Articles by Mark Sands
Axa recruits three in Scottish agriculture growth drive
Axa has recruited a trio of underwriters as part of a bid to drive growth in North East Scotland, with a particular eye on the agricultural sector.
DLG reportedly in ‘advanced talks’ over German and Italian disposals
Direct Line Group is in advanced negotiations over the sale of its operations in Germany and Italy according a report from Reuters.
Unicorn launches Axa-backed property products
THB-owned underwriting agency Unicorn has launched two new UK property product in partnership with Axa.
Questgates unveils surveying division
Loss adjuster Questgates has today revealed a new surveying services division, bringing together operations in subsidence, third party property damage and valuation services.
Quindell forecasts 193% spike in pre-tax profits
Quindell has forecast pre-tax profits for H1 to almost triple on a year-on-year basis, ahead of a formal statement on results next month.
Supreme Court blocks Allianz RSA subrogation appeal
The UK Supreme Court has rejected a bid from Allianz to continue its legal battles with RSA over the cost of repairing vehicles.
Footman James boss named Broker Network CEO
Towergate has appointed Footman James managing director Andy Fairchild as chief executive of Broker Network.
Willis deputy CEO Hearn handed UK leadership
Willis UK chief executive David Martin has been handed a newly created role as the broker’s global leader of placement, with deputy group CEO Steve Hearn replacing him in leading the UK business.
Brokers and insurers hit with 3.2% FCA levy hikes
Both general insurers and brokers will have their fees to the Financial Conduct Authority hiked for the next financial year.
Gallagher promotes Oval’s Penketh to North West MD
Oval’s North West managing director Steve Penketh will expand his role to all of Arthur J Gallagher’s UK retail operations in the region following the departure of Paula Williams.
Qatar Re recruits New Re’s Rappaz for group liability boss
Qatar Re has swooped for New Re’s head of casualty underwriting Stephan Rappaz.
Admiral to post tumbling H1 turnover
Admiral will post slipping turnover figures for H1 next month, in spite of increased numbers of customers both in the UK and group wide.
Only 6% of insurance execs believe Solvency II costs are ‘reasonable’
A survey conducted by Grant Thornton has revealed that only 6% of insurance industry executives described the costs associated with Solvency II are "reasonable".
Insiders expect Towergate exodus to help firm integrate Fusion business
Broker believed to be hit with FCA S166 order following client money failings
Premiums to account for 5% of China’s GDP by 2020
The growth of the Chinese insurance industry is set to continue apace, with the China Insurance Regulatory Commission forecasting that premiums will account for 5% of gross domestic product by 2020.
Ferma agrees risk manager certification scheme
The general assembly of the Federation of European Risk Management Associations has agreed a framework to create European certification for risk managers.
Market Moves - 10 July 2014
All the latest job moves in the insurance market
Motor customers paying up to 90% APR for monthly instalments
Motor insurance customers are being charged annual interest rates of up to 90% for choosing to pay in monthly instalments rather than an annual sum, according to research.
European Space Agency funds satellite subsidence initiative
The European Space Agency has backed a Property Assure initiative to use satellites to study subsidence risks.
RFIB recruits Howden’s Dyke for non-marine international ops role
Lloyd’s broker RFIB has swooped for Howden’s head of operations Richard Dyke to take on a role as non-marine international division operations manager.
ECIC launches construction gear theft cover
Specialist insurer Electrical Contractors Insurance Company has launched a new cover against theft of plant equipment used on construction sites.
Costa Concordia may re-float this week
Wrecked cruise liner the Costa Concordia may be re-floated as soon as the end of this week as work continues to salvage the vessel.
Reich teams with former Bridge brokers for Vista venture
The leadership of Manchester-based broker Reich have teamed up with three former Bridge brokers to unveil a new venture in the form of specialist corporate broker Vista Insurance.
Compass recruits from Cobra for London broking director
Gallagher-owned network Compass Broker Services swooped for a new broking director, recruiting from Cobra London Markets.