Analysis
Under the spotlight
Until recently, the issue of training and competence appeared to be some way down the Financial Services Authority's list of priority topics. However, as Ian Jerrum explains, firms that have yet to take it to heart will soon come under greater scrutiny
The Buncefield fallout
Buncefield
The big attraction
Along with the many attractions for smaller companies of floating on the Alternative Investment Market to facilitate growth, there are also some heightened responsibilities brokers should be aware of. Martin Friel reports on the benefits and drawbacks of…
Small, but perfectly formed
Smaller brokers don't have to lose out - they can gain a competitive advantage through access to a variety of wholesale schemes offered by trade associations such as Biba, says Sarah Hills
Hold your fire
Sarah Hills discusses the very different issues around hiring and firing staff in light of recent age discrimination legislation, and provides some procedural guidelines for both processes
Putting people first
If you have the right staff in place, why would you need to splash out on recruitment? As Liz Booth reports, here is one broker - the Thomas, Carroll Group - that makes keeping its staff happy, healthy and well motivated its number one priority in life
Under lock and key
Finding good staff is a problem, so a priority has to be keeping them. Jane Bernstein confronts the issues surrounding staff recruitment and retention, and highlights significant factors involved in ensuring good, skilled staff remain happy and loyal
Internet adoption
Internet
Stand out from the crowd
Niche Commercial
Bolton's wunderkind
Broking Success: D Barnett (Brokers)
Management Forum
Broker Management Forum
Work crimes compensation controversy
Employers' liability insurance has been contentiously earmarked to compensate victims of crime at work
December
Coming up
Pulling power
Being stuck behind a caravan driving on a single lane road tests the patience but brokers should be aware that this British institution offers opportunities to generate some extra premium in the protracted soft market. Andrew Tjaardstra finds out how…
Food for thought
Review of the year
Don't follow the herd
The tug of war between opting for a 'tried and trusted' scheme when choosing an area of expertise or taking a risk on a niche market has posed a dilemma for brokers for many years. Paul Lang takes an in-depth look into the troublesome issue
Recipe for success
Insurance trainees
The twilight zone
Peter Longstaff talks to Sarah Hills about why brokers should not be afraid of thinking outside the box and provides an insight into some of the more bizarre niche motor schemes that Link Insurance has underwritten over the past 12 months
Children of the revolution
Schemes Broker Profile
Standing the test of time
The rise of schemes
A change of perspective
Case study
Are you local?
Lloyd's and the regions
A premium promise
The premium finance market is experiencing a period of great growth and offers many fantastic benefits - so why are some brokers still hesitant to embrace it fully? Martin Friel examines the issues and says, perhaps it is worth another look
A massive success
Broker Expo '06 review