Opinion
Trade Voice: The ABI's James Dalton on why GI pricing will be a priority in 2020
James Dalton, director of general insurance policy at the Association of British Insurers, reveals what the trade body will be focusing on next year and why.
Rising Star: Shaun Towner, MPW Insurance Brokers
After completing two CII qualifications in quick succession, Shaun Towner has already risen through the ranks to the position of account executive
Hiscox's Bob Thaker on why strong company culture is key to success
What You Do Is Who You Are is the latest business blockbuster hitting bookshelves in time for Christmas. Perhaps the Chartered Insurance Institute should consider making a bulk order says Bob Thaker, Hiscox UK’s CEO, as a way to remind everyone that long…
MGA Mole: Why is client 'confidentiality' a dirty word?
Post has enlisted a managing general agent industry mole to lift the lid on what the sector is really like. In the first of this new series, our anonymous commentator asks why the industry isn't more careful with customers' information and warns that -…
Editor's comment: Driving the message home
At 11-years-old my son is getting to the stage where I’m an embarrassment to him. A kiss goodbye at the playground is not cool, in fact he’d prefer to be dropped off out of sight of the school, if possible, and he can’t wait until he is allowed to walk…
Trade Voice: Airmic's Julia Graham on being prepared
Preparation is key in the current harsh market says Julia Graham, Airmic’s deputy CEO and technical director, as she explains how timely planning, skill, good communication and transparency can demonstrate the real value of insurance.
Allianz's Graham Gibson on embracing sustainability
As awareness of the damage we’re doing to our planet grows, sustainability is firmly on the corporate agenda, writes Graham Gibson, chief claims officer at Allianz Insurance. Finding ways to reduce our environmental footprint and safeguard the future for…
My other life: Emily Owen, footballer
When not working as e-trading underwriter at Beazley, Emily Owen is a semi-professional footWhen not working as e-trading underwriter at Beazley, Emily Owen plays football for Derby County Ladies football club.ball player.
GRP's Mike Bruce on client relationships in commercial broking
How do brokers know that they’re doing a good job for their client? Mike Bruce, group managing director, Global Risk Partners, explains in the commoditised personal lines market, where products are relatively homogenous, it’s often simply about…
Rising Star: Katie Williamson, Horwich Farrelly
While working at a personal injury law firm, Kate Williamson became interested in what cases were like from the insurer's side and is now on her way to qualifying as a solicitor at Horwich Farrelly.
Axa's Jon Walker on why it takes three to make the market work
In a hardening market, competition is tough to place property and casualty risks. Now more than ever, brokers need to work closely with insurers and customers on claims prevention and risk management, writes Jon Walker, executive MD of Commercial…
Brightside's Derek Henry on leadership in the insurance industry
Right now in the UK our politics is stuck fast in factionalism, ideology and conflicting interests, creating public disquiet. Derek Henry, managing director of broking at Brightside, argues business is up in arms too, pleading with the government for…
I work in insurance: Tom Bennett, cyber incident specialist, CFC
Working as cyber incident specialist at CFC Underwriting Tom Bennett ensures he stays abreast of recent developments in both hacker methodologies and cyber defence strategies
Trade voice: Biba's Steve White on less but more effective regulation
British Insurance Brokers' Association CEO Steve White ponders what proportionate regulation for insurance brokers should look like.
Aviva's Andrew Morrish on claims transparency and strengthening trust
Although some reports suggest the number of nuisance calls is falling, Aviva's consumer research found that 70% of Brits said they had received a nuisance call or text in the past seven days, with 36% of those who received a cold call or text saying they…
Telematics Watch: Addressing misconceptions
From scepticism about data to dissatisfaction about driver behaviour scores, Igo4 CEO Matt Munro addresses some of the common misconceptions about telematics, and suggests marketing and communications are key to avoiding complaints.
CFC's Dave Walsh on creating a culture for innovation
AM Best has confirmed it is launching a new innovation score for carriers, because innovation is seen to be "just as critical to insurers’ success as the strength of their balance sheet" and, according to Dave Walsh, CEO of CFC Underwriting, it seems…
My other life: George Briley, powerlifting champion
When George Briley isn’t working as business analyst at Axa Assistance, he competes in world powerlifting competitions.
The NED Blog: What keeps risk committees awake at night
One of the ways that non-executive directors ensure there is independent oversight is through the use of various board committees. Michael Gaughan explains how the Risk Committee oversees the capital risks and why it worries about technology, cyber…
RSA's Rob Gibbs on collaborative relationships between brokers and insurers
The insurance industry has a rich and storied history from the Great Fire of London, Tom's Coffee House and the earliest shipping risks all the way to today, with apps, online self-service and e-trade. And, for almost as long as insurers have being…
Blog: Breaking the dual pricing habit
Studies are now estimating it takes a smoker on average 30 attempts to quit smoking.
Editor's comment: Let the games begin
We love board games at our house. One huge cupboard is filled with them and we have four different versions of monopoly in the cupboard and two versions of Cluedo.
Trade Voice: Gordon Dalyell, Apil
Following insurer outcry as the Ogden discount rate was set at minus 0.25%, Association of Personal Injury Lawyers president Gordon Dalyell underlines that the industry is set to save hundreds of millions, while claimants still face an "unfair" rate.
Remedying Risk: Avoiding chinks in the armour of terrorism cover
Today’s terror attacks come in many forms – from homemade bombs to suicide bombers, knife and acid attacks to vehicles ramming pedestrians. Chris Parker, head of Beazley’s terrorism, political violence and kidnap & ransom underwriting team argues all are…