IMAA will offer general insurance for members, along with 12 other new deals

The Independent Media Agencies of Australia (IMAA) have announced that they've arranged an agreement to provide general insurance for their members.

The national, not-for-profit industry association for the independent media agency industry are partnering with Australian insurance provider Maple to offer general insurance and risk services for its members, which is designed to protect agencies from professional negligence liabilities, cyber risk, fraud and compliance issues.

IMAA CEO, Sam Buchanan, said: “This is a major win for the independent media agency sector. Insurance is a big cost for agencies and this deal will make a significant difference to their bottom line, while also allowing them to operate more competitively in an ever-changing market. It complements our world first trade credit insurance group deal for members announced in 2021, which protects agencies from bad debts.”

Maple managing director, Adam Sulway, said: “Maple is purposed to protect independent media agencies today, and safeguard their future for tomorrow. We are absolutely committed to levelling the playing field for independent agencies by reducing their costs and providing ‘big house’ insurance and risk solutions used by larger organisations.”

As well as general insurance, IMAA will provide 12 additional new group deals for its members from Ipsos (market research), Holistic Analytics (customer centric analytics), Canda Media Intelligence (advertising monitoring and analysis), On Device Research (effectiveness measurement of online and offline advertising), Veracity Trust Network (website threat and ad fraud protection), OnLoop (generative AI and mobile native collaborative team development), I Am Mentally Fit (developing awareness and understanding on mental health), Lemma Media (a programmatic digital out-of-home platform) and Learna (a microlearning app for people skills).

In April, IMAA called for the Australian business community and government to support Australian-owned media agencies and allow for a level playing field in pitches and tenders.

The IMAA said it was unacceptable that Australian businesses and government bodies are not mandated to support Australian businesses.

While the Federal Government requires its departments and agencies to source 20% of their $70 billion annual procurement from small and medium enterprises (SMEs), media agency contracts are still awarded to multinational holding companies.

Buchanan said: “The IMAA’s view is that it is irresponsible for governments and government businesses and departments to spend with companies where taxpayers’ money goes overseas.  Politicians forget it’s ultimately the money of the Australian taxpayers. Bureaucrats stand up and talk about supporting Australian business and when the opportunity comes, they forget their promises.”