Opinion
My other life: Julie Rayson Flynn, RAF air cadet
When not working as an operational director for Brokerbility, Julie Rayson Flynn puts her air cadet experience to good use – promoting the Duke of Edinburgh’s award and mentoring young cadets
GRP's Mike Bruce on why consolidation really means integration
Mergers and acquisitions are headline news but Mike Bruce, CEO of broking at Global Risk Partners, believes the success can only be judged if there is true integration.
Rising Star: Lauren Young, Ensurance
Joining the sector via a call centre Lauren Young has quickly progressed to assistant underwriter at Ensurance.
Axa XL's Paul Greensmith and Axa UK's Jon Walker on transforming logistics with IoT
With the Internet of Things transforming logistics, Paul Greensmith, CEO of UK Legal Entities at Axa XL, and Jon Walker, executive managing director commercial intermediary at Axa UK, explain how the insurance industry can use the wealth of data produced…
Editor's comment: Broker rebellion?
May is upon us and that means that thousands of insurance brokers are preparing for the annual camp out in Manchester to hear what their trade body the British Insurance Brokers’ Association is doing for them, plans to do for them and how insurers can…
Brightside's Brendan McCafferty on whether Saga’s writedown heralds a shift in the tectonic plates?
Providers with books that are skewed to heavily discounted year one are facing a quandary about whether to change their strategy before the dual pricing review outcomes or wait until after. Either way Brendan McCafferty, CEO Brightside Group, believe…
Trade Voice: Foil's James Heath on the Civil Liability Act
The Civil Liability Act was passed in December, changing the way whiplash claims are calculated. As part of the bill, the government also agreed to reform the discount rate, which is currently under review. James Heath, President at Forum of Insurance…
I work in insurance: Dene Rowe, innovation director, Keoghs
Working as innovation director at Keoghs Dene Rowe has been at the forefront of introducing artificial intelligence into the legal firm
UK General's Matthew Schofield on how profit, not volume, will drive growth and respectability of MGA sector
In recent months managing general agents have been in the spotlight, with the media seeking to get under the skin of one of the fastest growing insurance sectors. UK General's Matthew Schofield says MGA management teams need to now stop 'navel gazing'…
My other life: James Lai, ICAB: Kendōka
When James Lai isn’t working as ICAB’s billings co-ordinator he can be found wielding a Japanese sword in the martial art of Kendo
Rising Star: Ali Pierce, Domestic & General
Listening to the needs of customers while working at Domestic & General's call centre led to Ali Pierce climbing to group head of communications.
RSA's David Germain on keeping up with technology
Insurance has a long history but as David Germain, chief technology officer for RSA, explains, the sector still needs to keep up with technology.
Trade voice: James Dalton on embracing diversity in insurance
In order to reflect the diverse communities UK insurers serve the insurance industry needs to continue to make progress towards creating a truly diverse and inclusive workforce, especially at executive and board level, explains James Dalton, director for…
Editor's comment: Knowing what is good for you
My son is learning about healthy living at school and a recent exercise sent home was to spend a day eating according to the Eatwell Guide.
Trade voice: Airmic's John Ludlow on becoming risk partners
Insurers are expanding their services beyond products, but there is much more to do. Underwriters and risk managers should view each other as risk partners, says Airmic CEO John Ludlow.
My other life: Phil Morgan, Morgan Clark Loss Assessors - charity founder
When taking a break from his day job as chairman at Morgan Clark, Phil Morgan is using his business acumen to help good causes - launching a charity in The Gambia
Marsh's Alistair Fraser on attracting millennials to insurance
While the UK insurance market is making strides in increasing diversity Alistair Fraser, CEO of Marsh’s UK Corporate business, believes it can learn from the power of cross-generational communities in Indonesia and other emerging countries in the Far…
Rising Star: Ally Redding, JDX Consulting
Having worked with several Lloyd's syndicates and managing agents, Ally Redding was recently made relationships manager at JDX Consulting.
QBE's Cecile Fresneau on being prepared for the worst
Businesses are operating in unpredictable times and Cecile Fresneau, executive director for UK Insurance at QBE, believes preparing for the what if’s and the absolute worst-case scenario will keep insurance relevant.
Editor's comment: The future is bright
I have seen the future of insurance. It’s not orange as advertisers in my teens predicted and neither is it the green that insurers are currently facing with the motor green cards, but it is bright and it is positive.
Aston Lark's Peter Blanc on how to beat complacency
Aston Lark's group CEO Peter Blanc explains why it is essential that brokers advise clients on emerging risks that could affect their business and encourage discussions to ensure the right solutions are found
Trade Voice: Biba's Vannessa Young on diversity for all
Many firms have signed up to the Women in Finance Charter but as Vanessa Young, compliance and advisory boards manager at the British Insurance Brokers' Association, explains as with any strategy businesses need be sure of what they want to achieve and…
LV's Mike Crane on dealing with changing customer expectations
Customers’ expectations are changing and they are demanding to be more informed. Mike Crane says insurers risk alienating customers if they don’t explain how and why they price risks
My other life: James Neale, DWF, Britain's Got Talent finalist
When not working as an insurance litigation associate at DWF, James Neale is stealing the spotlight on reality TV show Britain's Got Talent by singing with his family.