MINUTES OF THE 102 ND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE MANCHESTER MARINE INSURANCE ASSOCIATION HELD AT THE MIDLAND HOTEL, MANCHESTER ON 16 TH MARCH 2006
Present Ian Harrison (Chairman), Joe O Hanlon (Secretary), Matt Drinkwater (Treasurer), Karen Bodle, Clive Cobb, Mike Brook, Peter Mellish, Tony Holden, Nick Limb, Nicky Hotz, Andrea Greenhalgh, Siobhan McDermott, Paule Mayoh, Dan Shaw, Mark Evans, Matthew Hardiman, Jayne Barber, Shirley Sutcliffe, Adrian Marsh, Bobbie Nolan, Amanda Reid, Guy Warburton, Michelle Parr, Eirian Williams, Mike McFarlane. Apologies Denis Cleary, Gary Carter, Tony Kehoe, LGSA Marine, Mike Denny, Steve Ager, Steve Parry, Nick Owen, Peter Fletcher, Peter McClelland, Roger Daniells, Neil Atkinson The Notice convening the meeting was taken as read. Minutes of the 101 st AGM The Chairman confirmed that the minutes of the 101 st AGM were posted onto the MMIA website and therefore made a proposal that the minutes submitted to the meeting should be adopted by the members. Karen Bodle seconded the motion. The Secretary put it to the membership for vote of approval, which was approved unanimously. No amendments and signed by the Chairman. Chairman s Address to the Meeting All members were formally welcomed to the 102 nd Marine Insurance Association. Annual General Meeting of the Manchester The Chairman s address started by recalling on his address he made at the 2005 AGM where he started by reviewing the Centenary Dinner which was held back in May 2004. He commented that the dinner celebrated the great achievements of the Manchester Market in replacing the Liverpool market as the most significant Marine Insurance marketplace outside of London and that the achievements of the Past Chairman of the Association were duly recognised at that Dinner. The Chairman went on to say how much he thought the Manchester Market had changed and how it was unrecognisable from the working environment that existed back in the late 60 s and through the 70 s. The Chairman raised the question, are we even allowed to call it a Market?, are we even allowed to meet as we do, now that European legislation has a stranglehold on such issues? The Chairman commented on the incredible drive for Market share at the beginning of 2006, and the determination of holding Underwriters to retain their business during this period, had seen rates yet again spiralling downwards at an alarming rate. The Chairman s thoughts were that Market forces should of course be allowed to run their course and that there was little the Association could do, or indeed should do, to intervene.
The Chairman touched on 2005 and how it saw yet another successful Annual Dinner at The Midland, and he gave his particular thanks to David Wareing of Hill Dickinson who gave a splendid speech in proposing the toast to the Association. The Chairman expressed his disappointment with the lack of support given to the Association s other major function, the Education Seminar which was held at Old Trafford in October 2005. He went on to say that the lack of support of the Membership meant that the Association lost a significant amount of money. He confirmed The Committee was already discussing ways in which to generate more interest and support for the 2006 Seminar. The Chairman spoke about the 2006 dinner and the fact that there was no need to drum up support. He said it was fair to say that that the changes that had been introduced this year to reduce numbers had generated more discussion, e-mail exchanges and letter writing than any other issue he could recall. The Chairman commented that he hoped the people attending the dinner would notice a difference. The Chairman also went on to say that the reduced numbers would allow a changed layout of the Alexandra Suite, and this together with the hiring in of a bespoke sound system, would assist in everybody attending to hear what is going on. The Chairman apologised on behalf of the Committee and explained that it was unfortunate that time did not allow the Committee to rewrite the Constitution and organise an EGM before the end of 2005 as planned. The Chairman commented that it would have allowed the Association to vote in a new Committee for 2006. The Chairman expressed his sincere thanks to both Peter Jackson and George Dawson for all their valuable time and effort in working through what turned out to be a very time consuming exercise. The Chairman confirmed that the Committee would again be posting a copy of his address onto the MMIA website, which would be accompanied by a Sports and Social report by Mike McFarlane, a Claims report by Neil Bannatyne, and an Education report by Peter McClelland. The Chairman expressed his thanks and gratitude for their efforts, and encouraged everybody to go on to the site to read their reviews. The Chairman brought to everybody s attention the fact that it was 100 years since the most important piece of legal work that affects everybody s daily lives was brought into being. The Marine Insurance Act of 1906. The Chairman commented that one of the main functions of the Act was to instil certain moral codes into the law and practice of Marine Insurance, he went on to say that at the moment the Law Commission had seen it fit to review certain parts of the Act, and that those attending the Liverpool Lectures, would have an excellent opportunity to learn more on the subject. The Chairman commented that as the Constitution had been the main theme of the day, he invited everybody to revisit Section 2 on the first page, which sets out very clearly the objectives of the Association. The Chairman said that this was what he and the rest of the Committee were striving to do. Promote the Market, educate, provide information, attract new business into the market, and to encourage co-operation between members. The Chairman gave his thanks to the members of the Committee for their time and support during the year, and gave particular thanks to Joe O Hanlon, Association Secretary, and Matt Drinkwater, Association. The Chairman finished his address by thanking everybody for attending.
Financial Statement Matt Drinkwater gave a detailed statement on the account to year ended 31 st December 2005 copies of which were distributed at the meeting. Year ended Year ended 31/12/2005 31/12/2004 Income: Members Subscriptions 5750 5875 Bank & Building Society Interest 345 6095 287 6162 Expenditure: Annual Dinner -2171 2228 Golf Competitions 629 467 Other Social Events 980 106 Annual General Meeting 220 22 Seminars and Presentations 2786 1171 Secretary s Honorarium 750 750 Education Prize 250 250 Internet and Website Costs 2482 112 Insurance 315 316 Printing and Stationery 185 83 Sundry Expenses 0 44 Accountancy Charges 250 135 Bank Charges 158 81 6834 5553 Excess of Expenditure over income Transferred from Accumulated Fund -739 609 The Chairman therefore made a proposal that the Statement of Income and Expenditure for 2005 submitted to the meeting should be adopted by the members. Tony Holden seconded the motion which was approved unanimously. Announcement of new Committee members The Chairman confirmed that in accordance with the Constitution, all current members of the Committee had resigned and offered themselves for re-election.
The Secretary confirmed the names that would make up the Committee;- Peter Jackson George Dawson Peter McClelland Siobhan McDermott Mike McFarlane Neil Atkinson Paul Hackett Karen Bodle Tony Holden Amanda Reid The Chairman announced that the Officers of the Committee would be elected. The Secretary confirmed the names that would make up the Officers of the Committee;- Ian Harrison Chairman Matt Drinkwater Treasurer Education Prize The Chairman announced the winner of the Education Prize was Mr Dan Shaw of Royal & SunAlliance, who completed his ACII, passed Insurance Practice & Regulation with a Distinction. The Chairman presented Dan with a cheque for 250.00. Any other business None. The Chairman confirmed the AGM officially closed.