Mutual and co-op insurers focus on turning point for sector

The International Co-operative and Mutual Insurance Federation (ICMIF) is hosting its biennial conference in Manchester this week.

The trade association that represents the views of hundreds of co-operative and mutual insurers across the world, has entitled the event as ‘It’s Our Time’ in anticipation of next year’s International Year of Co-operatives.

Shaun Tarbuck, Chief Executive of ICMIF, said: “The conference is timely for we are truly at a turning point from which the co-operative and mutual insurance sector will go forward, renewed and reinvigorated.

“Co-operative and mutual insurers around the world are benefiting from the trend towards organisations with values and social purpose rather than the shareholder-based models that have largely been blamed for the recent global recession.”

Speakers at the event, which runs until October 28th at the Palace Hotel, include Pauline Green, President of the International Co-operative Alliance, and Paul Flowers, Chair of the Co-operative Banking Group.

During the event a Co-operatives Showcase exhibition area will highlight a number of co-operative organisaitons, which includes the Co-operative College showcasing its global work and items from the Co-operative Archive.

For more details visit: www.icmif.org/conference2011