Hear from the judging panel, view the menu and read the full shortlist
Welcome to the virtual programme for the British Claims Awards 2026. Below you’ll find everything you need to know about the awards ceremony, from who’s hosting and what’s on the menu, to the all-important shortlist.
Jump to: Host | Menu | Timings | Entertainment | Sponsors | Judges | Shortlist | Share your feedback |
Kicking off the programme below is an introduction from Chris Hall, CII Claims Community Board Member, who chaired the independent judging panel.
Thank you all for joining us at the British Claims Awards 2026.
Claims is the shop window for the insurance industry and we are all here to celebrate the achievements of outstanding firms and individual professionals working in the claims sector. It’s been an absolute privilege to be part of the 2026 awards judging process as chair, although the quality of this years entries made the process extremely difficult.
Of course, I should emphasise that I am not the only judge, the number of entries which deserved to win an award this year meant that we had a healthy debate before deciding on the eventual winners. The decisions made reflect the views of us all and I would just like to pay tribute to the expert panel of judges who spent many hours reviewing all of the excellent entries and collectively and after much discussion and debate picked out who we believe to be very worthy winners.
We all want to offer our congratulations to everyone who has been shortlisted and to our winners this evening, it was a very close call in many categories so you should all be incredibly proud of your achievements and determined to win next year!
Timings
19:00 Drinks reception
20:00 Dinner
21:45 Awards
00:00 Carriages
Menu
Your host
Stephen Bailey is an award-nominated comedian, presenter, actor and writer known for his quick wit, playful humour and charismatic presenting style. A familiar face across British television, his credits include Live at the Apollo, Would I Lie To You?, Blankety Blank, Richard Osman’s House of Games and Celebrity Weakest Link, alongside hosting roles on Celebs on the Farm and Takeshi’s Castle.
As well as being one of the UK’s most sought-after comedy talents, Stephen has hosted major live events including The British Podcast Awards and supported some of the biggest names in stand-up comedy, including Sarah Millican, John Bishop and Katherine Ryan.
Entertainment
Hipster are a Cheshire and Staffordshire based band who travel UK wide playing a unique blend of classic rock, pop and indie. Since forming in 2000 they have played at over 1000 weddings and parties, large and small. They were also they headline band at the Batman Live World Premiere after party and even played for Prince Harry on New Years Eve in 2011!
Our sponsors
Charity Partner
We are proud to be supporting the Children’s Air Ambulance as our charity partner at this year’s British Claims Awards. This incredible organisation provides a vital, lifesaving service, transferring critically ill babies and children across the UK to specialist hospitals via helicopter. Throughout the evening, guests will have the opportunity to support their work by taking part in a raffle and a silent auction, with all proceeds going directly to the charity. Every contribution helps keep hope alive for families during their most challenging moments.
