SME
LV's O'Roarke says motor book has shrunk to ‘optimal' level
LV's private motor book has shrunk to near-optimal size, according to general insurance managing director John O'Roarke, who said the firm will continue to seek growth in commercial and household lines.
Product diversification and foreign expansion 'major growth opportunities' for HK SMEs
Product diversification and foreign market expansion are major growth opportunities for SMEs in Hong Kong.
Axa launches new online PI facility for SMEs
Axa extends its growth into professional indemnity market with new online product launch
Interview: Dominic Christian: Ready to rumble
Aon UK CEO Dominic Christian tells Post the firm’s move to the UK is a statement of intent, and outlines his targets for growth in the SME arena
QBE announces multiple appointments as it unveils UK and Ireland business restructure
QBE European Operations has restructured its UK and Ireland business into three segments: corporate and large commercial, middle market and SME.
Hiscox launches personal accident insurance product
Hiscox has launched a personal accident insurance product for the UK market.
Ryan Direct Group agrees strategic deal with Am Trust
Ryan Direct Group is to acquire the rights to the commercial combined SME portfolio underwritten by Am Trust Underwriting.
Simply Business CFO Fleming exits
Kevin Fleming, chief financial officer at Simply Business, has left the firm.
Axa appoints new sales manager for Ipswich branch
Axa commercial lines and personal intermediary has appointed a new sales manager for its Ipswich Branch as part of a renewed focus on the mid-market sector.
SSP and QBE join forces on SME product offering
SSP has partnered with QBE to provide brokers with access to a range of commercial lines SME products.
Gable agrees deal with Norwegian SME trade body
Liechtenstein-based insurer Gable Holdings has partnered with a Norwegian trade association in a deal worth £15m GWP per year.
Russell Scanlan grows business by 6%
Independent Midlands-based insurance broker Russell Scanlan saw business grow by 6% over the previous financial year, aided by a strong performance from its new healthcare division.
Expertise in Action: E-Trading: Fierce competition
The growing SME market means competition for market share is intensifying but new working practices have changed SME liabilities. How can these be assessed and managed?
Expertise in Action: E-Trading: It’s all about service
As SMEs increasingly rely on technology to manage their businesses, is there a danger of the broker being replaced by e-trading platforms?
QBE releases web portal for SMEs in Hong Kong and Singapore
QBE's insurance portal QBE Qnect will enable intermediaries in Singapore and Hong Kong to transact SME insurance online.
Ageas boosts personal accident cover for SMEs
Ageas has made several changes to the cover offered under its personal accident policy for SMEs including an increase in cover for funeral and medical expenses.
City lawyer targets SMEs as he launches 'first' dedicated IP broker
City-based intellectual property lawyer David Bloom has launched what claims to be the UK’s first dedicated intellectual property insurance broker.
Simply Business parent profits dip 9% for 2013
Simply Business parent Xbridge has recorded drooping profits for 2013, while staff numbers surged over the 12 months.
Una chair calls for proof 'Britain is open for business' with SME Flood Re inclusion
The chairman of independent regional broking body Una has challenged the government to prove that “Britain is open for business” by facilitating small business growth with the inclusion of SMEs in Flood Re.
Directors' and officers' cover: Potential for growth
With directors’ & officers’ cover seeing a slight downturn in uptake recently, there is huge potential for insurers to tap into the market
Motor and home premiums fall almost 7% in past year
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has highlighted government and industry initiatives as a contributing factor behind a 6.8% reduction in the cost of motor and homes insurance in the past year.
Ipswich-based start-up Liability & General partners with James Hallam
James Hallam has sealed a partnership agreement with Liability & General, a business founded by former Oval and Giles executives Dave Mangan and Rob Allinson.
Zurich UK off-sets £35m Q1 flood losses as attritional loss ratio improves
Zurich UK general insurance interim chief executive Dave Smith has heralded an improved attritional loss ratio as an instrument of off-setting £60m of flood losses and long-tail liability costs incurred in the first half of the year.
Chase Templeton continues growth strategy with three new deals
Private medical insurance group Chase Templeton has secure an additional £4.2m in annual premium income after completing three new deals.