Post - 2012-02-23
Articles in this issue
Fraud: Organised crime - Bogus claims gangs cast a wider net
The profile of people targeted by gangs to make personal injury claims appears to be changing, with those involved becoming younger and more middle class. The link between youth unemployment and crime rates is hard to ignore.
Roundtable: Climate change - what are the implications?
Environment-related risks will shift significantly over the coming decades, so what can insurers, brokers and loss adjusters do to prepare for the future?
View from the top: SMEs need insurer support to prosper in tough times
Tiny glimmers of hope came from the Confederation of British Industry this month, with its prediction Britain will avoid an official recession and see reduced inflation in the second half of 2012.
North of the Border: An interest-ing judicial decision
The savers among us have grumbled for some time as the Bank of England rate stagnates at 0.5%, but a recent decision in Scotland could benefit insurers that have grappled with excessive interest on damages for years.
Corporate Underinsurance: Improving understanding of business interruption cover
Last year's riots brought the problem of a lack of business interruption cover to the fore. What are the solutions to underinsurance in this area?
Loss adjuster distances itself from former employee accused of accepting a bribe
Merlin says any transaction was undertaken without authority
Legal chiefs angered by Downing Street snub at the motor premium summit
Only insurers were invited to the Number 10 meeting, leaving many sectors feeling left out in the cold.
Market moves: Spring comes early for insurers
Following a strong week for managing general agents, insurers were the main recruiters this week as the market begins its move into the spring.
Career development: Swinton creates 100 roles in HPI link up
Insurance broker Swinton has created 100 new roles after joining forces with vehicle information firm HPI to offer free comprehensive seven-day cover.
Editor's comment: A call to arms - for some
In a week where some of the news could have come from the pages of a spy novel with hidden cameras and tracker devices being used, it is with some comfort that one story appears a simple case of black and white.
Experts claim average broker selling price falling
Graham Barr, who joined acquisitive broker CCV as chief operating officer in October, has said brokers are selling on average at less than 1.5 times their brokerage, with only unusual niche specialists selling for two times.
View from the top: Investing in people is paramount
While an over-used phrase, it is true that broking is a people business. Every day we are building relationships with our clients and with our provider partners. Therefore, focusing on and investing in people development is not just a cliché, it’s a…
High Net Worth: Opportunities abound to target the top
Despite the economic conditions, high net worth insurance continues to thrive. But will this lead to a host of new entrants in the market?
Corporate Underinsurance: Solving the problems
Underinsurance is a common problem and a collaborative approach is needed to stamp out an issue that has gone unresolved for too long
Household: Insurers weathering the cold
After a mild 2011, this year got off to a cold start as snow hit the UK. Will this force insurers to look beyond the past year and start pricing household and contents cover long term?
Interview: Opportunity knocks for Capita's Brent Escott
Having set up, run and sold insurance businesses, Brent Escott is now embarking on a new challenge at the outsourcing giant.
Wentworth Alexander employee 'under surveillance' after leaving Bluefin
Axa-owned broker Bluefin has admitted it would use private detectives to spy on former staff it suspects of breaking restrictive covenants.
Willis makes u-turn over contingent commissions as profits tumble
Broker stresses new stance does not have an impact on most business.