Opinion
Editor's comment: Ending the dark days
I usually love the month of January. My birthday falls in this month as well as several other family birthdays and, while others are facing a dry January, I usually manage to have a good celebration.
Trade Voice: Bila's Ozlem Gurses on motor passenger insurance
How do passengers 'use' motor vehicles? Ozlem Gurses, reader in insurance and commercial Law at King’s College London and British Insurance Law Association committee member, explains how the law sees this question when it comes to insurance.
Ecclesiastical's John Blundell on cracking the cyber code
Cyber crime has hit the headlines but sales are still down. Ecclesiastical's UK general insurance managing director John Blundell explains why the sector needs to break down difficult wordings and better explain both risks and policies to clients to make…
I work in insurance: Simon Norton, risk consultant, Aviva
In order to carry out his risk consultant role at Aviva Simon Norton has had to gain a license to fly drones.
Bupa's Alex Perry on life after cancer
Survival rates for those diagnosed with cancer are improving and many are keen to work. Alex Perry, CEO of Bupa UK Insurance, explains how insurers can help employers support this
Rising star: Michael Hearty, Auger
With the experience of a work placement in Malaysia, Michael Hearty joined the insurance industry with Auger and is already external operations manager
My other life: Ben Pritchard, rower
When not working as account executive for commercial insurance at Jelf, Ben Pritchard represents Great Britain at rowing
BGL Group's Rachael Gillett on why apprenticeships could be a return to insurance roots
Many view apprenticeships as an obstacle to overcome or avoid but Rachael Gillett, chief people officer at BGL Group, reminds the sector that many existing employees started their successful careers this way.
Editor's comment: New year, new you!
We’ve all seen the memes about how it’s a new chapter in our lives with the striking of the bell at midnight and how we have a blank page to do what we’ve always wanted to and be the best version of ourselves.
Ageas' Ant Middle on why the industry shouldn't focus on 'doom bingo'
It's pretty easy to generate a list of challenges facing the insurance sector in 2019 but Ant Middle, chief customer officer at Ageas, believes insurers should be looking to creating new opportunities instead.
Rising star: Tom Foster, Ambant
Tom Foster started in insurance straight from further education and has already risen to senior reinsurance technician at Ambant.
Aviva's Maurice Tulloch on leading the way in prevention
Climate change means extreme weather events are only going to become more frequent. Maurice Tulloch, CEO international insurance, explains how the insurance industry can lead the way in prevention.
Hiscox's James Brady on why cyber knowledge remains a barrier
James Brady, head of cyber at Hiscox UK & Ireland, urges the sector to use heightened awareness of cyber risks into positive action.
Trade Voice: Biba's Steve White on why we need to be mindful about mental health
In years gone by no one spoke about mental health issues but now, as well as being aware of the issues, employers have moral responsibility to address it according to Steve White, CEO of the British Insurance Brokers' Association.
I work in insurance: Stephanie Horton, River Canal Rescue
After buying her own boat, Stephanie Horton, managing director of River Canal Rescue realised not everyone has the expertise to fix their vessels so now she comes to the aid of those in trouble on the water
GRP’s Craig Pocock on SMCR
GRP’s chief people officer Craig Pocock explains why it’s important for brokers to plan for the new Senior Managers and Certification Regime.
Sinéad Browne of AGCS on tackling intangible risks
Over the past 40 years business risks have moved from mainly tangible to predominately intangible Sinéad Browne, Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty chief regions and markets officer, urges companies and insurers to tackle this weak spot in risk…
Director of Content's comment: Insurance dynasties - Who will be the next predator?
“Extraordinary animals, each in a heroic struggle against rivals and against the forces of nature, fighting for their own survival and for the future of their ‘Dynasties’."
QBE's Chris Wallace on being prepared for Brexit
No one knows what Brexit negotiations will yield. However, Chris Wallace, executive director for European markets at QBE, says companies should be prepared for the opportunities the UK leaving the European Union can bring.
Rising star: Declan Shaw, Cowens
Declan Shaw joined Cowens straight from school and has already risen to account executive.
My other life: James Winchester, Scouting
When James Winchester isn't being client director for commercial insurance (South) for Konsileo, he's building up his Scouting skills as assistant district commissioner for Scouts – Poole District.
Axa XL's Paul Greensmith on why film underwriters deserve an Oscar
Paul Greensmith, UK CEO at Axa XL, delves into the art of underwriting cinema and television productions, which contribute so much to the UK economy and world imagination.
The ABI's James Dalton on the FCA market study into pricing practices
The Citizens' Advice super complaint has highlighted that insurers needs to do more to serve existing customers, but James Dalton, director of general insurance policy at the Association of British Insurers believes its important to stress that the…
Ageas' Bart De Smet on staying relevant in 2030
Insurers need to act now to stay relevant to their customers in future, writes Ageas' CEO Bart De Smet.