Articles by Mark Sands
Blackrock recruits to meet insurer demands
Blackrock has made three senior appointments in response to growing demand for outsourced asset management services from insurers.
Xchanging set for February mobile launch
Xchanging is readying mobile apps to allow customers to make notations and amendments to electronic documents from mobile platforms with a launch earmarked for February.
Premium Credit lining up strategy head replacement
Newly acquired finance company Premium Credit is to announce a new head of business strategy this week after former incumbent and chief operations officer Jonathan Cattle left in the summer.
Collinson to complete One Group purchase
Collinson Insurance Group has inked a deal to acquire claims handler One Group, subject to due diligence.
Munich Re launches "milestone" offshore wind cover
German insurance giant Munich Re has become the first insurer to offer serial loss cover for offshore wind turbines.
Henderson appoints commercial broker
Insurance broker Henderson has promoted Kris Allington to a new role as commercial broker as the company seeks to maintain growth.
McLarens expands all-Ireland business
Loss adjuster McLarens has expanded its offering in the North and the Republic of Ireland with the opening of a new office in Derry, its 14th in the UK and Ireland.
Open GI names product development head
Systems provider Open GI has moved to bolster its product development operations with the appointment of Kerri Finnegan to head the department.
Groupama Insurances launches software house integration
Ageas subsidiary Groupama Insurances has launched its first e-traded product on Open GI, Acturis and Insurecom.
Transactor secures Minster Court base
Insurance software house Transactor's London market operation is to move into the London Underwriting Centre from February 2013.
Towergate Insurance acquires Norwich and Peterborough Insurance Brokers
Towergate Insurance has completed its 25th acquisition of 2012, securing a deal to pick up the business and assets of Norwich and Peterborough Insurance Brokers.
Quindell swoops for Accident Advice Helpline parent
Quindell Portfolio has completed a deal to acquire Accident Advice Helpline parent Abstract Legal Holdings from 2 April.
Besso secures £5m in investment funding
Independent broker Besso Insurance Group has completed a deal to secure an additional £5m in investment capital from shareholders to support growth plans.
Purely targeting motor customers by occupation
Revived insurer Purely will base its underwriting on customers' occupations.
Aviva jobs cuts to drive service improvement
Restructuring announced at Aviva is being driven by planned improvements to customer service in its property repairs offering.
DLG proposing 236 role cuts
Newly floated insurer Direct Line Group is set to begin the second phase of its cost cutting programme and has put 236 roles at risk.
Aviva puts 120 Sheffield jobs at risk
Aviva has announced that 120 roles in its Sheffield-based Asprea property claims centre are at risk as the insurer plans to simplify its claims process.
ABI’s Dalton slams claimant lawyers on Laspo review
The Association of British Insurers’ head of motor and liability James Dalton has condemned calls for a review of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act.
China underinsured by $80bn: Lloyd's
China represents half of global underinsurance, according to a study from the Centre for Economic Business Research and Lloyd's.
Flood zones could see premiums rise 50%
PWC has warned that insurance premiums for flood cover could rise by as much as 50% depending on the severity of damage.
Flooding risk remains as weather calms: GAB Robins
Loss adjuster GAB Robins has warned that while the worst of the UK’s spate of rain has now passed, many areas remain at risk of flooding.
Professional lines pricing to rise 10% in 2013: Torus
Specialty insurer Torus has said a recent survey showed wide expectation of increases in professional liability pricing.
Aviva appoints IT transformation head
Aviva has appointed Phil Pavitt as its first IT transformation director, joining from 7 January.
Collinson Group acquires card protection provider
The Collinson Group has announced a deal to acquire CCS, a card protection provider, in a bid to enhance its insurance and travel benefits offerings.