Articles by Mark Sands
Co-op Insurance plummets to ‘disappointing’ £7m loss
The Co-operative Insurance has swung to a £7m loss for the first half of 2014, performance described as “disappointing” by chief executive Mark Summerfield.
Google research shows 47% of motor sites failing on smartphones
47% of UK motor insurance websites are failing to offer a positive experience for consumers using smartphones, according to a white paper published by Google.
Lloyd’s chair lends support to ‘better together’ campaign
Lloyd’s chairman John Nelson has urged Scots to vote against independence in a referendum to be held on 18 September.
Insurers in the dark on potential investigator regulation
Insurers and private investigators remain uncertain on possible regulation of the sector more than a year after Home Secretary Theresa May vowed to outlaw unlicensed operators.
Broking giants tipped for M&A moves as sector looks to follow Gallagher’s lead
Observers say economic recovery is behind several firms adopting new strategies
Matthews Daniel purchased by Bureau Veritas
Independent energy claims adjuster Matthews Daniel has been acquired by French inspections expert Bureau Veritas.
APC plotting underwriting return for Towergate owned-Folgate
Commercial managing general agent APC has acquired Folgate Insurance from Towergate, where the firm was in run-off, with an eye to returning the firm to active underwriting.
Career development: Aon granted ‘trailblazer' status for new insurance apprentice standard
Aon has been awarded the government's ‘trailblazer' standard for insurance apprentices.
Market Moves - 4 September 2014
All the latest job moves in the insurance market.
Video: Cunningham Lindsey UK CEO Phil McNeilage
Mark Sands speaks with Cunningham Lindsey UK chief executive Phil McNeilage about key challenges facing the industry and the immediate future for his business.
Quindell shares boosted by RAC JV exit
Quindell’s share price has responded positively to news that RAC has exited a joint-venture on telematics.
BLM announces flagship London office plans
Insurance law firm BLM has unveiled plans to relocate staff in its London operation to a single EC3 office in Q1 next year.
Software re-launch sees Validus tackle £6m of motor fraud in 18 months
Updates to Validus fraud tools have seen the firm investigate nearly 700 claims over 18 months, worth a total of £6m.
McManus eyeing Q1 2015 for start-up return
Former Giles chief executive Brendan McManus is plotting a return to the insurance industry in early 2015 leading a new start-up project, Post understands.
Barbican follows Cathedral in signing up for Charles Taylor claims service
Barbican has become the second managing agent to sign up for Charles Taylors’s elective claims service.
RAC recruits CBI president ahead of IPO plans
RAC has recruited the president of the Confederation of British Industry as its new chairman as uit readies plans to enter the London Stock Exchange.
NCI Vehicle Rescue notches record pre-tax profits
Motor and pet specialist NCI Vehicle Rescue recorded its best ever pre -tax profits for the year ending 31 March 2014.
Innovation Group boosting UK workforce by more than 10% with Caerphilly HQ
Innovation Group is to create a new divisional headquarters in Caerphilly, Wales, creating 77 jobs and investing £1.6m.
Pulp Fiction’s Harvey Keitel fronts Direct Line campaign
Hollywood star Harvey Keitel is leading a new advertising campaign for Direct Line, reprising his role from Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction.
Former LAS CEO Cooper exits Innovation Group
The former chief executive and founder of LAS has departed the business less than six months after it was acquired by Innovation Group, Post can reveal.
2.5m PPI complaints set for re-assessment
More than 2.5m complaints relating to payment protection cover will be re-assessed by banks, credit card providers and loan companies following a request from the Financial Conduct Authority.
Gallagher CUO Fisher resigns
Arthur J Gallagher’s chief underwriting officer Sian Fisher has resigned for “a fresh challenge”, and will exit the broker in mid-October.
Hodges admits caution in Manchester call centre migration
Towergate chief executive Mark Hodges has admitted the broker is leaving some SME and personal lines business with local offices, rather than migrating accounts to its new Manchester call centre.
DLG names Dixons Carphone boss as non-exec
Direct Line Group has recruited the group chief executive of Dixons Carphone to serve as a non-executive director.