Throwback Thursday: Computer warning; Sedgwick’s expansion
Insurance Post’s Throwback Thursday steps back in time to August 1975 to remind you what was going on this week in insurance history when concerns were raised about reliance on computers and Sedgwick was opening offices in the world’s “developing areas”.
28 August 1975: Computer warning
“It is an unfortunate fact that many managements fail to appreciate how dependent they are upon computer systems,” wrote Sue Perry, account executive at Risk Management Consultants.
At the end of summer 1972, she wrote: “Computers take over by stealth! First one, then another essential business routine goes inexorably on to the computer.
“Unfortunately the modern computer’s efficiency is our undoing. There is no way in which it can be satisfactorily replaced with manual methods if it should fail for any reason.”
Showing wisdom and how far ahead of her time she was, Perry added: “The computer is essentially susceptible to three main classes of risk: environmental, accidental and deliberate.”
Sedgwick heads to Singapore
Sedgwick Forbes formed Sedgwick Forbes Private Limited in Singapore as part of the group’s strategy of bring strategy to bring international insurance to what bosses then called “the world’s developing areas.”
The move came just after Sedgwick had opened six offices in the Middle East, bringing the group’s coverage up to 58 offices in 24 countries.
Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.
To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@postonline.co.uk or view our subscription options here: https://subscriptions.postonline.co.uk/subscribe
You are currently unable to print this content. Please contact info@postonline.co.uk to find out more.
You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@postonline.co.uk to find out more.
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (point 2.4), printing is limited to a single copy.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@postonline.co.uk
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
You may share this content using our article tools. As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (clause 2.4), an Authorised User may only make one copy of the materials for their own personal use. You must also comply with the restrictions in clause 2.5.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@postonline.co.uk
More on Technology
Zego targets £1bn in premium as it achieves profitability
As Zego announces a new round of funding, plus a partnership with Sompo, the insurtech's CEO Sten Saar has told Insurance Post the unicorn has achieved profitability for 2025.
Q&A: Chris Methven, CyberCube
Chris Methven, the new CEO of CyberCube, reveals how fresh financial backing will allow his business to place bigger, longer-term bets on global expansion, deeper analytics and new capabilities.
PIB to cool down on M&A as it confirms AI job cuts
PIB Group is taking a more cautious approach to M&A after completing a record 31 deals in 2025, deputy CEO Ryan Brown has told Insurance Post.
Big Interview: Dan McNally, Tide
Dan McNally, SVP and CEO of Tide Insurance Services, tells Insurance Post what drew him to lead the business management platform’s foray into insurance and how he intends to make an impact in the market.
ChatGPT insurance race: UK’s Malcolm takes on WaniWani
A UK insurtech incubated in Founders Factory is looking to take on US ChatGPT insurance app trailblazer WaniWani by creating an equivalent to Stripe’s standards for e-commerce “to properly unlock” artificial intelligence distribution in personal and SME commercial lines.
Axa shares AI approach after Aviva’s ChatGPT move
Axa has confirmed it is working with partners on using AI to “develop new capabilities that enhance trust, value and convenience for our customers”.
Insurtech Bertie broadens out to brokers
MGA-focused insurtech platform Bertie is expanding into the broker market.
Q&A: David King, Artificial Labs
David King, co-founder and co-CEO of Artificial Labs, breaks down how enabling a digital first ecosystem can realise the business’ intention to be a leading technology provider for the London market.