Broker
Lloyds Banking Group reports huge £3.2bn Q1 losses after PPI provision
Part-nationalised Lloyds Banking Group has recorded a statutory loss after tax of £3.47bn for Q1 2011 (Q1 2010: £721m), after the bank made provisions of £3.2bn for payment protection insurance payout costs.
Aon Benfield chairman joins JLT
JLT Reinsurance Brokers has appointed Alastair Speare-Cole as chief executive, subject to regulatory approval.
Willis sees profits slide by $170m due to review charge and other one off costs
Willis reported net income for the first quarter of 2011 fell to $34m (£20.6m), compared with $204m in the same period a year ago.
Broking supplement - Private motor: The drive to succeed
Aggregators, question marks over referral fees and a squeeze on margins are all challenging those in the intermediated personal lines space. But, as Leigh Jackson reports, it is not all doom and gloom.
Editor's comment: tying the knot
The rest of the world may remain obsessed by romance or reactionaries but the UK insurance industry has unveiled its own all-consuming love affair this week. Acquisitions abound in the headlines and bullish talk is nothing short of bountiful.
Broking supplement - Biba 2011 preview: Speakers'corner
This year's British Insurance Brokers' Association conference held in Manchester on 11 and 12 May will see attendees from brokers, insurers and service providers descend on Manchester Central to network and debate the major issues affecting the broking…
Bin Laden death will not affect terrorism rates
The death of Osama bin Laden is "unlikely to have a material effect" on terrorism insurance rates in the short term, market figures have said.
Towergate hints at global acquisition plans in 2011
Towergate Insurance Group has not ruled out an acquisition outside the UK before the recently refinanced consolidator achieves its long-term goal of flotation.
Rural reveals 5% agricultural market share aim
Specialist underwriting agency Rural Insurance is aiming to double its gross written premium and win a 5% share of the agricultural insurance market within three years.
AJ Gallagher beats 15% target in Q1
AJ Gallagher has recorded revenue of $446.9m (£269.7m) in the first quarter of the year, marking a $47m increase compared to the same period in 2010.
Broking supplement - Commercial rates: A war of words
The soft commercial lines market has heated up recently, as insurers accuse each other of failing to put prices up. Rachel Gordon reports on this bitter war of words.
Comment - e-trading: the future of commercial
E-trading in the commercial market is on the way. Dawn Dillaway looks at why this innovation will be a game-changer for the sector and why the critics are wrong.
RSA targets HNW top spot after Oak deal
RSA is aiming to become the number one player in the high net worth market, following its acquisition of Oak Underwriting.
Overseas market - Saudi Arabia: full of Middle Eastern promise
With a fast-growing insurance sector, Saudi Arabia is a country on the move. Dexter Morse gives a detailed overview of market developments and potential.
View from the top: kill the costs monster
I'm delighted the government is backing Lord Jackson's suggested overhaul of civil litigation costs — but the champagne remains on ice.
Penny Black's insurance week
It is always nice when a familiar face reappears on the heady insurance circuit, so it was with some pleasure that Penny heard Zurich's former European CEO Annette Court is currently scouring the UK insurance market for her next big move.
Broking supplement: Interview – David Flux: The lie of the land
Lured off of a tractor and into the family business with the promise of an extra £4-a-week, David Flux has worked his way to the top of the firm. He talks to Amy Ellis about life in the niche motor market.
Irish brokers wary of Quinn business model after takeover
Uncertainty remains over the business model of the former Quinn Insurance, following its takeover by Liberty Mutual and Anglo Irish Bank, according to Irish brokers.
Indie broker strengthens Scottish position
Central Insurance's £2.6m acquisition of Aberdeen broker Collins Halden & Burnett has cemented its position as Scotland's largest independent broker.
Career development & CSR: finding & retaining the stars of the future
The global economy is still shaky, but showing signs of recovery. To manage to get through the recovery and lay the foundations for future success, organisations need the right talent in the right roles. That sounds like common sense, but more planning…
Broking supplement - Online commercial: Changing times
The insurance industry has been slow to embrace the internet for commercial, with the exception of offerings for the SME market. Graeme Newman looks at what this means for brokers.
Broking supplement - Biba talking points: Viva la Biba
With the biggest event in the broking diary, the British Insurance Brokers' Association conference, almost upon us, Stephanie Denton spoke to a selection of commercial and personal lines brokers to get the lowdown on what the likely talking points will…
Post history - 50 years ago: new home for insurance trade bodies
Looking through Post’s back catalogue paints a unique picture of more than 150 years of insurance news, as this highlight from 50 years ago reveals.
ARM launches building valuation service
Aspen Risk Management has launched a free building valuation assessment service for its broker partners and clients.