Post - 2010-08-19
Articles in this issue
Post Magazine - 19 August 2010
The latest issue of Post magazine is now available to subscribers as a digital interactive e-book.
Brokers worry about client choice as RSA bids for Aviva
Brokers have voiced concern that RSA's £5bn bid for parts of Aviva's general insurance business, including the UK, could ultimately limit client choice and competition.
FSA crackdown: whistleblower helps ban unauthorised broker
A whistleblower has helped ban an unauthorised insurance broker from performing any regulated role in financial services, after he was caught using client money to fund a new broking business.
Analysts pour scorn on viability of RSA's Aviva bid
Aviva's concern over capital adequacy if it was a standalone life insurer is the main barrier to selling its general insurance arm to RSA, according to City analysts.
Rok looks for new FD in wake of £3m loss
Rok has recorded a pre-tax loss of £3m for the first half of 2010, following the suspension of its finance director for failings in the control of its plumbing, heating and electrical business.
Acromas claims anti-PE bias amid reported loss
Acromas Holdings, the parent group of insurance providers AA and Saga, has claimed "scaremongering" against private equity houses has seen the ongoing performance of the business masked by a £529m overall loss, caused by interest repayments.
Allianz boss backs rate increases to fuel return to profit
Allianz Insurance chief executive Andrew Torrance has revealed it could implement rate increases of up to 25% in its broker motor book during 2010.
Willis ends pay freeze but flexible working still an option
Willis is set to reintroduce annual salary reviews following a two-year pay freeze that was implemented at the height of the credit crunch to cut back on costs.
Garwyn aims for client contact with City office
Liability loss adjusting specialist Garwyn has opened an office in the City of London for the first time in a bid to get closer to its customers.
Dual boss admits Hiscox deal good for flotation
Dual International chief executive Bob Van Gieson has admitted moving away from having Arch Capital as its sole capacity provider for its main book of business makes it better placed for a flotation.
Warning over buildings insurance errors
Homeowners are at risk of paying extra for their buildings insurance by falling foul of an error of insuring at market value rather than at rebuilding cost.
Kerry London secures £1m acquisition funding
Kerry London chief executive Damian Kissane has claimed the group is close to concluding a new bank facility that will enable it to make an acquisition.
Fortis backing key to UK General's £1.6m Shearings deal
UK General has won a two-year deal with travel firm Shearings — its first major piece of business since teaming up with new capacity provider Fortis.
Manchester moves for Marsh and Mercer
Marsh and sister consultancy firm Mercer are to consolidate their Manchester operation from the current three locations into one.
Pro Broking goes green with digital issue on environment
Post sister publication Professional Broking has launched its first digital- only issue using the latest page turning technology to offer an in-depth guide on how best to adapt to the green economy.
RSA spotlight - Bob Mendelsohn: Whatever happened to Bob?
Having promised RSA that he would make it his mission to track down its former CEO Bob Mendelsohn to mark the firm's 300th anniversary, Jonathan Swift's job was made somewhat easier than anticipated when he resurfaced at US insurer Navigators last week…
RSA spotlight - Andy Haste: Playing the long game pays off for Haste
Following his interview with former RSA CEO Bob Mendelsohn and the news that RSA has approached Aviva to buy its UK, Irish and Canadian general insurance assets, Jonathan Swift reflects on the general insurance career of the company's current CEO Andy…
Interview - Stewart McCulloch: Sticking to his knitting
The new CEO of Garwyn talks to Mairi MacDonald about getting the loss adjuster back on track by sticking to its core strengths while expanding its regional focus.
Postbox: Discovering the intentions of customers
As the Actuarial Party's recent report states, claims management companies are driving some people to claim.
Editor's comment: Cat among the pigeons
News of RSA's bid for the UK, Irish and Canadian general insurance businesses of Aviva has certainly thrown the cat among the pigeons. Over the weekend there was considerable speculation about who had leaked the story and the motive for doing so. Was…
Health insurance - IPT rise: A bitter pill
With the failure of the industry's efforts to persuade the Treasury to freeze, or indeed lower, insurance premium tax on private medical insurance, Veronica Cowan looks at what it would take to lobby more effectively.
Damage management - Accreditation: A credit to the industry
The BDMA was established with the aim of raising professional standards in the damage management sector. Edward Murray reports on what it takes for firms to secure a collective corporate badge of approval.
Health & Safety - Enforcement: Changing priorities
A new report claims the Health & Safety Executive has eased off on enforcing key provisions of health and safety law. Chris Green looks into the issue.
Career development: Ask the expert
"I applied for a role on a whim two weeks ago - now I've been offered the job. It's all happened so fast and the company wants me to resign before my line manager goes on holiday. I feel quite guilty about this and really need more time to consider…
Career development: Barbon staff go for green light
Mairi MacDonald looks at how the implementation of a 'traffic light' target system alongside new employee benefits has seen staff retention soar at Barbon.
Postscript - 50 years ago: Machine does work of 70 clerks
Looking through Post's back catalogue paints a unique picture of more than 150 years of insurance news, as this highlight from 50 years ago reveals.
Postscript - 10 years ago: Football coverage in decline
Looking through Post's back catalogue paints a unique picture of more than 150 years of insurance news, as this highlight from 10 years ago reveals.
Postscript: Five years ago: Drug cover costs still on the rise
Looking through Post's back catalogue paints a unique picture of more than 150 years of insurance news, as this highlight from five years ago reveals.
Penny Black's insurance week
One of Penny's colleagues met up with new Garwyn CEO Stewart McCulloch this week, and by all accounts he seems to be warming quite nicely to his new role in the claims space.