Articles by Mark Sands
Interview: Julian James: Creating an Allied World
Six months into his role as president of Allied World Europe, Julian James is targeting new lines and new regions as he plans to build a bigger and stronger business
Keelan Westall launches non-standard property broker team
Wholesale property broker Keelan Westall has unveiled a new non-standard broking team.
Lancashire shareholders back Cathedral buy
A £266m acquisition of Cathedral Capital looks set to go ahead after shareholders of Lancashire Group voted overwhelmingly in favour of the deal.
Xchanging pilot boosts RSA capital efficiency 80%
RSA has seen its capital efficiency soar after entering into a pilot programme with Xchanging’s Netsett net settlement platform.
615 uninsured vehicles seized by police in clampdown
More than 600 uninsured vehicles were seized over two days in London this week as the Metropolitan Police targeted motorists.
Shariah compliant MGA closing in on QBE capacity deal
The chief executive of a newly launched shariah compliant managing general agent has revealed the business is close to adding support from QBE Europe and a further “major” underwriter to existing capacity from XL.
Questgates backs CILA fraud qualification call
Specialist loss adjuster Questgates has backed a study from the Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters which revealed demand for an industry-wide fraud qualification.
Allied World recruits Lloyd’s southern Europe boss
Allied World Europe has named Lloyd’s head of southern, eastern Europe and Africa to lead the expansion of its products and services.
Allied World recruits from Lloyd’s for business development boss
Allied World Europe has recruited Lloyd’s head of southern, Eastern Europe and Africa to lead the expansion of products and services.
Argo International swoops for Willis wordings specialist
Lloyd’s insurer Argo International has recruited Willis wordings specialist Jill Unsworth.
Canopius H1 GWP spikes 54% after UK retail growth
Gross written premiums soared more than 50% year-on-year for the first half of 2013 at Canopius, with UK retail growth cited as key to the improvement.
Gallagher targeting top three UK retail berth after Giles deal
The £223m purchase of Giles by US broker Arthur J Gallagher will convert the latter into one of the UK’s largest regional retail brokers according to UK commercial director Janice Deakin.
Accident Exchange spurns Axa settlement
Credit hire firm Accident Exchange is set to reject a £1.5m settlement offered by Axa to settle a suite of rate disputes.
Gallagher to complete £233m Giles deal
Gallagher will snap up independent broker Giles for £233m in cash, in a deal expected to close in October.
London and Manchester top gadget claims hotspots
More claims on gadget cover are made in London and Manchester than anywhere else according to figures from Supercover Insurance.
Abbey Protection profits flat as ABS investment “yet to bear fruit”
Legal insurer Abbey Protection has recorded flat pre-tax profits of £5.2m for the first half of the year, noting both falling investment returns and a lack of return from its investment into an Alternative Business Structure license.
Thornside founder Seel named non-exec chair at Healthy Pets
David Seel, founder of Thornside and former director of BDML Connect, has been appointed non-executive chairman at pet insurer Healthy Pets.
MIB 'live-tweeting' police motor seizures
The seizures of uninsured cars by the Metropolitan Police will be broadcast live over Twitter today.
Miller names JLT partner as senior energy claims specialist
Miller has recruited Jardine Lloyd Thompson’s partner and head of energy claims to serve as a senior claims specialist on its own energy team.
Market Moves: Brokers lead the charge again as Bluefin and US Risk add fresh faces
Brokers dominated the recruitment space once again this week, with Bluefin and Howden among the firms to add new faces. Having brought in Dane Douetil to head up BMS Group last week, subsidiary Pioneer Underwriting has swooped for an equally high-profile…
Skuld grows Lloyd's cargo operation
Marine insurer Skuld has bolstered its cargo unit with a new hire and an internal promotion.
Skuld boosts cargo team with new duo
Marine insurer Skuld has bolstered its cargo operation with a new hire and an internal promotion.
Moody's unveils Dubai insurance team
Rating agency Moody’s has launched a dedicated insurance analytics team in the United Arab Emirates, centred in Dubai.
Markel swoops for Marketform marine claims boss
Markel has bolstered its marine claims operation with the recruitment of Marketform’s head of marine claims.