SME
LV Broker bolsters SME product range
LV Broker is relaunching its commercial SME product range leading with an enhanced offering specifically for owners of commercial properties.
Ace to open Aberdeen office
Ace Group is to open an office in Aberdeen before the end of 2012.
Zurich Commercial to boost broker service with gimmick-free strategy
Zurich Commercial has unveiled a three-pronged internal strategy designed to boost broker service, without "gimmicks" or "false promises".
Laing & Buisson report published
Laing & Buisson has published its latest report into the UK health and care markets.
Autonet invests in leadership programme
Autonet Insurance is launching a leadership training programme within its managerial ranks aimed at improving their ability to motivate and inspire their teams.
Regional broker buys could boost Oval headcount by 200
Oval's plan to acquire insurance brokers in the next two years could add up to 200 more people to its 24-strong regional office network.
QBE records 26% increase in insurance profit in H1 2012
QBE Insurance Group made an insurance profit of $965m for the first half of the year ended June 2012, an increase of $203m on 2011.
Ecclesiastical calls off wedding insurance
Ecclesiastical Insurance has promised soon-to-be married couples to honour all wedding insurance policies sold before 31 August, following plans to withdraw from the wedding insurance market thereafter.
Lockton opens Brighton office
Lockton has opened a new office in Brighton to service clients throughout the south east.
Tesco helps Ageas profit grow 81%
Ageas UK has increased profit and income in the first half of the year in the face of tough market conditions and severe weather events.
Olympics: A golden opportunity
The Olympic Games are now well underway, with top athletes and millions of tourists now in the UK. But are businesses able to reap the benefits? Or are the problems associated with such an influx unbeatable?
Insurance Mediation Directive II: Broking new ground
The European Commission's controversial Insurance Mediation Directive II proposals are aimed at unifying the sale of cover across the continent and increasing consumer protection. But how have the recommendations been received by the broking and buying…
Hiscox UK falters while group profit soars
Hiscox returned an interim pre-tax profit of £125.8m (H1 2011: loss £85.6m), following a more benign catastrophe season compared with the previous 12 months.
Brit CEO vows to target growth while committing to Simply Business
Mark Cloutier has promised to go on the attack by targeting growth in key areas following a business restructure towards global specialty underwriting, which he describes as "99% complete".
SMEs fear 'detrimental impact' of Eurozone crisis
More than one in 10 British SMEs have considered closing down in the past three months as a possible result of the economic situation, according to a new SME Risk Index from global insurer Zurich.
Escott quits Capita
Capita's general insurance managing director, Brent Escott, pictured, has left the business by "mutual agreement" after seven months in the job.
Insolvency rate falls among SMEs
The number of SMEs to become insolvent fell in June compared with June 2011, while insolvencies among larger firms increased year on year.
Vienna Insurance on the lookout for east European SMEs
Vienna Insurance Group is eyeing acquisitions in eastern Europe, its main profit driver, and could make a record profit this year if there are no major natural catastrophes.
Axa survey reveals SMEs' fears for the future
Continuing uncertainty in the Eurozone and the impact of government austerity measures are affecting optimism about business performance among SMEs.
Commercial lines division primed for further growth, says LMIE boss Rocks
Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe chief executive Sean Rocks is eyeing further expansion in the firm's commercial lines division after reporting substantial profitable growth.
Further commercial SME losses reported in wake of flooding
The Preston-based Independent Group has become the latest regional adjuster to mobilise its teams across flood-hit regions, after it recorded a significant increase in claim volumes this week.
Yutree reaches partnership agreement with Pro Sight
Yutree Underwriting has launched an exclusive partnership with Pro Sight Specialty Insurance.
Equity offers new mini-fleet product
Equity Red Star has launched a solution for family run businesses and small enterprises operating fleets with two to 10 cars and/or commercial vehicles.
Keychoice and Aviva extend partnership
Keychoice and Aviva have extended their general insurance distribution agreement.