Broker
This week: No alarms and no surprises
After more than two years of contingency planning, this week’s news that a proposed Brexit deal was likely to lead to a loss of passporting was met with no more than a shrug of the shoulders.
My other life: James Winchester, Scouting
When James Winchester isn't being client director for commercial insurance (South) for Konsileo, he's building up his Scouting skills as assistant district commissioner for Scouts – Poole District.
Hyperion takes on $115m of debt to fund further acquisitions
Hyperion is to continue on the acquisition trail, having raised $115m (£88.9m) through debt.
Zego to offer ‘flexible’ business insurance through challenger bank Starling
Zego’s partnership with Starling Bank will see it offer public liability insurance for small enterprises through the mobile-only bank’s marketplace, with a view to making other lines available in the future.
Bollington Wilson Group opens Manchester HQ
Broking group Bollington Wilson has relocated to Manchester and aims to boost its headcount by 100.
John Doyle unveils Marsh-JLT Specialty
Marsh and JLT’s specialty operations will rebrand as Marsh-JLT Specialty once the acquisition has closed.
Week in Post: Spotlight falls on Banks
The spotlight has been on Arron Banks this week but we've also seen some major business acquisitions.
Debenhams urged to review links with Arron Banks' Eldon
Exclusive: Debenhams should review its relationship with Arron Banks-owned Eldon Insurance, following fines over alleged data misuse by the company, campaigners say.
JLT shareholders have ‘overwhelmingly approved’ Marsh acquisition
Shareholders in JLT have voted 99.9% in favour of the acquisition by Marsh.
Michael Rea says there are more acquisitions to come for Gallagher's retail arm
Gallagher’s purchase of a controlling stake in UK specialist property broker, Vasek, is the third acquisition made by the company’s UK retail arm this year, but it shows no signs of stopping just yet.
BBC pulls the plug on Arron Banks Question Time appearance
Eldon Insurance owner Arron Banks had been expected to appear on Question Time next week, but will no longer be a guest on the show amid a National Crime Agency investigation and fines by the Information Commissioner’s Office.
Gallagher continues acquisition spree with the addition of specialist property broker
Gallagher has acquired a controlling interest in Purple Bridge Group, the holding company of UK specialist property broker Vasek Insurance Services.
Eldon could face ‘significantly higher’ fines as ICO launches audit
Eldon Insurance could be faced with fines that are “significantly higher” than the combined £135,000 it and Leave.EU have been ordered to pay if the Information Commissioner’s Office finds evidence of misdeeds in an audit of the broker.
Amazon frontrunner in digital leaders report as Aviva takes insurance top spot
Aviva takes the crown as digital insurance lead, but insurance as a whole is middling compared to other sectors, according to a report.
Eldon and Leave.EU facing combined £135,000 fines by ICO for ‘serious breaches’
Eldon Insurance and Leave.EU are both facing fines of £60,000 for alleged “serious breaches” of marketing regulations, while Leave.EU faces an additional £15,000 fine.
BBC faces backlash over Arron Banks TV interview
The BBC has defended hosting controversial insurance boss Arron Banks on the Andrew Marr Show on Sunday, following complaints and social media outcry.
GRP’s County Group acquires third broker of the year
Swansea-based Douglas Insurance has been acquired by County Group.
WTW's Nicolas Aubert on being bold to thrive in a global market
In a volatile geopolitical landscape, Nicolas Aubert, head of GB, Willis Towers Watson and current president of the Insurance Institute of London, urges the market to take the opportunity to rethink its position and think globally.
Competition watchdog urged to take further action on MFN clauses
Insurers, brokers and price comparison sites have welcomed a Competition and Markets Authority investigation into Compare the Market’s use of a controversial clause that prevents home insurers from offering cheaper prices elsewhere, but brokers argue…
This month: Cavities and complaints
As whiplash legislation speeds through parliament, claims management companies have increasingly been looking into other avenues to keep the coffers full and cavity wall insulation claims have spiked. CMCs may be the industry’s own bugbear, but this…
Compare the Market accused of breaking law over ‘most favoured nation’ clause
Compare the Market may have broken the law by preventing home insurers from offering lower prices elsewhere, the competition watchdog has warned.
Arron Banks faces criminal investigation over Brexit financing
The National Crime Agency has opened an investigation into Eldon Insurance boss Arron Banks, following a referral from the Electoral Commission.
Ardonagh sells commercial MGA to Arch for £31m
The Ardonagh Group will sell its commercial underwriting business to Arch for £31m.
Revealed: The future of Ed and Besso under BGC
A holding company will be established for Ed and Besso, with Steve Hearn as group CEO. However the two BGC-owned brokers will remain separate companies.