Broker
Barbon reports £9.4m turnaround in fortunes with £471 000 loss in 2011
Barbon Insurance Group slipped into the red for the year ended 31 December 2011, according to results filed at Companies House, with a £471 000 overall loss for the financial year (2010: £8.9m).
Broker boom as emerging Europe embraces intermediaries
The European market for commercial non-life insurance broking reached a value of €9.89bn in commissions and fees in 2011, according to financial services consultants Finaccord.
Commercial lines division primed for further growth, says LMIE boss Rocks
Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe chief executive Sean Rocks is eyeing further expansion in the firm's commercial lines division after reporting substantial profitable growth.
Willis granted intermediary licence on Guernsey
Willis Group Holdings has been issued with a full commercial lines licence to conduct insurance intermediary services in Guernsey under the Insurance Managers and Insurance Intermediaries Bailiwick of Guernsey Law, 2002.
DLG's ambition to float in doubt amid reports of PE bids
The Direct Line Group's plans to float have been put in jeopardy, according to reports claiming that two private equity consortiums could launch rival bids for the business.
RSA to save energy with new Carbon Trust deal
RSA is joining forces with the Carbon Trust to make energy efficiency services available to its business customers.
Average motor premiums fall in 2012
Actuaries have questioned whether recent reductions in the average costs of motor insurance premiums have come prematurely, as personal injury costs continue to rise.
Randall & Quilter opens Manchester MGA office
The company's specialist MGA platform has opened its first UK regional office, in Manchester.
Solicitors PI market urged to remain 'on alert' despite dip in claims
A fall in the number of professional negligence actions launched against solicitors has been heralded as "welcome news" for law firms and their insurers, but experts have warned the market to remain vigilant.
BIA 2012: Insurance Broker of the Year
Winner: Bartlett & Company Bartlett & Company was able to ensure continued growth and quality of service during difficult economic times by investing in the future - without losing sight of its core values, writes Francesca Nyman.
BIA 2012: Community Broker of the Year
Winner: Liz Smith, Coversure With success comes responsibility and, for Coversure's Liz Smith, that means giving something back to the community, whether it's fundraising or just being there for a chat. Mairi MacDonald reports.
Questgates issues warning to brokers amid rise in cannabis farms
A rise in the number of cannabis farms across the UK has led Questgates to urge brokers to check that illegal activity is not excluded from the cover held by property owner clients.
Brokers surprised as US firm adds fracking to 'prohibited risks'
US insurer Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company has become the first major insurance company to confirm that it will not cover damage related to hydraulic fracturing.
Towers Watson promotes Howard to insurance and reinsurance global leader
Towers Watson has appointed Ross Howard, pictured, to global leader for its insurance and reinsurance brokerage business effective from 1 October.
View from the top: Eyes wide shut?
It is hard to read news reports that do not contain stories about the latest cyber data breach, or information on 'spyware' and computer espionage.
Stormy weather causes £35m worth of vehicle damage
Two weeks of severe weather has caused £35m worth of damage to vehicles.
Application fraud: Slow steps in an industry-wide challenge
Brokers champion the idea of tackling fraud at the application stage, but what are they actually doing about it?
Market moves: Another busy week for insurers
This week, once again, belonged to insurers, with a number of firms making significant management changes. While Aviva stole the limelight with another reshuffle, Zurich quietly added a new CEO and Mitsui Sumitomo at Lloyd's rejigged its risk management…
VAT & Outsourcing: VAT's the way to do it
The rules on VAT in the insurance industry can be complex when it comes to outsourcing, and the European Union isn't providing any quick and easy answers.
Insurance contract law: Overcoming the barriers
A single European contract law has been on the cards for the past decade, but would a similar rationalisation in the insurance industry suit the continent's firms?
Weather claims to hit £750m as industry waits for SoP announcement
The insurance industry is hopeful that the government will finally release details of the flood risk model that will replace the Statement of Principles before its summer recess next week.
Ageas boss Smith encouraged by government flood stance
Ageas chief executive Barry Smith has welcomed a government announcement suggesting that it is moving with the industry towards a levy type solution for residents and business owners in high risk flood areas.
Blanc unveils "long term" broker plan for Axa
New personalities, changes in the market and Axa Commercial's success in improving customers' perceptions of the business have prompted the insurer to change its model from one split down business lines to one based on distribution channels.
Post magazine - 12 July 2012
The latest issue of Post is now available to subscribers as a digital and interactive e-book.