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Three Nominations, One Philosophy

Shortlisted for three Modern Claims Awards 2026, Laird is recognised for its people-first culture, Swiftcase-powered innovation and ongoing commitment to supporting and strengthening the claims industry.

Nik Ellis10 February 2026
Three Nominations, One Philosophy

Three Nominations, One Philosophy

Being shortlisted for three awards at the Modern Claims Awards 2026 is something we’re genuinely proud of, but not for the usual reasons.

These nominations, Supporting the Industry, Best Place to Work, and Tech Initiative of the Year, don’t recognise a single project, product, or campaign. They reflect something broader: the way Laird thinks about people, technology, and our responsibility to the claims sector as a whole.

At their core, all three are rooted in the same belief. That better outcomes in claims come from strengthening the entire ecosystem, not optimising one part of it in isolation.


Supporting the industry means strengthening the system

The claims process only works when the wider ecosystem works well together. Insurers, brokers, repairers, legal partners, engineers and technology providers all rely on timely, accurate and consistent information to make decisions that are fair, defensible and efficient.

At Laird, supporting the industry has never been an add-on. It’s central to how we operate and how we invest.

We’ve always believed that improving outcomes for one party improves the system for everyone. That’s why our focus goes beyond delivering assessments. We invest in raising standards, sharing knowledge, collaborating across the market and reducing friction wherever possible.

Whether through training, partnership, or technology investment, our aim is to remove unnecessary delay, uncertainty and complexity from the claims journey. Being nominated for Supporting the Industry reflects that long-term, system-wide mindset rather than any single initiative.


People first, always

While technology continues to evolve, claims decisions remain fundamentally human decisions. Judgement, experience and professional integrity are critical, particularly in complex or high-value cases.

That belief underpins our ongoing investment in people.

At Laird, we don’t measure commitment by hours at a desk. We focus on outcomes, trust and flexibility. Our team is trusted to manage their time in a way that works for them while delivering consistently high standards for clients and partners.

We use technology to remove friction, not to create it. By reducing unnecessary administration and repetitive tasks, we give people the space to think, collaborate and apply their expertise where it matters most.

Alongside this, we invest heavily in learning and development. Internal training, external qualifications and technical leadership are non-negotiable. The claims and automotive landscapes move quickly, and we want our people to grow with the industry, not chase it.

We also encourage curiosity. New ideas are welcomed, even when they don’t work out. Experimentation and learning are part of progress, not something to be avoided.

Being shortlisted for Best Place to Work recognises a culture built on trust, flexibility, learning and care, and more importantly, the people who bring that culture to life every day.


Using AI responsibly, with humans firmly in the loop

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in claims handling, and Laird has embraced AI and automation where it adds real value.

Powered by Swiftcase, our platform of innovation, we’ve built intelligent tools that automate repetitive work, remove bottlenecks and support better decision-making across the assessment lifecycle. This is not automation for its own sake. It’s strategic engineering with a clear human outcome.

Routine tasks such as data entry, validation and quality checks, once time-consuming and error-prone, are now automated. This allows assessors to focus on expert judgement rather than administration, shortening turnaround times without compromising quality.

The benefits extend beyond our own teams. Clients receive faster, more reliable reports. End customers experience quicker service and clearer communication. Errors and rework are reduced, improving consistency at scale.

Crucially, AI at Laird operates with humans firmly in the loop. Professional judgement, accountability and empathy remain central. Technology enhances decision-making, it does not replace it.

Our nomination for Tech Initiative of the Year reflects this balanced approach: combining the efficiency and availability of AI with the insight and expertise of experienced professionals.


Looking ahead

The claims industry continues to evolve, facing greater complexity, higher expectations and increased scrutiny. Supporting the industry in this environment means being proactive, not reactive.

For us, that means continuing to invest in people, using technology responsibly, and contributing to a stronger, more resilient claims ecosystem.

Being shortlisted for three Modern Claims Awards is a moment of recognition, but more importantly, it’s a reflection of values we intend to keep living by.

Whatever the outcome, our commitment remains the same: to support the industry, support our people, and help shape the future of claims in a way that works for everyone.

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