CIExpert is celebrating its 10th year in business by presenting awards to recognise and commend product innovation and those that have championed the protection industry over the past decade driving improved customer outcomes.
Launched in 2012, CIExpert has evolved to become the leading and independent critical illness cover (CIC) comparison tool, regularly used by over 40% of protection advisers.
In the past decade, CIExpert has seen over 24,000 advisers entering 1.1 million clients into the system, with an average sum assured of £108,000, translating to over £120bn in insurance decisions made and influenced through its system.
In the past year alone, almost 10,000 adviser enquiries have been managed and CIExpert’s webinars have reached nearly 5,000 advisers.
Today, CIExpert awarded nine accolades at an event for insurers and advisers in central London. Sponsored by AIG, Aviva and Scor, the award-winners were announced as:
| Award category | Winner |
| Most Innovative Critical Illness Product Designer | Tim Lewis |
| Best Added Value Leadership | Aviva |
| Critical Illness Signposting Champion | Future Proof |
| Best Critical Illness Business Development | Gerry McCormick |
| Best Critical Illness Leadership | Lucy Brown |
| Best Growth of Critical Illness Initiative | Mike Boyle – St. James’s Place |
| Critical Illness Journalist of the Decade | Jeff Prestridge |
| CIExpert Champion (Individual) | Ann Richmond – Mortgage Advice Bureau, Mortgage Group (NI) |
| CIExpert Champion (Company) | Vita |
Alan Lakey, Director at CIExpert, said: “So much has changed over the last 10 years, both in the growth of our platform and within the critical illness world.
“The last decade has witnessed the quality of critical illness plans improving immeasurably and we believe we have influenced some real changes, with far fewer advisers today selling on cost alone and many changing their client conversations to focus on value and upselling.
“We genuinely believe that by creating a service that gives advisers the ability and confidence to truly evaluate critical illness plans we have contributed to the quality of advice for their clients in a truly meaningful way.
“We wanted to use this 10-year milestone to reflect and celebrate the best of our industry from product design and innovation, through to commending those that lead and champion in this market.
“We also want to thank and recognise some of the companies and individuals who have made a significant impact or contribution to our success. As we are looking back over a decade, many of our awards are focused on the individuals rather than the companies that they work or worked for, and there truly are many standout champions to celebrate.”
Neil Davies, commercial director at AIG Life, added: “Heartfelt congratulations to Alan, Clive and the CI Expert team for reaching such a significant milestone, and to everyone recognised in their 10th Anniversary Awards.
“Critical Illness is at the heart of the cover the protection industry provides to people. It matters and it has supported thousands of people and families through arguably the most challenging times anyone can face.
“As a critical illness provider, we really value the support CI Expert has given us, enabling us to make brave decisions that lead to better customer outcomes.
“By always holding a mirror up to the industry, they positively challenge us to think and rethink about what’s right for customers and their families. It’s only now that we call this consumer duty.”
Paul Dalgliesh, head of individual protection propositions at Aviva, said: “CI Expert has been a constant over the past decade in an evolving critical illness market. CI Expert puts a spotlight on the value of critical illness cover in real life claims terms, creates a benchmark for the industry and champions progress for customers. Happy 10th anniversary to CI Expert.”
Phil Cleverley, chief underwriter at SCOR Life UK & Ireland, concluded: “Critical Illness has been a cornerstone of our development in the UK over the past 20+ years and we have always been impressed by the depth of research that underpins CIExpert’s analysis.
“We welcome how they are changing the discussion around CI with a clear focus on ensuring products continually evolve to better meet customers’ needs. Increasing adviser confidence to sell the product is key to getting more families protected and this is why we are delighted to support and congratulate Alan, Clive and the CIExpert Team on their 10 years in the market, and we look forward to seeing what the next 10 years will bring.”
