Articles by Liz McMahon
Aviva's UK GI business sees boost in premium and profit
After four quarters of consecutive growth, UK GI net written premiums increased 5% to £4bn (2009: £3.86bn) and operating profit for UK GI and health also rose 8% to £579m (2009: £535m).
APC aims to double SME book with new underwriting model
APC has implemented a new area rating underwriting strategy for the lower crime level areas throughout the UK and Northern Ireland with the aim of doubling its SME business in five years.
Biba lobbies Office of Fair Trading on PMI
The British Insurance Brokers' Association (Biba) has welcomed the Office of Fair Trading’s private healthcare scoping paper but urged it to address the activities of private medical insurance (PMI) companies.
Gallagher continues growth plan with Woodbrook buy
OIM Underwriting, Arthur J. Gallagher International’s current MGA platform, has acquired all of the assets and business of Woodbrook Underwriting Agencies.
Four arrested in latest coup for fight against fraud
Four men have been arrested as part of Operation Sledgehammer, an investigation into organised crime in the North-east region.
E-trading could kill off manual micro SME by 2013
All micro small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) business will be transacted online by 2013, according to Darren Rowe, sales manager at Powerplace.
ABI casts doubt on FOS' need to increase reserves
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has responded to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) by questioning the need for an increase in reserves and calling for a push on transparency.
Plum attributes growth to broker demand for non-standard cover
Plum Underwriting has reported a 54% increase in sales for the year ending June 2010 and revealed that it has more than doubled its agency base.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car denies it wants brokers out of claims process
Enterprise Rent-A-Car has called for an amendment to the Road Traffic Act to ensure reporting of accidents to insurers, even in cases where the at-fault driver has admitted liability, is made mandatory.
Insurance Age blog: What's in a name?
Just when you had learnt what the CPMA stood for, the Government goes and changes the name of the new regulatory body tasked with keeping naughty brokers in check.
Willis Networks gains six new recruits
Six new members have joined Willis Networks, its alliance with local, independent insurance brokers in the UK.
Biba reacts to Government consultation on new regulatory structure
The Government has opened its consultation on the future of financial regulation.
New broker regulator name changed to FCA
Financial Secretary Mark Hoban MP has announced the new regulator tasked with overseeing insurance intermediaries, previously known as the Consumer Protection and Market Authority (CPMA), will now be called the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Biba demands action from regulator on FSCS
Eric Galbraith, chief executive of the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba), has called on the Financial Services Authority (FSA) to accelerate its fundamental review of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
ABI appeals to MoJ to cut consumer legal costs
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has called for reform of Britain’s civil litigation system, after claiming that millions of consumers are losing out as a result of the high legal costs involved in dealing with personal injury claims.
Home and Legacy now has platform to grow further, says MD
Home & Legacy has experienced a major increase in sales across its product portfolio, demonstrating a 26% year-on-year growth.
Video: The Bribery Act 2010 delay - part 2 advice for brokers
After Justice Secretary Ken Clarke made clear the delay did not mean Government had any intention of "watering down" the Act, partner at Browne Jacobson, Matthew Woodford, advises brokers on how to prepare for the new rules.
Bent case could force drivers to shop around for credit hire
A case involving footballer Darren Bent could impact UK car drivers who accept a replacement vehicle following a crash, Allianz has warned.
Towergate finalises refinancing programme
Towergate Partnership has announced the completion of its previously announced refinancing and £200m investment from Advent International.
Willis exec jumps ship for rival broker
Executive director and major client advocate at Willis Finex Global, Mike Earp, has resigned to take up a senior post at Aon, Insurance Age understands.
Video: The Bribery Act 2010 delay - what does it mean for brokers?
Matthew Woodford, partner at law firm Browne Jacobson, gives his thoughts on the Government's decision to postpone the implementation of the Act.
Further 200 roles axed at Lloyds
Lloyds Banking Group has made 200 job cuts, mainly within its insurance division, as part of an ongoing integration programme which has resulted in 26,000 job losses in two years.
Former Westinsure member joins rival network
The Purple Partnership has signed its 50th member, former Westinsure broker, Fletcher Smith Insurances.
Ancile pushes into niche travel market with Sun Selection buy
Direct travel broker Ancile Insurance Group has acquired specialist insurance brand, Sun Selection.