United Kingdom (UK)
Benign weather helps Axa UK shave 1.2pp off its first half COR
Axa’s UK business was aided by benign weather conditions in delivering an improvement of 1.2 percentage points in its combined operating ratio for the first half of the year, which stood at 97% (H1 2014: 98.2%).
UK General in talks over schemes business sale
Managing general agent UK General is gearing up to sell its personal lines schemes business.
Brexit would be negative for UK financial sector
A vote to leave the European Union could threaten the health of the UK economy and its financial sector, according to Standard & Poor's Ratings Services.
Gable in talks to create UK motor underwriting operation
Gable Insurance is in discussions with former Service Insurance Company director Beverley Shreeve about creating an underwriting operation for UK motor under the Gable brand, Post understands.
Equinox Global appoints King as head of UK and Ireland
Lloyd's coverholder Equinox Global, which specialises in trade credit insurance, has appointed Nick King as head of UK and Ireland.
Blog: Newcastle - powerhouse or outhouse?
Post reporter Katie Marriner sums up her experience of visiting the Newcastle insurance sector and how plans to make it a powerhouse are being received.
Insurers must consider impact of EU exit ahead of general election
UK-based insurers who underwrite European business should consider the consequences of the UK exiting or renegotiating its position within the European Union, according to AM Best.
Resistance to oil shocks behind UK's ranking in global resilience index
The UK remains the 20th most resilient country in the world in terms of economic, risk and supply chain qualities, according to the latest FM Global Resilience Index.
Devon-based Pavey Group buys Exeter broker
Devon-based Pavey Group has acquired broker Buddens Westinsure to expand its operations in Exeter.
ERS puts 380 staff on notice as it targets 90% COR
Specialist motor insurer ERS today put 380 staff on notice of redundancy ahead of the closure of its Brentwood office.
Covéa confirms acquisition of Sterling
Covéa’s acquisition of Sterling has been given the green light by the Prudential Regulation Authority.
British entrepreneurs to benefit from £14.7m Axa start-up fund
Axa UK has pledged €20m (£14.7m) to boost the development of innovative ideas that could be used to benefit to the future of the insurance, healthcare and financial technology industries.
Bupa launches tiered IPMI product range in the UK
Bupa Global has launched its first tiered range of international private medical insurance products in the UK.
PRA expects total UK insurance capital to drop under Solvency II
The Prudential Regulatory Authority’s executive director of insurance has forecast that total capital held by insurers in the UK will likely drop under incoming Solvency II rules.
Bluefin hires Henderson's commercial director to build Leeds presence
Bluefin has appointed Greg Markham as sales director in its Leeds office.
ALC Health CEO awarded MBE
Sarah Jewell, founder and CEO of international medical insurance provider ALC Health has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the New Year Honours list.
Equistone sells A-Plan stake to Hg Capital
Private equity firm Equistone has agreed a deal to sell its majority stake in UK broker A-Plan to investment firm Hg Capital.
Fusion Insurance opens Manchester office
Fusion Insurance has opened a Manchester office - its seventh trading office in the UK.
Gallagher's international development head to leave company
Arthur J. Gallagher’s chairman of international development John Hastings-Bass will retire from the company in January 2015, the broker said today.
Customer loyalty obtainable for UK insurers if 'fair value' is provided
Insurers have been advised to focus on building long-term relationships in order to retain policyholders after a survey by Consumer Intelligence showed customers do not want to shop around annually.
Howden turns attention to UK market with Powell Bateson acquisition
Howden Broking Group has moved to expand its UK regional footprint with the acquisition of commercial broker and risk management consultancy Powell Bateson.
R&Q expects full year pre-tax result to be below expectations
Lower than anticipated investment income and a “disappointing” trading performance in the US have contributed to Randall & Quilter predicting its full year pre-tax result will be materially below market expectations.
Insurance industry failing to win over business students
The insurance industry’s lack of appeal to business students could impact the sector’s future success, according to a study carried out by business advisory firm Deloitte.
Blog: Diff'rent strokes to move the world (of insurance)
As a popular 1970s/80s US sitcom noted: ‘the world don't move to the beat of just one drum; what might be right for you, may not be right for some' - a theme tune that is as relevant to insurance markets as it is in the wider world.