Broker
This week: God bless us, every one!
At a time of year when good cheer to all men is encouraged and Scrooge is forgiven all his wicked ways and most of the world has been out enjoying their Christmas parties (I know we have), it appears the insurance world is still seen as the Grinch.
Marsh boss joins GRP-backed Marshall Wooldridge
Former Marsh regional boss Geoff Kirk has joined GRP-backed Marshall Wooldridge as managing director.
Trade Voice: Biba's Steve White on why we need to be mindful about mental health
In years gone by no one spoke about mental health issues but now, as well as being aware of the issues, employers have moral responsibility to address it according to Steve White, CEO of the British Insurance Brokers' Association.
Finch and ICB owner on acquisition trail with sight set on €500m revenue by 2022
Adelaide, the owner of Finch and ICB Group, is looking to acquisitive growth as it aims to increase its revenue across Europe by 150% by 2022.
Travel insurtech Pluto begins beta test
Exclusive: Pluto, a travel insurtech that morphed out of the failure of chatbot Meet Mia, has started beta testing ahead of a full launch next year.
Majority of customers support a ban on dual pricing
Eight out of ten customers believe there should be a ban on insurers charging higher rates for renewals than for new customers.
O’Connor replaces Fairchild at the helm of Broker Network
Broker Network CEO Andy Fairchild has stepped down from the business, being replaced by Des O’Connor.
GRP’s Craig Pocock on SMCR
GRP’s chief people officer Craig Pocock explains why it’s important for brokers to plan for the new Senior Managers and Certification Regime.
Stackhouse Poland makes fourth acquisition of the year
Stackhouse Poland has continued its acquisition drive by buying specialist real estate broker Property Insurance Initiatives.
Hyperion hires CFO to replace Oliver Corbett
Hyperion has hired Richard Houghton as chief financial officer, replacing Oliver Corbett.
Ed unveils CEO Hearn’s replacement and plots Bermuda office
Andrew Draycott will take on the role of Ed Broking CEO once its acquisition by Besso owner BGC Partners is complete, while the specialty, wholesale and reinsurance broker has also revealed plans to open a Bermuda office.
Gallagher acquires South West commercial broker
Gallagher has acquired Devon-based commercial insurance broker Pavey Group, in its fourth acquisition of the year.
Brightside winds up lawsuits under Brendan McCafferty
Brightside had been battling for payouts from two legal claims, but is no longer engaged in any litigation under CEO Brendan McCafferty.
Blog: Why it’s time for standardised cyber policy terms
Cyber attacks are on the rise and as brokers and risk managers urge insurers to make policies clearer Cyber Decider CEO Neil Hare Brown explains where definitions need simplifying.
Jacqueline Legrand steps down as Brokerslink CEO after less than a year
Brokerslink CEO Jacqueline Legrand has resigned from her post, effective immediately.
GRP to add two more regional ‘hubs’ next year
GRP is on the hunt for two more large regional brokers to act as hubs in Essex and the Midlands, respectively.
Finch Group snaps up Southampton-based broker
Broker Network partner Finch Group has bought Specialist Insurance Agency.
Brightside hiring COO with departure of David Sweeney
Brightside is hiring a chief operating officer now that managing director of insurance David Sweeney has left the Bristol-based broker.
Gallagher opens new Eastern regional office
Gallagher has opened a new office in Ipswich, bringing together teams from its existing branch in the city and the team from its now-closed Feering branch.
Blog: Why you should get involved with The Claims Apprentice in 2019
From automation to digitalization; from controlling claims inflation to the legal framework for driverless cars, it could be argued that working in claims has never been scarier – but more exciting.
Government-funded training scheme set for 2019 launch
Wiser Academy, a training provider started by personal lines broker Be Wiser Insurance, plans to launch a new co-funded training programme for the insurance sector.
Analysis: The Arron Banks show
No stranger to controversy, Arron Banks is back in the news and under the spotlight with allegations and appeals
This week in Post: Another unrated insurer bites the dust
Hooking the headlines this week, Danish unrated insurer Qudos was placed in liquidation by its owner.
Ardonagh slices losses by almost half for first nine months of 2018
The Ardonagh Group cut down on its losses for the first nine months of the year, down to £48.9m compared to £92.7m in 2017.