Company results
Aspen hit by reserve strengthening in financial and professional lines
Aspen has announced that its insurance segment recoirded an underwriting loss for the third quarter, which excludes investment income, of $13.4m £8.5m) compared with an underwriting profit of $20.9m in the third quarter of 2009.
Willis Group nine month profit remains static at $357m
Willis Group has reported net income from continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was $357m ($226.4m), compared with $357m, in the same period a year ago.
Top 25 EC3 brokers - Analysis: Getting the balance right
Despite markets not changing dramatically, some EC3 brokers recorded notable figures. James Simpson reports on the sector over the past 12 months.
Interview - Adrian Colosso: The comeback kid
Having come close to going bust in 2005, Daniel Dunkley talks to Heath Lambert's chief executive Adrian Colosso about the challenges facing the firm as it continues to punch above its weight.
Top 25 EC3 brokers - Commentary: Size is not everything
Olly Laughton-Scott looks at the rationales behind acquisition strategies, explores the maxim that size does not matter and that the disposal of business can be just as illuminating.
Helphire issues results warning
Accident management firm Helphire has warned that its results for the current financial year are likely to be “below current market expectations”.
Brit reports 8.5% drop in GWP
Brit Insurance has reported an 8.5% reduction in gross written premium to £1.22bn for the nine-month period ended 30 September 2010 (3Q 2009: £1.33bn), a decrease of 9.0% at constant exchange rates.
Transactor revenue rises 22%
Transactor Global Solutions has reported a 22% growth in annual turnover for the year ended March 2010, to £4.5m compared to £3.7m in 2008/9.
BGL: no plans to float as pre-tax profits increase
BGL Group chief executive Peter Winslow has stressed the intermediary still has no plans to seek private equity backing or float, despite noises from rivals including Hastings Direct.
Castle Cover boss: I will only sell for 'Swiftcover-style' offer
The founder of Primary-backed over-50s broker Castle Cover has admitted it would be hard to resist a Swiftcover-style "tomorrow's price today" offer, but that its focus for now is on remaining independent.
Hastings eyes PL top 5 as GWP exceeds £250m
HASTINGS Direct has upgraded its plan for business growth ahead of a proposed flotation in 2012.
Car insurance prices continue upwards
This is according to the results of the third quarter 2010 Confused and EMB car insurance price index.
Exposure management in action - Munich Re
In 2009, Munich Re - which pursues an integrated business model consisting of both primary insurance and reinsurance - achieved a profit of €2.56bn on premium income of around €41bn. It operates in all lines of insurance, with around 47,000 employees…
Helphire eyes new areas after restructure
Helphire is gearing up to enter a period of development, after completing a substantial restructuring of the business.
Interview - Patrick Snowball: Turning the light on at Suncorp
When Patrick Snowball headed to Brisbane to take the reins at Suncorp, many in the UK industry were surprised. Jonathan Swift finds out why he took this particular job offer and his plans for his tenure.
Customer value management: Improving margins
Broker marketing skills have become ever more important in the personal lines market, with the growth of online aggregators. Tim Ham reports on the increased need for customer value management to optimise profit.
Post Europe: All change for financial reporting?
The International Accounting Standards Board has released its exposure draft with the intention to create a single international financial standard. Evan Bogardus explains how for many insurers, meeting these challenges head on could transform their…
All change for financial reporting?
The International Accounting Standards Board has released its exposure draft with the intention to create a single international financial standard. Evan Bogardus explains how for many insurers, meeting these challenges head on could transform their…
Helphire profits dented by restructuring
Accident management assistance company Helphire has announced a pre-tax profit of £13.9m for the 2009/10 financial year – adjusted for the impact of a £13.2m restructuring of the group.
BIS 2010 - Introduction: The view from the hill
Anthony Gould outlines the key debating points from two busy days in Tower Hill.
Half-year underwriting loss a first for Lloyd's
Lloyd's has recorded its first ever interim underwriting loss since it started publishing half-year results in 2005.
Brightside broking chairman outlines acquisition strategy
Brightside has confirmed it is considering going on the acquisition trail as the group recorded a pre-tax profit of £4m for H1 2010.
AM Best commentary: Keeping the balls in the air
While hardly a vintage year for the general insurance sector, 2009 did see an overall improvement due to investment earnings - but, says Catherine Thomas this year is unlikely to match up.
Towers Watson: injury claims costs up 30%
The cost of injury claims in the UK car insurance market has grown recently by nearly 30% per annum according to Towers Watson.