News
Hamilton Fraser wins local government contract
Hamilton Fraser Insurance has been appointed by the Department for Communities and Local Government to operate one of the insurance-backed tenancy deposit protection schemes.
UnumProvident group medical underwriting unit recieves ISO certification
Leading disability insurer, UnumProvident, today announced it has achieved ISO9001:2000 certification1 from the British Standards Institution for the internal management systems within its Group Medical Underwriting division.
Buffett's firm hit with £1.225m FSA fine
The Financial Services Authority has fined General Reinsurance UK Limited £1.225m for arranging two improper reinsurance transactions.
Hiscox opens in Sweden and Portugal
Hiscox has announced the opening of an office in Sweden and one in Portugal as part of the continued development of its European business.
Companies Act 2006: Boards urged to examine directors’ insurance policies
Boards of directors are being urged to tighten their directors' and officers' liability insurance policies to protect themselves from shareholder actions in light of changes introduced by the Companies Act 2006.
KBIS acquires retail arm of THB British Equestrian
Two equestrian firms KBIS and THB British Equestrian have entered into negotiations with a view to KBIS acquiring the UK retail part of THB Equestrian.
FSA - Speech - Agenda for 2007
In a recent speech Clive Briault, managing director, Retail Markets, Financial Service Authourity (FSA) set out the FSA’s agenda for 2007. In particular the FSA will be seeking to “make a real difference” – to consumers, to their own effectiveness and to…
HCC CEO steps down after stock-dating probe
International (re)insurer HCC has announced that its founder Stephen Way has resigned as chief executive officer of the company.
Loss adjusting body welcomes Spanish members
Spain has re-joined the Federation of European Loss Adjusting Experts after several years of absence.
ASU broker fined for cold-calling offences
The Financial Services Authority has fined Capital Mortgage Connections £17,500 for rule breaches including cold calling potential customers. This is the first time it has taken action against a firm for cold calling.
Bupa highlights lost productivity risk from flu
Private medical insurer Bupa is urging employers to act now and get their employees vaccinated against the flu.
Link and Zenith strike new deal
Link Insurance and Zenith Insurance have appointed Userve to provide salvage management and disposal services throughout the UK.
Countrwide recruits following multimillion pound income surge
Countrywide has strengthened its sales team following the launch of Partner Broker which increased commission for its brokers.
Markerstudy in Birmingham swoop
Markerstudy Group has completed the acquisition of Birmingham based The Insurance Factory. The family-run business, founded in 1974 by Colin Gregg, incorporates The Insurance Shop and Wessex Finance.
Standard Life PMI plan targets 55% premium reductions for brokers
Standard Life Healthcare is promising to extend the affordability of comprehensive medical cover through intermediaries.
IFS backs Tories' financial education pledge
The ifs School of Finance, a financial education charity, has welcomed the Shadow Chancellor’s announcement today that if elected to Government, financial education will be taught to all 11 – 18 year olds.
L&G appoints Roche for broker push
Legal & General has appointed Andy Roche in the new role of national sales manager for its general insurance business. As well as being responsible for broker sales teams across England and Wales, Mr Roche will also head up the insurer's new dedicated…
Zurich promises CII qualified staff across the board
Zurich Insurance claims it is the first insurer in the UK to partner with the Chartered Insurance Institute to create a professional qualifications training programme that aims to put 100% of claims, risk management, sales and underwriting employees…
Bollington acquires again
The Bollington Group has strengthened its presence in Wigan with the acquisition of broker M G Smithies Limited. The purchase comes hard on the heels of its acquisition of Oxfordshire broker F M Green last week.
Former spy chief becomes chairman at Ascot Underwriting
Ascot Underwriting has announced that Sir Richard Dearlove, the former head of the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), is to become its next chairman.
Ecclesiastical in anti-fraud drive with Beachcroft
Ecclesiastical has announced a contract with law firm Beachcroft as its first dedicated supplier of anti-fraud legal services.
Scottish Re loses “secure” AM Best rating
AM Best has downgraded the financial strength rating of life reinsurer Scottish Re to B (Fair) from B+ (Very Good) and its issuer credit ratings to “bb+” from “bbb-” of the primary operating insurance subsidiaries
Allianz Cornhill appoints new engineering director
Allianz Cornhill has appointed Neil Clutterbuck as director of engineering with effect from 1st January 2007, following the retirement of current director Alan Harris.
XL subsidiary receives subpoeana in NY investigation
In a regulatory filing Bermudian (re)insurer XL Capital has admitted that one of its subsidiaries has received a grand jury subpoena from the Antitrust Division of the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York seeking documents in…