"We are extremely pleased that our Best Practices program has attracted international interest, and that Hibernian will be providing our tools to help brokers throughout Ireland reach their fullest potential," said Madelyn Flannagan, IIABA vice president of education and research.

"Best Practices products help agents and brokers better understand the past, analyze the present and formulate a strategy for the future," she added. "The success of these tools has now transcended our national borders to guide agents and brokers worldwide to prosperity and profits."

Hibernian will be providing two Best Practices tools to its brokers: the "Joint Planning Tool Quick Step" and the "Self-Diagnostic Tool Quick Check."

"We are delighted to be associated with the IIABA in the provision of the joint broker-company planning tool for use by general insurance brokers in Ireland," said Conor McCarthy, Hibernian's broker marketing manager.

"Hibernian is currently pilot testing the use of the joint planning tool, with a view of providing it to a select number of brokers in Ireland," he said. "From Hibernian's perspective, the joint planning tool, when fully operational, will result in more effective planning between Hibernian and our brokers, thus eliminating unproductive effort, reducing costs and strengthening relationships."

The Joint Planning Tool Quick Step was developed to assist agents and brokers trying to establish realistic agency production goals for the coming year, or prepare information for use in attracting, establishing or enhancing agency-company relationships.

Best Practices research shows that effective joint agency-company planning can eliminate unproductive efforts, reduce costs for both parties and help strengthen these relationships, IIABA said.

"The Self Diagnostic Tool Quick Check is a simple test designed to help agency owners and principals take a proactive approach to overall agency efficiency, profitability and management," said the association. "The tool provides an immediate and actionable overview of agencies' strengths and weaknesses."

Established in 1992, IIABA's Council for Best Practices is a joint agency-company mission that collaborates on a variety of business management issues critical to the success of the independent agency system. Using the "Best Practices Study" annual results as a guide, the Council has developed a complete library of tools, products and services to help agencies grow and prosper.