Broker
GRP remains fully focused on 'growth through acquisition' as it reports a loss before tax of £17.9m
In its report and accounts for the financial year ended 31 March 2019, broking group GRP reported a 48% increase in turnover to £112.1m (2017/2018: £75.9m), a rise in operating profit £27.8m (2017-18: £10.2m), and the equivalent EBITDA from the group’s…
Innovu Group buys equestrian specialist Wexford Insurances in Ireland
Sheridan Insurances owner Innovu Group has bought Wexford Insurance Group in Ireland for an undisclosed sum.
Compliance experts and trade bodies praise outgoing FCA boss Andrew Bailey
The market has hailed Andrew Bailey as having run a steady ship at the Financial Conduct Authority and congratulated him as he heads to the Bank of England to replace Mark Carney.
Tradewise Insurance Company seeking sale in run-off period
Gibraltar-based unrated motor insurer Tradewise Insurance Company pursued a sale ahead of going into run-off and continues to explore its options, executive chairman Marcus Killick confirmed to Post.
This week: Running off
Though a new decade and the opportunity for new beginnings are now firmly in view, this week proved that 2019 still has some endings to get out of the way first.
Ardonagh explains carrier cull and alternative capital plans in APS roll out
Ardonagh has cut its carrier relationships from 940 to 700 in the past six months with an eventual target of below 200, Paul Dilley, CEO of Geo Underwriting told Post.
Q&A: CII society chairs
Following recent changes to the Chartered Insurance Institute's societies, Post caught up with Sue McCall, chair of the Society of Claims Professionals, Kevin Hancock, chair of the Society of Insurance Broking and Philip Williams, non-executive director…
Macquarie invests in Watchstone
Macquarie Group now holds 5.32% of Watchstone Group, according to a stock exchange filing.
FCA issues warning over clone broker
The Financial Conduct Authority has issued a warning over an unauthorised firm pretending to be Speedy Insurance.
Blog: The changing face of the SME market
The SME market is changing, with more IT consultants, gig workers and freelance project managers emerging alongside traditional businesses. To support both the old and new Helen Bryant, director of SME markets at Allianz Insurance, argues the insurance…
Clear would be 'chuffed' and 'interested' in Brokerbility deal
Clear CEO Howard Lickens has admitted the broker would be interested in a deal with Brokerbility as speculation swirls that the firm could look to undertake a form of reverse takeover of the network.
Blog: Cuvva-ing all the bases with statistics
Post senior reporter Emmanuel Kenning wonders about Cuvva’s 3% claim.
Covea's Adrian Furness on pursuing a career in insurance
Historically people have 'fallen' into insurance rather than seeking it as a career. Adrian Furness, chief operating officer at Covéa Insurance, asks if this is changing.
Analysis: Brokers urged to keep on top of SMCR as rules kick in
The Senior Managers and Certification Regime regulation focused on greater personal responsibility has come into force for senior broker managers, and businesses have a year to train all relevant staff on conduct rules.
Willis IRM buys Hale Kavanagh in Leeds
Belfast-based Willis Insurance and Risk Management has bought Leeds firm Hale Kavanagh Insurance Brokers for an undisclosed sum.
This Week: Getting stuff done
Helios has (almost) done his work and got the week done. Probably because he has an oven ready plan. To leave the working week and enter the weekend.
Eldon rebrands as Somerset Bridge
Arron Banks’ Eldon Insurance Services has rebranded as Somerset Bridge Insurance Services after receiving approval from members and the Financial Conduct Authority.
No sales talks at Kingsbridge, says CEO
Kingsbridge is “not currently in a sales process”, CEO James Twining has confirmed to Post.
Trade Voice: The ABI's James Dalton on why GI pricing will be a priority in 2020
James Dalton, director of general insurance policy at the Association of British Insurers, reveals what the trade body will be focusing on next year and why.
Pukka no longer writing new business with Gefion
Pukka Insure stopped writing new business with Gefion in July, replacing it with two A-rated carriers.
Danish regulator demands action as it identifies ‘serious liquidity problems’ at Gefion
Unrated Danish insurer Gefion Insurance must have liquid assets of at least €5m by the end of the year amid fears by the regulator that the company has “serious liquidity problems.”
Searchlight trained on GRP as broker eyes PE deal
Global Risk Partners is in discussion with three private equity firms including Searchlight Capital Partners about taking a majority holding in the consolidator, Post can reveal.
ICO procedural errors in handling Eldon/Leave EU investigation exposed
The Information Commissioner’s Office will be hoping that procedural bungles do not jeopardise its proposed audit and fines of Eldon Insurance and Leave EU, after its legal counsel was forced to admit standards had fallen “well below” expectations, Post…
Eldon and Leave EU take a ‘two-faced’ and ‘cavalier’ approach to compliance: ICO
Arron Banks’ group of companies take a “two-faced approach” to regulation and the Information Commissioner’s Office should be allowed to maintain its fines and audit against Leave EU and Eldon, a tribunal heard.