Fast-growing brokerage and authorised representative (AR) network McLardy McShane says it is targeting $1 billion in gross written premium (GWP), after holding its “infinity and beyond” conference last week. 

More than 350 people attended the event in Perth, raising more than $185,000 for charity. 

The business prides itself on giving back, and sessions at the conference were mostly inspirational rather than insurance-focused, with speakers ranging from Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne to former boxing champion Danny Green. 

GWP for the group is now just short of $500 million, including WA-based Apollo, whose name sparked the conference theme and which represents McLardy McShane’s most significant investment to date. The average growth rate for the past five years is 40.5%. 

Co-founders CEO Don McLardy and Director Mike McShane have a clear succession plan with Group General Manager Meg Long and the next generation of their families ready to step up.

“Hopefully before I pack it in we might just be a $1 billion company,” Mr McLardy told attendees. 

An intergalactic-themed gala dinner was held on the last night and awards were handed out. 

Branch of the year is McLardy McShane Swan Hill, and employee of the year went to Brendan Leon, Head Office – Finance. 

Active Insurance Solutions was named AR of the year while Mc Culture Awards went to Jodie Webb and Gaye Varapodio (Shepparton branch), Cameron Tait (Head Office), and Paul Benjamin (AR – Benjamin & Benjamin). 

Rising Stars are Naomi Galea (ICI Insurance Services), Kelly Cowie (East Gippsland Insurance Brokers), and Lucas Jackson (Victory Funding).

Funds were raised for The Reach Foundation, Love Your Sister and Cure EB.