News
Zurich reports 7% fall in group income while UK operating profit rises 54%
Business operating profit in Zurich’s UK general insurance business increased by 54.1% to £34.7m in the first quarter of the year, compared to the same period in 2012 (Q1 2012: (£22.6m). The combined operating ratio improved to 96.5% (Q1 21012: 100.8%)…
DWP signs Biba collaboration deal
Work and Pensions secretary Mark Hoban MP has inked a deal to push collaboration and intelligence sharing between the UK government and the British Insurance Brokers Association.
Aviva reports drop in NWP
Aviva has reported a 5% reduction in net written premium across its UK general insurance operation to £923m in the first quarter of 2013 (Q1 2012: £974m) while group GWP fell 2% to £1.2bn (Q1 2012: £1.7bn).
Japan sees Q1 economic growth of 0.9%
In the first three months of the year Japan's GDP grew 0.9%, on a quarter to quarter basis.
SSP strengthens Australia and Asia-Pacific team
Technology provider SSP has appointed Jerry Hall as business development manager for Australia and Asia-Pacific.
Biba 2013: New cloud computing venture targets insurers and MGAs
Insurer Cloud Services today launched The Insurer Cloud, a new venture aimed at insurers and managing general agents.
IFB to target broker members with ex-Axa manager Danny king
A former strategic relationship manager and key account manager at Axa Insurance, Danny King has been appointed to lead the Insurance Fraud Bureau’s acquisition of customers, including exploring how the IFB’s membership model can be enhanced to enable…
Biba 2013: Day one of BibaFever at Excel Arena
As the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba) conference at the Excel Arena in London kicks off, Insurance Age and Post have teamed up with LV to bring you the definitive online coverage of the event with the video series #BIBAFever.
Kennedys partner West warns of fake employment agencies targeting EL insurers
Gangs that previously staged fraudulent motor accidents to con insurers out of cash are now turning to target employers’ liability claims with a new underhand trick, it has been claimed.
Scor GWP rises 3.9% in Q1
French reinsurer Scor posted net income of €111m in the first quarter 2013, up 7% on the same period in 2012.
Ageas to become sole provider for over-50s intermediary brands
Ageas-owned over-50s specialist intermediaries Rias and Castle Cover are moving from using a panel of insurers for home and motor products to a solus arrangement with sister business Ageas Insurance.
Biba 2013: Talent recognised at broker conference
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has Giles Insurance Brokers’ Stephanie Butterick as its National Young Broker of the Year.
Biba 2013: ABI, Biba and CILA team up to engage with FCA claims review
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba), the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters (CILA), brokers and insurers have started a new claims working group which aims to proactively and positively engage…
ABI: insurers want to offer straightforward services
The Association of British Insurers has said insurers are keen on offering products that are easy to understand and a straightforward claims process.
Towergate interest payments come down and debt maturity extended to 2018
Towergate Insurance has today announced the completion of its refinancing, following the closing of its bond offering.
Tysers sees pre-tax profits climb for 2012
Insurance and reinsurance broker Tysers has reported improved pre-tax profits for 2012, noting currency movement will likely boost 2013 figures.
Biba 2013: FCA boss promises to take hard line on problem products
Industry players have been warned to “get their houses in order” by Financial Conduct Authority chief executive Martin Wheatley, who has vowed to deal with potential problems with financial products before they take root.
Arista makes regional appointment
Arista has named Bethany Wilkes as assistant underwriter at its Birmingham office.
Markerstudy eyes up acquisitions and unveils claims management solution
Markerstudy has combined three of its most recent acquisitions into a new integrated FNOL and claims management solution called Synchronicity.
Biba 2013: CFC launches cyber policy
CFC has launched CPM a cyber policy that the specialist lines underwriting agency says has been redesigned to tackle the issue of cyber crime faced by companies operating across different territories around the world including the “new” crimes of…
MGAA starts search for first managing director
The Managing General Agents' Association has formally begun its search for the Association’s first full time managing director.
Bluefin Partnership renamed as Bluefin Network
Bluefin’s broker network, previously known as Broker Partnership Services has been renamed as Bluefin Network with immediate effect.
Towergate swoops for North England broking pair
Towergate has acquired Youngs Insurance Brokers and Murray Burns & Co, brokers based in North of England.
Strong market competition dents Ageas total income
Ageas UK has reported a 38% increase in net profit to £19.4m in the first quarter of 2013 (Q1 2012: £14.1m) while the combined operating ratio improved to 99.9% (Q1 2012: 102.3%).