Applications for the Valerie Baker Memorial Award recognising excellence in the general insurance intermediary sector will close on Friday next week.

Shortlisted candidates will attend a panel interview, with the winner receiving a trip to London that includes meetings with senior managers at Lloyd’s and educational experiences tailored to their interests.

The award celebrates the achievements of Gold Seal founder Valerie Baker, a successful businesswoman with wide industry experience who encouraged women’s participation in insurance and enhanced professionalism in the insurance broking and underwriting agency sectors. She died in 2013 and the annual award was launched in the same year.

The selection process considers ethics and values, business success, client relationships, teamwork, innovation and entrepreneurship and industry contribution.

Austbrokers & IBNA Member Services (AIMS), Gold Seal and Steadfast are sponsors of the award, with additional support from Lloyd’s.

More information is available here.