Broker
This week in Post: Washouts and windfalls
When you head off to an outdoor festival following a heatwave, you cross your fingers and hope the sun sticks around. Unfortunately it seems like the recent tropical spate has done a runner and I spent last weekend trying not to roll down a hill while up…
Northern Irish hub acquisition pushes GRP’s GWP over £700m
GRP hub Abbey Bond Lovis has acquired a majority share in Northern Irish broker Digney Grant for an undisclosed sum.
XL Catlin's Nicola Harris on why insurers need to change their approach to the energy sector
Challenging times for the oil and gas industry call for a change in the way insurers address energy risks, writes Nicola Harris, head of energy for Europe, Middle East and Africa at XL Catlin.
Blog: Got your A-level results? Check out insurance apprenticeships
On A-level results day, Carmen McDonagh, operations director at Complete Cover Group, urges school leavers to consider an insurance apprenticeship.
Blog: Open banking offers a new insurance distribution channel
Some might have already labelled it a failure but open banking will continue to evolve and insurers should sit up and take notice. That is the view of The Marketing Eye's Neil Edwards, who believes these platforms could eliminate form filling and make…
UK becomes EU capital of private equity-backed insurance M&A
The UK has seen 28 private equity deals in insurance over the past 18 months, half of total number in Europe.
JLT Specialty's Hamish Roberts on why insurers must continue insuring coal
The pressure on insurers to deny coal projects any form of cover may actually increase pollution, warns Hamish Roberts, head of JLT Specialty’s London-based power business.
FSCS arranges alternative cover for Alpha policyholders
UK policyholders with failed Danish insurer Alpha have been provided alternative cover via the guarantee scheme.
Broker Network makes seventh ‘powerhouse’ acquisition
Broker Network has bought North West broker MCM, which will form the company’s seventh “regional powerhouse”.
Analysis: Gig economy: The big gig ruling
The Supreme Court ruling in Pimlico Plumbers, granting employment rights to a gig worker, might lead to an increase or a shift in liability claims. But it also opens up a door for new products as gig economy platforms will want to cover their new…
LV hopes for 'pricing realism' in home following adverse weather
LV general insurance CEO hopes that the impact of the Beast from the East on insurers’ property portfolios will introduce a level of “pricing realism” into the market.
QBE's Cecile Fresneau on why underwriters ask so many questions
Brokers should value the many in-depth questions asked by underwriters, writes Cecile Fresneau, executive director of the UK insurance division at QBE Insurance.
Allianz sets date for transfer of £250m LV commercial book
The transfer of commercial business from LV to Allianz will take place on 20 September, the company confirmed.
This month in Post: The great summer recess
It’s that time of year again. The trains are relatively empty, and out of office replies are basically a given.
Aviva: 'Millions of pounds' of personal lines business to go through Fast Trade this year
Aviva anticipates placing millions of pounds of personal lines business through Fast Trade by the end of the year, according to managing director of UK general insurance Rob Townend and managing director of intermediaries Phil Bayles.
Blog: MGAs need to know how secure their capacity is
Managing general agents are facing a capacity crunch and the 'decile 10' initiative by Lloyd's to remove underperforming business is increasing pressure, explains Chris Hardcastle, managing director of Capsicum Delegated Authority.
Brendan McCafferty appointed Brightside CEO
Former Axa UK boss Brendan McCafferty has been appointed CEO of Brightside, starting on Monday.
Bayles: Aviva ‘bullish’ on brokers despite GRP rift
Aviva sees growth across every broker segment despite fall out with GRP, Aviva managing director for intermediaries Phil Bayles has confirmed.
April UK PMI exit deal puts brokers on edge
Exclusive: April UK’s private medical insurance exit has led to a flurry of insurer activity, but brokers have been left feeling frustrated and overlooked after Axa PPP struck a deal and customers were told they could contact the insurer directly.
Penny Black's Social World: August 2018
Tough mudders, equal measures and Pride matters
Ardonagh linked with proposed Saga sale of Bennetts
Exclusive: Saga is looking to divest its interest in bike broker Bennetts, with Ardonagh touted as one of the potential suitors.
GRP-backed brokers Lonmar and Ropner to merge
Lloyd’s brokers Lonmar and Ropner will merge at the end of the month under the Lonmar brand.
Finch-owner triples size in UK market with ICB acquisition
ICB Group joins Finch as part of the Verlingue Group, effective from today.
Interview: Jonathan Davidson, Financial Conduct Authority
Insurance has come under fire for the way it prices policies. Jonathan Davidson, director of retail at the Financial Conduct Authority, discusses the problem with Martin Croucher