Erin Brockovich to speak at NW conference

ENVIRONMENTAL campaigner Erin Brockovich is visiting the North West this week as she headlines the British Insurance Brokers’ Association’s annual conference.

The US legal secretary, whose battle for justice against a chemicals company was portrayed by Hollywood star Julia Roberts, will deliever the keynote address to 2,000 delegates at the event at Manchester Central, which begins on Wednesday.

BIBA’s annual three-day conference is the largest insurance event in the country and 2009’s conference and exhibition, which will focus on the subject of delivering value.

In addition to the keynote speech from Erin the conference programme includes comedy actress and qualified psychotherapist Ruby Wax, nine industry-focused seminar sessions and an industry debate on broking in the 21st century, which will be chaired by business guru and TV presenter Rene Carayol.

BIBA chief executive, Eric Galbraith, said: “We are looking forward to a very inspiring conference this year and it is a great pleasure to be coming back to Manchester as it is undoubtedly one of the most popular venues for our annual conference.

“In previous years, exhibitors and delegates have told us that Manchester Central’s great event facilities, lively atmosphere and wide range of hotels close by make it a superb venue for our event – and we are confident that 2009 will be no exception.”

Manchester Central is in the midst of a £20m redevelopment programme. It is hosting this year’s Conservative Party conference.