SME
QBE: only one in six SMEs looking to hire more staff in 2010
According to new research from QBE Insurance 85% of SME respondents to its latest survey are not looking to hire in 2010.
View from the top: Looking for opportunities
In my regular discussions with clients, I am constantly impressed by the innovative ways in which they are meeting the challenge of growing their business, not just in the current financial climate, but in facing the radical economic shift that lies…
RSA on track to double book
Mark Christer, managing director of More Than, has taken over RSA's global renewable energy book.
Brett & Randall names new MD
Leicester-based insurance broker Brett & Randall has appointed Andy Underwood as managing director.
MMA changes commission strategy
Broker-only insurer MMA has launched variable commission rates for brokers transacting new business for its master tradesman product.
EL & PL: Building the wall
As fraudsters seek new areas to commit insurance fraud, Andrew Gillett reports on how the liability market is tackling this growing problem.
Consolidation - global brokers: Too big for their boots?
The creation of the global broker in the 1980s resulted in a dominant few. David Trezies asks whether this consolidation has produced any tangible benefits for clients.
Government calls for higher lending
Vince Cable and George Osborne have launched a paper aimed at addressing the problems businesses face accessing finance.
THIG hires account manager
Stephen White has joined the SME account management team at specialist private medical insurance broker The Health Insurance Group, as an account manager.
Fortis recruits quartet in SME commercial push
Fortis has bolstered its commercial lines underwriting and business development teams with the recruitment of senior staff.
Allianz outlines SME business increase
Allianz saw new business through its online trading platform Quote SME increase by 68% between the first and second quarter, the insurer has revealed.
RSA launches e-trading system
RSA has launched a service that enables brokers to obtain quotes and bind a policy in minutes.
Cowens launches new SME arm for sub-£2m clients
Insurance broker Cowens Survival Capability is poised to spin off its SME arm to create a new specialised intermediary.
Amtrust Europe makes business development appointment
Amtrust Europe has appointed John Harrop as business development manager at its Nottingham office.
Plummer given new role in MMA shake up
Former general insurance boss of the Chartered Insurance Institute Peter Knowles has been appointed head of UK development at MMA following a management shake-up at the French-owned insurer.
SMEs cautious on economic recovery
More than half of UK SMEs believe a full economic recover is at least two years away.
Former SSP development manager joins Open GI
Andy Beardshaw, former development manager at SSP, has joined Open GI to manage the company’s Open Trader team.
Legal expenses - SME: Risky business
With employment and contractual disputes on the up since the downturn, many businesses are in greater need of legal expenses insurance. Why, then, is demand and take-up by SMEs still low, asks Sam Barrett.
PIA launches platform in Malta and Italy
Online professional indemnity insurance broker Professional Insurance Agents has launched its multi-quote & buy insurance platform in Malta and Italy.
Aggregator set to prosper
Go Compare chief executive Hayley Parsons has claimed profits will double this year after the aggregator moved into the black for the first time since inception and repaid its loan facility early.
Former RSA director joins NIG
RSA's former UK liability and motor portfolio director, Heather Heale, has joined NIG as commercial motor manager.
British Insurance Awards 2010: Cracking commercial
This year's winner, Heath Lambert, is a broker that has taken significant strides to enhance its UK operations and client service in recent years culminating in victory at the British Insurance Awards 2010 writes Andrew Tjaardstra.
Affinity news: Insurers urged to look beyond top-20 targets
Post’s Affinity 2010 event was held in London last week, brining together key players in the sector – from insurers, brokers, affinity brands and other suppliers – to learn about and debate the latest developments.
Heath Lambert raids Lark for M25 push
Heath Lambert has created a specialist commercial division with the target of capturing SME business within the M25 zone.