Management
Let the games begin
Excitement for the Olympics is growing, but employers must be prepared for travel chaos, increased holiday requests and unscheduled absenteeism, explains Peter Done
Breaking up is hard to do
Many working partnerships end up in a messy divorce, so brokers have to choose their potential business partners wisely, explains Tony Cornell
Higos targets more branches by end of 2012
Higos Insurance Services has its sights set on a "few locations" for the end of the year as it continues its South West expansion drive.
Editor’s letter - June 2012
“This is an industry that is full of human beings. I would like to thank you all for accepting me into your market”
Reportage: Facing the future
Brokers need to embrace technology and follow the online trend for commercial lines, especially for smaller businesses, writes Edward Murray
Market moves: The shareholder spring
Without a doubt the biggest management change last month, indeed of the year so far, was that of former Aviva group CEO Andrew Moss who fell on his sword following a shareholder revolt over executive pay. There is no word as to what he will be doing next…
Consolidators focus on EBITDA
Management keen to highlight underlying performance
IAG strategic review could be a prelude to sell-off of UK business
Is the Australian insurer looking to unlock capital tied up in its UK operations?
The hunt is on
Speculation is rife over who Aviva will install as its new CEO
Peter Hubbard appointed executive chairman at UK General
Former Axa UK CEO, Peter Hubbard, has been appointed the new executive chairman of the UK General Group following the resignation of Howard Posner.
Number of chartered brokers nears the 100 mark
The Chartered Insurance Institute’s (CII) drive for professionalism has seen 12 insurers and 94 broking firms commit to chartered status according to its annual review of 2011.
CFC appoints new BDM in push for UK growth
CFC has appointed Chris Gilson as UK and Ireland business development manager.
Reportage: Lighting up the regions
Insurers are moving underwriting decisions to regional centres, but will this really benefit brokers and is the new model sustainable? Edward Murray finds out
Broking success: Land of his fathers
Thomas, Carroll MD Rhys Thomas explains the Caerphilly-based broker’s niche focus to Caitlin Morrison
Editor’s letter - May 2012
“The real concern for brokers is that all this change creates a deep sense of uncertainty”
Take the lead
Leadership and a strong customer base are needed to get ahead of the competition, explains Stephen Archer
Command and conquer
The industry’s barbarians or, as they are known, consolidators have to change their ways to survive in the current climate, says Tony Cornell
Under the hammer
Sellers often dismiss the idea of selling their businesses by auction. However, handled properly, it could achieve the best price and terms for the seller, explains Mark Copping
Tug of war over Cobra fuels speculation
Cobra Holdings’ sale could create lucrative opportunities for rival networks
How to… secure the best talent
In a nutshell ▶ To get the best management team you must research the market, strike a balance between differing personalities and have a distinct corporate personality
You’re fired
Changes to employment law swing the balance of power back towards the employer, but there are still pitfalls to avoid, explains Peter Done
Market moves: The moves merry-go-round
The insurance recruitment gene pool has long required dilution but it still seems to be the same names popping up going to new jobs at new companies. Which wouldn’t be so bad if so many of them didn’t end up going back to the company they originally left…
Sentiment Survey Spring 2012
The latest Sentiment Survey covers market hardening expectations, increasing broker engagement with social media and the priorities for Biba, all according to brokers
LV hires claims director from American Express Insurance
LV has appointed Chris Rolland as claims director responsible for overseeing all aspects of claims within LV's general insurance business.