Daines Kapp, an independent brokerage founded in 1989 and based in Ware, Hertfordshire, has been shortlisted in two categories at the UK Broker Awards 2026: Commercial Lines Insurance Broker of the Year and, newly introduced this year, Insurance Broker of the Year for London & the South East. The awards, hosted by Insurance Age, will be presented at The Vox, NEC Birmingham, on 8 October 2026 as part of UK Broker Week.

This latest recognition builds on an already remarkable year. With these two nominations, Daines Kapp has now been shortlisted four times across two of the industry’s most respected awards programmes in 2026. Earlier this year we were named a finalist for both Insurance Broker of the Year and Small Broker of the Year at the British Insurance Awards 2026. To be recognised repeatedly, by separate independent judging panels, reflects the consistency and quality of what our team delivers every day.

About the UK Broker Awards 2026

The UK Broker Awards, hosted by Insurance Age, are the market’s only dedicated awards ceremony designed to shine a spotlight exclusively on the insurance broking community. Now a central fixture of UK Broker Week, they celebrate excellence in client service, innovation, and the specialist expertise that defines the very best of British broking, with shortlisted firms selected by an independent panel of judges.

To appear on the 2026 shortlist in the Commercial Lines Insurance Broker of the Year category, alongside the new regional Insurance Broker of the Year for London & the South East award, reinforces our belief that a genuinely independent and highly personalised approach to broking can compete with the very best in the market.

“To be shortlisted again, this time at the UK Broker Awards and in two categories, is enormously rewarding for the whole team. What matters most to us is that these programmes examine the things we care about: the quality of our commercial advice, the strength of our client relationships, and our commitment to our region. Four shortlists across two national awards in a single year is something everyone at Daines Kapp should feel very proud of.”

Stefan Daines, Broking Director, Daines Kapp

Our Approach to Modern Broking

Our core philosophy has always been to act strictly in our clients’ best interests, combining traditional, personal service with purposeful innovation. This shortlisting reflects the key initiatives we focus on to continually improve the client experience:

• Clear, Accessible Advice: We use artificial intelligence in targeted applications to improve the clarity and accuracy of our documentation, making complex insurance terminology easier to understand. Crucially, a human expert is always in the loop to make final decisions and ensure advice is perfectly tailored to each client’s needs.
• Proactive Protection: We use smart tools to provide specific client segments with educational material on policies they may benefit from, followed by our “Traffic Light System,” which highlights key coverage gaps so clients can make fully informed decisions about their risk.
• Frictionless Claims: We are always looking for ways to reduce stress for clients at claim time, which recently led to the internal development and launch of our bespoke motor claims notification portal.
• Investing in the Future: We are deeply committed to developing industry talent, proudly supporting six apprentices, both current and graduated, within our team.

What This Means for Our Clients

The UK Broker Awards judging process scrutinises shortlisted firms closely, examining how well they serve their clients, the depth of their technical expertise, and how they are helping to move the broking profession forward. For anyone seeking commercial insurance, construction insurance, or private client cover, being shortlisted across four categories at two national awards this year provides independent, external assurance that the advice and service delivered by Daines Kapp genuinely competes at the highest level of the UK market.

Frequently Asked Questions: UK Broker Awards 2026

What are the UK Broker Awards?

The UK Broker Awards, hosted by Insurance Age, are the only major industry awards dedicated exclusively to the insurance broking market. Held as part of UK Broker Week, they recognise excellence in client service, technical expertise, and innovation across the profession, with winners selected by an independent judging panel.

Which categories has Daines Kapp been shortlisted for?

Commercial Lines Insurance Broker of the Year and Insurance Broker of the Year for London & the South East, a category newly introduced for 2026.

How many awards has Daines Kapp been shortlisted for in 2026?

Four, across two national awards programmes. At the British Insurance Awards, Daines Kapp is a finalist for Insurance Broker of the Year and Small Broker of the Year. At the UK Broker Awards, it is shortlisted for Commercial Lines Insurance Broker of the Year and Insurance Broker of the Year for London & the South East.

When and where is the UK Broker Awards 2026 ceremony?

The ceremony takes place at The Vox, NEC Birmingham, on 8 October 2026, as part of UK Broker Week.

How is Daines Kapp using AI in its broking service?

Daines Kapp applies AI in targeted areas to improve the clarity and accuracy of client documentation, making complex insurance language easier to understand. A qualified human expert reviews and finalises all advice and recommendations, ensuring every decision is accurate, compliant, and tailored to the client.

A Heartfelt Thank You

This continued national recognition is ultimately driven by the strong client feedback we receive every day. We are deeply grateful for the trust and loyalty you place in us, because it is that relationship which allows us to continually improve and innovate.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to every member of our team, whose expertise and dedication make achievements like this possible.

The winners will be announced at the UK Broker Awards 2026 ceremony at The Vox, NEC Birmingham, on 8 October 2026. We look forward to representing the independent broking community once again.

If you would like to discuss your insurance needs with our shortlisted team, please Contact Us today, or explore our commercial, construction, and private client insurance services to find out how we can help protect what matters most to you.