy and government affairs team, led by a former ABI policy adviser, which often acts as a conduit between government, policymakers and the firm, its customers and other stakeholders, according to the ABI.

The new associate membership category has been developed to meet interest from non-insurance companies in joining the ABI, such as legal firms, consultants, price comparison sites, and the wide variety of suppliers, including software houses, who help insurers deliver their services, said the association.

Associate members will benefit from a wide range of ABI services including access to the full range of ABI statistics, industry updates, thought leadership work, networking opportunities and reduced rates for ABI events.

“I am delighted to welcome BLM as the ABI’s first associate member, which I hope will be the first of many,” said Huw Evans, ABI director general.

“We launched our associate membership scheme in response to the changing nature of the insurance market, which covers a wide range of firms not eligible for full ABI membership, but who would be interested in the wide range of services and industry insight we can offer.”

Mike Brown, senior partner at BLM, added: “We are very pleased about the ABI inviting BLM to become its first associate member. This membership will provide us with a great opportunity to work with the ABI and other interested stakeholders to lead and develop key insurance issues in both the UK and EU policy arenas.

“It will also enable us to network with other associate members and to discuss the important matters which impact, or are likely to impact, on the insurance industry far and wide.”