Articles by Mark Sands
LV Q1 GWP slumps despite climbing policy numbers
Reductions in LV’s motor book have seen the insurer record increased policy numbers but falling gross written premium for Q1 on a year-on-year basis.
Aon Q1 broking income rises 10%
Broking giant Aon has seen global first quarter broking income rise 10% on a year-on-year basis, rising from $403m (£240m) to $445m.
Swiss Re calm on Gherkin woes
Swiss Re has confirmed that it does not expect the receivership of London’s Gherkin building to affect its tenancy.
LV Broker secures Brightside online motor deal
LV Broker has completed a deal to offer its Highway car product to Brightside online customers, including affinity partners.
EU probing Setanta collapse
The European Union is to investigate the collapse of Irish motor insurer Setanta, which moved to immediately dissolve itself last week.
Quindell launches suit on ‘defamatory’ note
Quindell has begun legal proceedings over an allegedly defamatory research note issued by Gotham City Research earlier this week.
Gherkin building falls into receivership
London’s Gherkin building, home to Swiss Re, has fallen into receivership after five years of defaults.
RSA axing UK professional indemnity covers from May
RSA is to take an axe to its UK professional indemnity book, withdrawing from excess of loss cover, as well as products for architects, design and construction, and survey and valuation.
Axa recruits five to Newcastle branch in full underwriting launch
Axa has recruited five new underwriting staff for its Newcastle office as it seeks to move the branch to a full underwriting operation.
Markham swoops for former Oak MD as chairman
High net worth broker Markham Private Clients has swooped for former Oak Underwriting managing director Bob Trott, recruiting him to serve as its new chairman.
Saga eyeing £3bn float for next week, states report
Acromas-owned insurer Saga is plotting to enter the UK stock market as soon as next week according to reports.
Prettejohn named Scottish Widows chair
Lloyds Bank has confirmed speculation that Nick Prettejohn will join as a non-executive, naming him as chairman of Scottish Widows.
73% of brokers say regulation hitting customer service
Almost three quarters of intermediaries have warned that the weight of regulation is damaging insurers' customer service, in a survey conducted by EDM Group, Post can reveal.
VRS Vericlaim promotes liability boss to quality role
VRS Vericlaim has handed a promotion to head of liability Phil Heron, who will now serve as head of quality at the adjuster.
Barbon finance boss resurfaces as Gallagher UK retail FD
Barbon financial director Kevin Withington has taken on a new role as Gallagher’s UK retail financial director.
Ad watchdog backs Homeserve on water supply complaint
The Advertising Standards Agency has rejected a complaint the accuracy of direct mailings from Homeserve relating to the scale of water supply problems.
Money Supermarket insurance prospects boosted by Google deal
Money Supermarket has said that it expects insurance comparison revenue to improve after resolving a dispute with Google on search listings.
Ascot founder Reith joins Amwins board
Ascot Underwriting’s founder Martin Reith is to join the Amwins board as an independent director.
R&Q: active syndicate will hinder 2014 results
Randall and Quilter chief executive Ken Randall has told Post he does not expect to see the firm’s active syndicate boosting figures until 2015.
R&Q pre-tax profits down 17% after ‘weak’ active syndicate results
Randall and Quilter has seen its pre-tax profits slide by almost a fifth, falling from £11.6m to £9.6m after the firm recorded weaker than expected results from active syndicate participations.
National Accident Helpline tipped for £100m IPO
National Accident Helpline has announced plans for an initial public offering, with reports valuing the company at £100m.
Esure & Endsleigh slammed on small print
Two Esure brands and Zurich-owned Endsleigh have been condemned by a consumer campaign group for “incomprehensible” terms and conditions in car insurance policies.
2013 motor results 'best since 2006'
Motor insurance results for last year represent the sector’s best underwriting performance since 2006 according to a study by EY.
McLarens names Brown president in restructure
Commercial adjuster McLarens has named Americas regional director Gary Brown president and chief operating officer, freeing up chief executive Vern Chalfant to focus on strategy and acquisitions.