United Kingdom (UK)
Aerospace players to receive IPT exemption
Aerospace insurers received a boost in Wednesday’s budget after Chancellor George Osborne said the government would exempt certain space risks from insurance premium tax.
KPMG makes senior insurance hires from McKinsey & EY
KPMG has appointed Navdeep Arora and Justin Balcombe to its insurance advisory practice.
UK pet insurance market expected to remain stable
The outlook for UK pet insurers remains positive over the next five years following a 35% increase in the market between 2008 to 2012, according to an insurance software provider.
Marsh report highlights falling UK insurance rates last quarter
Insurance rates in the UK mirrored those of Continental Europe and Asia-Pacific in falling in the fourth quarter of last year, according to Marsh’s latest global insurance market quarterly briefing.
Willis UK restructure not aimed at 'cost cutting'
The restructuring of Wills Group’s UK operations is designed to fuel growth and is “not an exercise in cost cutting” according to UK retail head David Martin.
Marsh boss raises doubts over customer benefit of quota share deals
Marsh UK and Ireland chief executive Mark Weil has admitted that doubts remain over the customer benefits of quota share deals, such as the arrangement made last year between Aon and Berkshire Hathaway.
Equinox Global hires Ahinful to develop UK & Ireland portfolio
Equinox Global has recruited Genevieve Ahinful as senior underwriter effective immediately.
Aspen merges UK property and liability teams
Global insurer Aspen will merge its UK property and liability underwriting teams from 1 January 2014.
UK leads Europe for PI cover
The UK has the largest market for professional indemnity insurance in Europe according to research by Finaccord.
Government reveals details of insurance growth plan
The government has released the details of its insurance growth action plan, following months of talks with a variety of industry bodies.
Investigation underway into Scotland helicopter crash
At least nine people are known to have died after a police helicopter crashed into the roof of The Clutha pub in Glasgow, Scotland on Friday night.
Former Lloyd’s exec Langley to head UK Financial Services Investment Organisation
Sue Langley, a former executive director of both Lloyd’s and Hiscox, has been named as the head of UK Trade and Investment’s Financial Services Investment Organisation.
Allianz unveils BMI-backed UK consultant booking service
Allianz Worldwide Care has launched a new service to allow UK members to directly book an initial appointment with a consultant.
Ferma 2013: 'Twin peaks' regulation questioned by ex-EC Solvency II head
The former head of Solvency II at the European Commission has called into question the creation of the UK’s ‘twin peaks’ regulatory system for matters relating to the insurance industry.
UKIP unveils visa insurance policy
UKIP plans visa insurance to curb 'health tourism' The UK Independence Party has called for migrants from outside the EU to be required to provide evidence of medical insurance before entering the UK.
Spain and Italy most interested in telematics
A majority of drivers in the six largest motor insurance markets in Europe have indicated they are willing to embrace telematics-based products, according to research by Towers Watson.
R&Q posts stable H1 results despite falling investment returns
Randall & Quilter posted total group income of £26.2m for the first half of 2013 (H1 2012: £25.3m) as it continued its transition from run-off specialist to participant in the active market.
Liberty Mutual Insurance expands commercial casualty team
Liberty Mutual Insurance has expanded commercial casualty team with two new appointments.
MAST develops marine framework for unexploded ordnance
Marine security company, Maritime Asset Security and Training, has partnered the construction industry research and information association to develop a risk management framework for unexploded ordnance in the near-shore and offshore environment.
FCA puts competition at the heart of new regime
Ensuring that there is effective competition in financial services markets is the most significant change to the Financial Conduct Authority’s new regulatory regime, chief executive Martin Wheatley said today.
Markel's UK retail head to lead European retail claims
Markel International has promoted Mike Richardson to the position of European retail claims manager.
Direct Group to create 200 jobs following office relocation
Direct Group will create 200 new jobs in Doncaster following the opening of a new purpose-built head office in the town.
Hiscox extends overseas home insurance cover
Global insurer Hiscox has extended the coverage available for UK private clients with overseas homes.
Coface downgrades Eurozone GDP after Germany concerns
Economists at cred insurer Coface, are downgrading their GDP growth forecast for the Eurozone, reflecting concern about Germany, the largest EU economy.