EDII and Markel Partner to Bring Future-Focused Innovation Skills to Insurance Professionals Across the North of England

by | Jun 11, 2026 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

Digital Minds Embed North to launch in Leeds in October, in partnership with Markel and open to brokers, insurers, MGAs, and insurance-adjacent organisations across the North.

EDII is delighted to announce that it is bringing its flagship insurance innovation programme, Digital Minds Embed, to insurance professionals outside London for the first time in October. With 11 cohorts successfully delivered in London, organisations will now be able to access the same proven programme that has made a measurable impact on how delegates think, operate, and lead change.

The first Digital Minds Embed North cohort will commence in October 2026 in Leeds. EDII has partnered with Markel – longstanding supporters of the Digital Minds programme – to bring this first Northern cohort to life, with sessions hosted at Markel’s new City Square House office and open to delegates from brokers, insurers, MGAs, and insurance-adjacent organisations across the region.

Digital Minds Embed is a nine-month, Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) CPD accredited programme that equips insurance professionals with the practical skills, mindsets, and behaviours needed to lead innovation and deliver meaningful change. In-person sessions bring together a deliberately cross-industry mix of insurers, brokers, and MGAs – creating the kind of peer environment where real collaboration and challenge happen. Virtual sessions complement the in-person experience, keeping momentum across the full nine months.

Participants develop what EDII defines as the Digital Mindset™ – seven capabilities critical for insurance excellence in a digitally-driven world: Collaborative & Connected, Empathetic & Human-Centred, Critical Thinkers, Commercially Curious, Digitally Engaged, Outside-In Aware, and Comfortable with Uncertainty. Aligned to the CII Professional Map, Digital Minds delivers measurable impact at both the individual and organisational level – equipping professionals not just to understand change, but to lead it commercially and with confidence.

“Taking Digital Minds Embed beyond London is something we’ve known insurance needs for some time. The innovation capability gap isn’t a London problem – it’s an industry-wide one. Digital Minds Embed alumni are already leading change across the market, and we want that impact felt in every part of the UK. The pace of change in insurance isn’t slowing, and the organisations that invest now in their people’s ability to lead it will be the ones that define what this industry looks like next.”
Caroline Bedford, CEO, EDII
“We’re proud to be partnering with EDII to bring this programme outside London for the first time. Having seen its value first-hand, with several of our own people completing the course, we know the impact it can have. It offers a structured, practical way to build confidence in innovation and turn ideas into action and reflects why supporting initiatives like this matters. Talent and ambition exist well beyond London and access to high-quality development opportunities should too. Hosting in our Leeds office feels particularly fitting, creating a space for collaboration, fresh thinking and stronger connections across the market.”
Simon Johnston, UK Marketing Director, Markel
This expansion of the Digital Minds Embed programme builds on EDII’s growing ecosystem of strategic partnerships, including its collaboration with the Chartered Insurance Institute and its ongoing engagement with global technology partner CGI, both of which support the continued development of future-ready skills and industry-wide innovation.

The Digital Minds Embed North cohort is open to brokers, insurers, MGAs and insurance-adjacent organisations across the UK. Cohort places are deliberately capped to protect the quality of learning and peer collaboration that makes the programme effective; organisations interested in securing places for their people are encouraged to register their interest early.

Secure your place — register your interest now: https://edii.group/embed-north/

About EDII

EDII is the leading provider of innovation-focused education and talent development for the insurance and financial services sectors. Founded in 2021 to support a more adaptive and forward-thinking industry, the company works with insurers, brokers, professional bodies, and market associations in both the UK and international markets. Combining deep sector expertise and creative learning approaches, EDII equips professionals and organisations with the future-focused capabilities and mindsets they need to thrive – enabling them to embrace change, drive innovation, and strengthen culture. Learn more at EDII.group.

About Markel

We are Markel Insurance, a leading global specialty insurer with a truly people-first approach. As the insurance operations within the Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), we leverage a broad array of capabilities and expertise to create intelligent solutions for the most complex specialty insurance needs. However, it is our people – and the deep, valued relationships they develop with colleagues, brokers, and clients – that differentiates us worldwide.

In the UK market, Markel seamlessly integrates insurance for SMEs with tax and legal services. Supporting over 1 million customers in the UK, Markel has a strong focus on sector propositions, such as Construction, Charities & Social Care, Life Science and Technology. Cyber liability, management risks insurance and legal expenses cover are offered as both stand-alone and integrated products.