Insurer
View from the top: Accentuate the positive
Simply put, the public doesn't trust insurers. The industry has to improve the way it handles claims to overcome its bad image.
Career development: Ask the expert
I've been trying to recruit for a couple of positions for more than three months but am having trouble securing the right candidates. Would I be best waiting for the new year?
Editor's comment: Commercially viable
The news that Iprism has secured private equity backing, which effectively values the business at £50m, is further evidence that the future of online commercial trading has finally reached its 'tipping point'.
Postscript - 30 years ago: Norwich Union set to expand
Looking through Post's back catalogue paints a unique picture of more than 150 years of insurance news, as this highlight from 30 years ago reveals.
Comment - flooding: Passing the buck on floods
There is demonstrable lack of interest on all sides when it comes to improving buildings' flood defences and risk profiles. The industry, government and homeowners all need to work together, argues David Walker.
Ageas keen to developKwik Fit's niche brands
Ageas UK chief executive Barry Smith has pledged to retain and expand Kwik Fit Insurance Services' niche operations as it seeks to widen the group's overall product footprint.
PSTF: Sharing knowledge offers mutual benefits
The Post Strategic Technology Forum was launched last week by chairman and Post editor in chief, Anthony Gould.
Postscript: Five years ago: Fifa to pilot wage scheme
Looking through Post's back catalogue paints a unique picture of more than 150 years of insurance news, as this highlight from five years ago reveals.
PSTF: Maintenance contracts trap insurers in outsourcing deals
Insurers often find it hard to break free from longstanding outsourcing relationships because they are built on maintenance- based contracts they fall into.
PSTF: Customer advocacy is key in social media age
Insurance companies need to stop chasing the pack when it comes to mobile technology, but do it in a joined-up way and pay more attention to the power of customer advocacy in the social media age.
Hardy still open to Beazley negotiations
Hardy's chief executive has said the insurer would be willing to discuss an improved offer from Beazley, despite the latter's threat to withdraw its renewed offer of 330p per share in cash after it was rejected.
Torrance slams new entrants over rates
Allianz UK chief executive Andrew Torrance has bemoaned the short- sightedness of some of the recent commercial entrants for keeping rate rises in check.
Roundtable - mergers & acquisitions: Cautiously navigating the upturn
Recession and recovery, global ambition, super-mergers, market appetite, pricing, marrying business cultures and managing brokers' expectations were all topics of deeply involved discussion as a panel of industry big-hitters jousted at a recent Post and…
Rok closure could boost small contractors
The fall-out from the closure of Rok's maintenance business could lead insurers to turn to smaller building repairers in the future, according to one such firm.
Once-in-a-decade op
The consultation into the implementation of Lord Justice Jackson's proposals is the best window of opportunity the industry has had for more than 10 years to influence change.
PSTF: Technology was vital to LV's resuscitation
Technology was "the single biggest obstacle to success — and the biggest enabler" in turning around the insurer's fortunes, according to LV's general insurance managing director.
Frost vows to stabilise prices following DAS losses
Recently appointed DAS head of underwriting Matt Frost has vowed to stabilise prices in a bid to revive the fortunes of the legal expenses insurer.
Zurich comes under fire for 'bungled' staff consultation
Zurich has been accused of bungling the handling of its staff consultation over potential redundancies among senior and middle managers.
PSTF: Allianz warning over long-term IT problems
A senior insurance technology specialist has criticised the effect that outsourcing is having on the pool of IT talent within the UK market.
Interview - Wayne Felton: Building interest
If building firm Mitie's entrance into the insurance repair market had not caused enough stir, the decision of its largest rival, Rok, to enter administration has raised even more interest in Mitie's plans. Leigh Jackson met the firm's property solutions…
PSTF: Senior execs at IT turning point
Jem Eskenazi, chief information officer at Groupama, told delegates the advent of technology in the insurance market was "nothing new", but added senior management are more receptive than ever to embrace technology.
Postbox: Computers came earlier at Aviva
I read the recent article on early computers with interest.
LV boss pledges growth to £1bn by 2015
LV direct managing director Selwyn Fernandes has pledged to grow the business's gross written premium to £1bn by 2015, despite the competition generated by the aggregators.
Towers aims to lead non-life consultancy
Towers Watson has outlined its ambition to become "number one" in the UK non-life consultancy market following its acquisition of EMB.