Commercial
European insurers must rebuild capital
As insurance companies wait for the world economy to slowly recover, they must work to rebuild capital, reassess risk management, integrate changing regulations and aggressively seize opportunities for growth, both via acquisition and new product…
TUC supports EL database proposals
The Trades Union Congress has welcomed the government moves to open a consultation on the setting up of an employers’ liability insurance bureau.
Perkins Slade earns chartered status
Independent insurance broker Perkins Slade has been awarded the title of chartered insurance broker by the Chartered Insurance Institute.
Ink founders launch start-up
Managing general agent Ink's founders Keith Syrett and Philip Thomas are setting up a new MGA, Thames Underwriting from 1 March.
Catlin boasts of record profit
The Lloyd's insurer saw a 12% increase in gross premiums written to US$3.7bn on constant currency basis; and an 8% increase on a reported basis (2008: US$3.4bn) and recorded a 89% combined ratio (2008: 95%).
Lloyd's insurer sets up new liability division with Argo hire
To build and lead the new division, which will specialise in international professional and general liability and related classes, Chaucer has recruited Mark Lawrence as head of division.
Business Interruption - Valuations: Setting sums
The risk of commercial underinsurance can leave brokers in the firing line and the insured financially distressed. Terri Adams and Richard Powell report on how this can be avoided.
Mergers & Acquisitions- Insurers: Coming back up
After a downturn in 2009, insurer merger and acquisition activity looks set to make a resurgence in the coming year. Amy Ellis reports.
Broking Mergers & Acquisitions: Calmer waters
Many have predicted the death of the insurance broking mergers and acquisition market. Roger Brown explains why this has not happened and why the current situation is just a return to historical norms.
Public Sector - Road Maintenance: Smoothing things over
With a pothole being repaired every 33 seconds in England and Wales, Edward Murray reports on the issue of public liability claims concerning this road hazard.
Insurecom is 'go-to' firm
The chief executive of insurance software specialist Insurecom has boasted that his firm is now the 'go-to' technology company for insurers looking to distribute new products to brokers.
Lloyd's insurer signals motor intent with deal
Lloyd's insurer Ascot is targeting the UK commercial motor market for the first time after striking a deal with Chelmsford-based broker and underwriting agency Direct Commercial.
Beazley GWP rises by 27%
Dublin-domiciled Beazley has reported pre-tax profit up 15% to £100.7m (2008: £87.2m) and an underlying profit before income tax up 259% to £147.3m (2008: £41.0m).
Markel returns to profit in 2009
Markel Corporation has attributed the swing of almost $1bn (£640m) from loss to profit during 2009 to "significantly higher" investment returns than its competitors.
Zurich sees COR rise past break-even point
Zurich aims to reduce the combined operating ratio in its UK general insurance business in 2010 after it deteriorated beyond the break-even point due to rising expenses.
Shakespeare boss in court
A former director of Shakespeare Underwriting has appeared in court in relation to charges of alleged fraud and making false statements, stemming back four years.
NIG director Banga defects to join Brit
NIG has lost another member of its management team, with the departure of head of business development for commercial and broker, Vivek Banga.
Bluefin role for Burnham
Keith Burnham has left Aon for Bluefin to take up the new role of head of real estate, Post understands.
Questgates snaps up two Teceris units
Specialist loss adjuster Questgates has acquired two of the remaining business units of Teceris.
CHO management buys it back from PwC
The Car Crash Line Group has been brought out of administration by its management team and outside investors, Post has learnt.
Merlin a "going concern" after RBS waives £654 000
Loss adjusting group and claims management firm Merlin Claims Services has reported a £61.9m net loss for the 12 months ended 30 April 2009 (2008: £6.6m loss), after writing off £50.4m for the financial year.
RSA shakes board up to focus on risk and claims
RSA has made further changes to its management board, in a bid strengthen its focus on technical risk and claims.
Case provides welcome relief for schools
Educational establishments have avoided potentially "huge and costly" ramifications after the case of Henry Webster (& others) v The Ridgeway School was successfully defended, according to the law firm and insurer involved.
Towergate outlines senior shake-up
Towergate Risk Solutions has announced a series of senior appointments which reflect the successful growth of its business and continuing development of its strategy.