News
Allianz names new market management chief
Allianz has appointed Brian Kirwan as regional head of market management and communication.
Zurich implements Rok contingency plan
Zurich has established special outbound call centre teams in Cardiff and Whiteley to help policyholders affected by the closure of Rok’s maintenance business.
Career development & CSR news: Brit honours the country's brightest volunteer coaches
Brit Insurance has honoured the UK's finest school sports development volunteers.
Industry relief as plans to reform VAT exemption dropped
The European Union's decision to drop its planned reform of the Europe-wide VAT exemption of insurance and other financial services should be a relief to UK insurers and brokers.
London authorities seek out joint motor insurer
A group of local London authorities has kicked off a tender process to establish a joint scheme for the insurance of council fleet vehicles.
Career development & CSR news: 'Superb' broker duo scoops top claims service accolade
Two claims handlers at Stirling-based broker Denis O Brown & Associates have been jointly honoured with an award for their customer service and professionalism.
Career development & CSR: City Poppy Day plaudits
The Lloyd's branch of the Royal British Legion has confirmed that its final total raised for the London Poppy Day is £240 000 — exceeding the 2010 target by £90 000.
Career development: Ask the expert
I've been trying to recruit for a couple of positions for more than three months but am having trouble securing the right candidates. Would I be best waiting for the new year?
Editor's comment: Commercially viable
The news that Iprism has secured private equity backing, which effectively values the business at £50m, is further evidence that the future of online commercial trading has finally reached its 'tipping point'.
Momentum aims to help broking start-ups
A former managing director at Oval is set to target disgruntled account executives within consolidators through the launch of a start-up.
Ageas keen to developKwik Fit's niche brands
Ageas UK chief executive Barry Smith has pledged to retain and expand Kwik Fit Insurance Services' niche operations as it seeks to widen the group's overall product footprint.
Hardy still open to Beazley negotiations
Hardy's chief executive has said the insurer would be willing to discuss an improved offer from Beazley, despite the latter's threat to withdraw its renewed offer of 330p per share in cash after it was rejected.
Torrance slams new entrants over rates
Allianz UK chief executive Andrew Torrance has bemoaned the short- sightedness of some of the recent commercial entrants for keeping rate rises in check.
Ceiops' IMD delay raises hopes over review outcome
The five-month delay of the Committee of European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Supervisors' submission to the European Commission on the revision of the Insurance Mediation Directive demonstrates the complexity of opinion on the subject, according…
Iprism valued at £50m as PE firm takes a stake
Online commercial comparison portal Iprism has attracted private equity backing, in a move that values the business at £50m.
Rok closure could boost small contractors
The fall-out from the closure of Rok's maintenance business could lead insurers to turn to smaller building repairers in the future, according to one such firm.
Once-in-a-decade op
The consultation into the implementation of Lord Justice Jackson's proposals is the best window of opportunity the industry has had for more than 10 years to influence change.
Frost vows to stabilise prices following DAS losses
Recently appointed DAS head of underwriting Matt Frost has vowed to stabilise prices in a bid to revive the fortunes of the legal expenses insurer.
Zurich comes under fire for 'bungled' staff consultation
Zurich has been accused of bungling the handling of its staff consultation over potential redundancies among senior and middle managers.
LV boss pledges growth to £1bn by 2015
LV direct managing director Selwyn Fernandes has pledged to grow the business's gross written premium to £1bn by 2015, despite the competition generated by the aggregators.
Towers aims to lead non-life consultancy
Towers Watson has outlined its ambition to become "number one" in the UK non-life consultancy market following its acquisition of EMB.
Industry bodies heartened by private sector potential
The Association of British Insurers and British Insurance Brokers' Association have welcomed the prospect of greater private sector investment in flood defences following the government's decision to cut the budget.
Lark and Bollington spared in Groupama consolidation
Groupama this week insisted its specialist commercial broking operations will not be subjected to the same consolidation and rationalisation that are set to impact other subsidiaries.
Zurich loses Purple panel spot
The Purple Partnership has made the second change to its core commercial insurer panel since its launch almost three years ago.