Articles by Mairi MacDonald
XL opens Manchester office
XL Group is opening an office in Manchester and has appointed Mick Turvey as regional underwriting manager, UK middle markets, to head it up.
House rebuilding costs rise by less than 1%
The increase in house rebuilding costs has fallen below 1% in the 4th quarter compared to the same period in 2011.
Green Flag catches investors' eye
The appeal to investors of breakdown business Green Flag could provide its parent company Direct Line Group with "significant future flexibility" according to Investec Securities.
Patrick Gallagher to quit UK business
Gallagher Heath head of retail Patrick Gallagher is returning to his native US next month to take up a new retail role, Post has learnt.
Aviva "delivering on promise" to strengthen cost base
Aviva should be viewed as a "strong restructuring story" given most of the "heavy lifting" to improve its cost base has been completed through the disposal of underperforming business units, according to equity analysts Panmure Gordon.
Giles adds five brokers to network arm
Five brokers have joined Ink Underwriting's new network proposition, Compass Broker Services, so far this month.
Pothole claims double in January
The number of insurance claims for pothole-related damage to cars more than doubled in January to 1000, compared with the same month last year, according to estimations by AA Insurance.
Assurant director joins competitor as MD
The Source has appointed Assurant Intermediary's former sales & marketing director Kevin Paterson as its new managing director.
Novae in recovery mode following positive trading update
Novae is in "recovery mode" having "turned a corner" by improving its profitability and return on equity according to Westhouse Securities.
French consumers least likely to go online for insurance purchases
Online comparison sites are the fastest growing distribution channel for motor and household insurance in Europe, according to Finaccord.
Aon annual revenue rises 2% to $11.5bn
Total revenue for 2012 increased 2% to $11.5bn (£7.3bn)due to a 4% increase in organic revenue, partially offset by a 2% unfavourable impact from foreign currency exchange rates.
Staffordshire broker secures future with sale to Jelf
Jelf has acquired Newcastle-under-Lyme-based Howell Shone Insurance Brokers.
Action Claims unveils new brand
Action Claims is rebranding as Action 365 as of today in a move that it hopes will reflect the portfolio of products and services it provides to its broker and insurer clients.
Stackhouse Poland completes LFC acquisition
Stackhouse Poland has increased its gross written premium "closer to the £100m barrier" with the acquisition of the business of LFC Insurance Brokers.
Ex-Jelf healthcare specialist joins Giles
Giles Healthcare has appointed a new senior healthcare consultant in Lisa Blackwell who joins from Jelf.
Arc Legal joins MGAA
Legal expenses insurance provider Arc Legal has become the latest member of the Managing General Agents' Association.
Hyperion IPO back on agenda following BP Marsh talks
Hyperion could be gearing up for a flotation before the end of the year, according to analysts.
Brokerbility boss challenges industry to set agenda for future generations
Brokerbility has launched a call to arms for the insurance industry having tired of witnessing a series of political and PR own goals.
AJ Gallagher reports 15% rise in revenue
Arthur J Gallagher has reported brokerage for the full year in 2012 increased to $1.83bn (2011:$1.56bn) while Ebitdac increased to $383.3m (2011: $320.8m).
Law Society warns unrated insurers are 'unknown quantity'
Solicitors have been warned to check the financial strength of an insurer and its ability to pay claims before purchasing their next professional indemnity insurance policy.
Ace reports 76% rise in net income
Ace has reported a 76% increase in net income to $2.71bn (£1.72bn) in 2012 compared to the previous year (2011: $1.54bn).
2000 Queensland homes flooded
Flooding in eastern Australia has forced thousands of residents to evacuate their homes after ex-tropical cyclone Oswald coincided with a monsoon trough, an elongated area of low pressure that moved south along the Queensland coast into New South Wales.
AIG acquires HSBC's French GI arm and extends Turkish footprint
AIG has entered a 10-year bancassurance agreement with HSBC Group to become the exclusive provider of non-life insurance products to the bank's customers in Turkey and France.
Impact study likely to cause further SII delay
The implementation of Solvency II faces further delay due to the launch a long-term guarantees assessment impact study by the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority, KPMG has warned.