SME
AMII not letting claims transparency issue drop
The chairman of the Association of Medical Insurance Intermediaries (AMII) has promised that the Association will continue to pursue a resolution to the thorny issue of claims transparency.
Lorica raids rival brokers for key hires
Lorica Insurance Brokers has signalled its intention to accelerate business growth this year with six new hires.
Divided broker sentiment on Indy's fall from grace
As we mark the 10th anniversary of Independent going pop, two brokers divulge their personal and rather different experiences with the insurer.
XL Insurance focuses on regions with Midlands expansion
XL Insurance has opened a new underwriting office in Birmingham.
Revenue flat as Jelf moves into profit
Jelf has announced a profit before tax of £0.8m in its interim results for the six months ended 31 March 2011 reversing its loss of £1.2m in 2010.
FirstAssist issues legal costs warning to SMEs
Small businesses, a core part of many brokers’ portfolios, continue to ignore the risk of costly legal action even though defending an average case could potentially put them out of business, according to research by FirstAssist Legal Protection.
Westinsure eyes SME market
Westinsure is set to launch a range of products to tackle the SME market.
Reap the rewards
A growing SME market could provide an ample harvest for brokers and insurers, says David Overall.
Reportage: Take the plunge
The personal lines market is well and truly established on the internet, but the SME market is lagging behind. Edward Murray explains why now is the time to go online before the big players move in.
Pruhealth slams "unsustainable" commission levels and unveils new model
PruHealth has adopted what it believes to be a more sustainable and transparent commission model.
Insolvency rate improves for SMEs
The health of the UK’s micro and small business community improved in April, according to Experian’s latest Insolvency Index.
Ageas returns to profit despite 104.6% COR
Ageas Insurance has revealed profit before tax of £3.9m for the first quarter of 2011, a £9.2m improvement over the equivalent quarter in 2010.
Biba 2011: Groupama vows "radical change" in online SME market
Brokers targeting the SME sector are about to see "a radical change" to the way traditional commercial combined cover is quoted and secured, it was today claimed at the British Insurance Brokers' Association conference.
Biba 2011: Lloyd’s reveals regional broker expansion aim
Lloyd’s has announced its ambition to rival leading UK insurers in its bid to expand its distribution base.
Trade credit insurance changes may leave brokers open to attack
Measures to widen cover available to UK businesses exporting to non-OECD countries could give brokers familiar with the changes a chance to poach clients
Line blurred between mid corporate and SME
Lack of clear distinction between SMEs and mid corporates has led to an overcrowded sector
Products: KWW launches liability suite
Lloyd’s broker Kite Warren & Wilson (KWW) has targeted the high end SME asset manager and Lloyd’s managing agent market with a suite of new liability products.
Profile: Trading more efficiently
Growth in online commercial trading is creating an efficient market, Aviva’s regional broker director Gareth Hemming tells Martin Friel
RSA expands SME e-trading proposition
RSA has announced the expansion of its e-Promise team designed to support brokers online trading with the insurer.
Markel goes direct but promises brokers e-trade option
Markel UK, the retail division of Markel International, has launched a direct commercial offering.
APC to double SME presence in the North
APC has revealed it aims to double its book of SME business in the North of England and Scotland over the next 18 months by hiring a dedicated business development manager (BDM) for the region.
Online PI broker opens in Ipswich
PolicyBee, an online professional indemnity broker, has launched from offices in Ipswich targeting SME business, independent consultants and small consultancies.
Norgrove confirmed as Zurich's GI CEO in Ireland
Zurich Insurance has confirmed the appointment of Ken Norgrove as chief executive officer of its general insurance (GI) business in Ireland.
MMA launches scheme team
Broker-only insurer MMA has formed a dedicated schemes team designed to build on the 20% growth of commercial schemes it experienced in 2010.