SME
Aggregator targets 30% of SME market in year one
Compare the Market is aiming to attract 500 000 commercial customers to its site over the next 12 months, after agreeing a long-term contract with Towergate to provide SME insurance.
Lloyd’s & London market – review of the year: Troubled times
A succession of natural catastrophes got 2010 off to a bad start and the market continued to struggle - but the resolution of Brit’s future and the prospect of consolidation could see the year end on a high. Mairi Macdonald reports.
Comment - Innovation: Singing the same songs?
The music industry has been revolutionised by technological advances. Tim Grant reflects on whether insurers can learn from how this transformation has been driven.
Hiscox set to launch US direct PI offering
Hiscox is increasing its US presence with the launch of its first direct commercial insurance offering.
Warning over reserves as retirement age rises – Post in print: 16 December 2010
Senior reporter Leigh Jackson outlines the main news from this week's issue of Post, which includes reports that insurers have been urged to review their reserves, as the proposed abolition of the retirement age could see claimants seeking increased…
Moorhouse plans to raise capital for online trading arm
Constructaquote, the online trading arm of Welsh broker Moorhouse, is aiming to increase the volume of SME commercial insurance it transacts online.
Towergate wins SME deal with Compare The Market
Towergate Insurance has won a long-term contract with price comparison website Compare The Market to provide insurance to SME customers.
Reid: Bluefin is moving away from 'macho' tag
Bluefin Insurance Services has said that the restructure of its operations, announced this week, is designed to help it develop a national strategy rather than facilitate branch closures.
Fire risks - Non-deliberate: The desire to fight fire
Fire has always been a fierce adversary of both businesses and insurers. A major blaze can cause havoc to both small and large commercial premises, while also leaving a lasting mark on the bottom line of an insurer.
Postbox: SME online has been viable for years
I have to say my firm read with interest your comments about 'SME' online being commercially viable.
Keelan Westall confirms new online distribution manager
Keelan Westall has promoted Amy Flintham to the new position of online distribution manager.
Aviva launches bespoke metals and machinery insurance
Aviva has launched two bespoke policies for those working specifically in metals or machinery and equipment.
Business insolvency rate falls
The rate of insolvency among UK businesses fell 17% year-on-year in October, according to Experian.
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'.
Iprism valued at £50m as PE firm takes a stake
Online commercial comparison portal Iprism has attracted private equity backing, in a move that values the business at £50m.
Post Europe View from the Top: Partnership in France
The scale and vibrancy of the insurance market in France is very easy to witness. Since moving to Paris I have seen firsthand the level and diversity of the distribution channels that make France one of, if not the most, sophisticated markets in…
Groupama creates underwriting team in London and the south
Groupama Insurances has created a dedicated new business underwriting team for London and the South, providing commercial brokers in the region with access to underwriters for decisions on open market business.
Commercial property - valuations: Wide of the mark
With recent figures suggesting as many as 77% of buildings are currently underinsured, Rachel Gordon investigates the root causes and potential solutions.
Bluefin puts Elite into run-off
Bluefin is putting its Elite underwriting facility for SME business into run-off.
Besso's Gladstone launch is timed for new wave
Intermediary Besso has revealed it timed the launch of its managing general agent to coincide with a new wave of MGAs in the London market.
View from the top: Bringing back confidence
"Confidence, the massive importance of confidence. Once that's gone and nobody wants to trade with you, there's no way back," observed Tony Lomas a partner at Pricewaterhouse Coopers, and a Lehman Brothers administrator, at the height of the financial…
News analysis - Lord Young report: Sense of anticipation
David Smith gives an insurer's view of Lord Young's report, and finds there is a great deal that the public and private sectors can unite behind.
News analysis - RSA's emerging markets strategy: On the way up
The major UK insurance groups are currently setting out their stalls with regards to emerging markets. Mairi MacDonald met up with RSA's Paul Whittaker and Paul Holmes in Dubai to get the lowdown on its plans for this sector.
Aviva Q3 UK GI premiums exceed £1bn as its tops 1m direct motor customers
Aviva this morning said that general insurance net written premiums were up 12% at £1.05bn when compared to the same quarter last year (3Q09: £937m).