SME
SME confidence in recovery doubles as perceived risk falls
Business confidence that the economic climate will improve this financial quarter has almost doubled to 38% up from 20% last quarter; while the perceived level of business risk faced by SMEs has fallen from 44.55 to 43.41 points, Zurich’s SME Risk Index…
Ex-Aviva PI team members launch MGA
Members of the former Aviva SME professional indemnity underwriting team today launched Pinpoint Underwriting, an MGA specialising in PI for small to medium sized businesses.
Zurich chief urges action not 'rhetoric' on commerical lines
Zurich’s UK chief executive officer Steve Lewis has urged insurers to ensure their actions reflect their words when it comes to commercial lines rates.
SME flood cover in doubt as Biba battles for its inclusion in Flood Re
Industry-backed affordable flood insurance was never intended to cover small businesses, according to the Association of British Insurers.
Property Federation calls for Flood Re to cover SMEs
The British Property Federation has called for SMEs to be included in the Flood Re directive.
SMEs under austerity pressure
Spending cuts are pushing SMEs in some of Britain’s largest cities to the brink, according to data from Zurich.
Martyn Hall takes on QBE's Fast Flow
Martyn Hall has been appointed underwriting manager for QBE’s Fast Flow business.
Zurich, Direct Line Group, Cunningham Lindsey and Allianz among winners at 2013 British Insurance Awards
Reg Brown, chairman of the Managing General Agents Association, was honoured at the British Insurance Awards last night, receiving the Achievement Award.
Swinton launches £60m business plan revamp after FCA intervention
Swinton is investing £60m in modernising its multi-channel operation after falling foul of a regulatory inquiry into some of its sales practices.
SME customers focus of FCA review
A Financial Conduct Authority review of broker conflicts of interest will focus on SME and micro-business customers, it was announced today.
Takaful: The Islamic state
Despite centuries of tradition and an estimated worldwide value in the billions, Takaful insurance, grounded in sharia‑compliant practices, has struggled to find traction in the UK.
SMEs feeling positive about business Axa survey finds
Eight out of 10 UK SMEs are feeling positive about the state of their business, according to a survey by Axa.
Construction: Unfinished business
While the construction sector is enduring a difficult period due to the economic downturn, insurers are optimistic that, with several major projects underway and in the pipeline, there are still opportunities in the market
IFB working on new model to attract brokers put off by membership cost
Move coincides with demand for greater broker representation on fraud register
Fleet UK launches telematics product for SME fleets
THB Group subsidiary Fleet UK has teamed up with sister company Cardinus, Zurich and telematics consultancy JGCH, to launch a telematics solution for small to medium sized fleets.
APC extends liability limits
Underwriting agency APC has increased the limits on the majority of its public and products liability risks to £10m and property risks to £50m in a move that it claims will help smaller brokers win larger clients.
CFC calls industry to tackle cyber crime
Underwriting agency CFC has called for the insurance industry to be aware of the regularity of cyber-attacks suffered by SMEs.
£683bn share protection gap at UK businesses: L&G
One million UK businesses are at risk of a shortfall due to a lack of share protection cover according to Legal and General.
Brokers selling add-ons contacted by FCA as regulator begins crackdown
Signs the Financial Conduct Authority’s scrutiny of insurance add-ons is underway have been witnessed by brokers that have already been contacted by the regulator.
Beazley swoops for Hiscox's tech & data head
Lloyd’s insurer Beazley has hired Matthew Norris to join its European small business team.
Biba 2013: Brokers urged to put multinational programmes ‘on the table’
Brokers need to put multinational programmes “on the table” when speaking with clients about their insurance options, according to Stephen Morton, vice-president of the multinational centre of excellence at AIG.
Expertise-in-Action: Claims fraud - Contagion
Despite the insurance industry's valiant efforts, fraud is spreading through the market place like a virus. What can be done to stop the rot?
EIP and Costco launch van insurance scheme to SME market
Equity Insurance Partnerships and Costco Wholesale have launched a new van insurance scheme which is designed to target Costco’s SME customer base.