Frances Stebbing reviews the news

This week we spoke to Frances Stebbing , Reporter at Insurance Post, to get her take on the past week in insurance news.

What has been the stand-out story for you in the insurance market this week and why?

Amazon’s announcement of the Amazon Insurance Store. Interested to see how Amazon could shape the world of insurance and if they will be able to provide a one stop shop for customers.

Who is your insurance personality of the week and why?

My first personality is Olga Collins from WBN, an inspiring woman genuinely committed to bringing better diversity across the industry.

And Stephen Worrall who recently took the position as CEO at HSB Engineering Insurance. He spoke to me about his humble beginnings and how he has climbed to CEO, as well as about engineering insurance, an interesting area I hadn’t previously covered.  

You can read more about these personalities in my recent Q&As which has been a great way for to find out more about people and companies.

Which news this week do you think will have the most long-term impact on the insurance profession?

With Liz Truss’ resignation and Rishi Sunak taking up leadership, I’m hoping this will bring better economic certainty back to consumers, as consumers are already feeling the pinch and may decide not to renew or take out insurance policies.

If you could interview anyone from the world of insurance and they had to answer your question 100% truthfully, who would it be and what would you ask them?

Jeff Bezos from Amazon. How will Amazon shape the future of insurance and what do they have to offer that traditional insurers don’t?

If you could wave a magic wand and change one thing about our industry, what would it be?

More diversity and better education about insurance roles at schools and colleges. The industry needs fresh new talent, but young people just don’t understand what roles in insurance could bring them an exciting career. There are some interesting roles and interesting emerging areas such as Cyber and Space!

Finally, would you survive a zombie apocalypse?

Yes, I plan to head to the not so secret “Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker” should a zombie apocalypse arise!