Managing general agents (MGAs)
New MGA trade body to help members stand out from crowd
The Managing General Agents’ Association (MGAA), has revealed that it is aiming to make a clear differentiation between its members and the broking community as it called for prospective members and funding support ahead of its official launch in…
Reportage - state of the market: Caring for the community
There was a time when networks were touted as the best alternative to brokers that did not want to sell out to a consolidator. Louise Meeson assesses the current state of the market and asks if the same arguments in support of network membership still…
Ink seals Westinsure Group deal for mystery figure
Giles-owned Ink Underwriting Agencies has completed the acquisition of the Westinsure Group for an undisclosed sum.
WCM appoints Jim Ramage as non-executive director
Lloyd’s managing agent Whittington Capital Management (WCM), part of insurance investor and services provider Whittington Group, has appointed Jim Ramage as an independent non-executive director.
Keychoice Underwriting launches to broker members
SSP-owned commercial underwriting agency, Keychoice Underwriting, has officially launched its commercial combined, package and property owners products to Keychoice Network members, with additional commercial lines products to follow later in the year.
Ink joins with St Giles to launch solicitors PI offering
Ink Underwriting Agencies and St Giles Legal and Professional Risks have joined forces to create a new professional indemnity (PI) insurance facility for solicitor firms with between one and 25 partners.
Market Watch - Low carbon economy: High hopes for low carbon
Andrew Williams investigates the promises and pitfalls of offering cover across the many and varied risks in the growing green energy sector.
Westinsure members approve Ink takeover
Giles-owned Ink Underwriting Agencies has completed the acquisition of the Westinsure Group for an undisclosed sum.
APC launches second product in Ireland
APC has launched a new office product specifically designed to cover Ireland’s traditional and home based businesses.
News review: July 2010
A review of July's industry news.
E-commerce: LFC Shield plans to double broker base with online quote system
Underwriting agency LFC Shield has launched a new online commercial business quote system, which it hopes will help double its broker base to 400 over the coming year.
Second Insurance 360 insight study about to kick off
This summer, Insurance 360 - Insurance Age's sister industry insight unit - is conducting its second annual study of commercial insurers' performance on service to their brokers.
Fusion founders unveil new risk venture with support from Aspen
Regional brokers will be targeted by a new managing general agent (MGA) led by Fusion founders Kevin Pallett and Geoff Crisp.
Regional review: In the middle of it all
The self-sustaining and refreshingly honest nature of the Midlands insurance market mean it is well-equipped to ride out these difficult times, reports Martin Friel.
Arista reports £1.5m operating loss for 2009
Charles Earle, Arista Insurance chief executive, said the 2009 figures were in line ambitions to make a "consistent trading profit" during year three of trading.
News review: April 2010
Capita Insurance Services set its sights on becoming the largest niche motor broker in the UK, according to the managing director of its most recent acquisition Sureterm Direct.
Torus enters financial lines market
Torus UK has entered into the financial lines marketplace in London through a newly formed underwriting agency Torus Executive Risks (TER).
JLT: non-advisory branch to merge with Thistle
Jardine Lloyd Thompson (JLT) has revealed it is merging its non-advisory division with Thistle Underwriters.
Secure Underwriting expands online offering
Secure Underwriting has joined forces with Aviva to launch a new online quote and buy product for engineering and computer and inspection cover.
UK General to withdraw underwriting function from regional network to Leeds office
UK General is to pull back its underwriting capabilities from its regional network and concentrate expertise in its Leeds headquarters in a move which is expected to result in job losses
Merger talk unfounded
Market rumours that SSP had opened talks with Broker Direct with a view to a possible takeover have been denied by both firms
JLT to restructure business to maximise benefits of managing general underwriter Thistle
Jardine Lloyd Thompson (JLT) has announced a 14% rise in fees and commissions to £612.9m in 2009 (2008: £526.1m) while underlying trading profit increased by 28% to £97.1m (2008: £76.2m).
Markerstudy's acquisition of Zenith completes
Following regulatory approval, Markerstudy Holdings has now completed the purchase of Zenith Insurance, incorporating Link Underwriting Agency and GHL Insurance Services.
Ex-Ink directors set sail with MGA
MGA Ink's founders Keith Syrett and Philip Thomas are setting-up MGA Thames Underwriting to tap the contractors' market from 1 March.