Articles by Emmanuel Kenning
Brit launches integrated cyber and financial institutions cover
Brit has rolled out joined up cover across cyber, professional indemnity, directors’ and officers’ liability, and crime in an integrated package for financial institutions.
Ecclesiastical takes Levens from Allianz
Ecclesiastical Insurance has named Andy Levens as northern regional underwriting manager joining from Allianz and succeeding Andy Pearce.
Fitch neutral on UK insurers for 2026 but echoes motor losses warning
Fitch’s sector outlook for the UK non-life company market in 2026 is neutral, unchanged from 2025.
Interview: Meet the Biba drone scheme providers who want to double the business and crack the US market
With 80,000 UK policyholders and a renewed Biba scheme under their belts, Coverdrone leaders Phil and Andrew Heath are bullish about doubling the business over the next two years and have long-term international expansion plans.
‘Softening’ of language offers Zurich hope over Beazley deal, say analysts after latest bid rejection
The sixth time could be the charm and a Zurich takeover of Beazley is still possible, according to analysts at Jefferies who have put forward a potential top price of 1,408 pence per share.
Marsh-owned MGU targets property owners business with new flexible product
Marsh-owned Victor Insurance UK has launched a flexible property owners product on its own digital platform and Acturis, bringing together three existing policies into one.
Acrisure completes UK broker rebrands
Acrisure has rebranded Russell Scanlan and WH&R McCartney, completing its programme of renaming its UK brokers.
Zurich trying to ‘bear hug’ Beazley, says investment advisory firm
“Zurich is clearly trying to ‘bear hug’ Beazley. They obviously think they are offering a price that is high enough for target shareholders to put pressure on the company to sell itself.”
Beazley board ‘not yet had the chance to consider’ £7.67bn Zurich takeover proposal
The board of Beazley has responded to Zurich’s bid confirming it has not had time to consider the improved offer having rejected a previous approach.
Amiga Specialty adds IGI and Lloyd’s capacity to ‘core strategic growth area’
Amiga Specialty has secured capacity for its UK and European Transactional Risks team, supported by IGI and Lloyd’s, in its second expansion of the month.
Ardonagh launches pan-European MGA
Ardonagh Europe has launched Dublin-headquartered Orvia Underwriting, a pan-European managing general agent.
Lloyd’s recruits Bichard from PwC as CFO
Lloyd’s has named Jim Bichard as chief financial officer to start in the role this April succeeding Alexandra Cliff who will be leaving to pursue other opportunities.
Biba to open AI Academy
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association is working with Markel to offer an AI Academy for the trade body’s members.
US cyber specialist promotes UK boss to chief commercial officer
Cowbell has promoted Simon Hughes to chief commercial officer stepping up from being senior vice president of global distribution and general manager of the UK.
Aviva brings charity activities in Community Fund and Foundation together
Aviva has unveiled a simplified structure for its charitable activity bringing together the Aviva Community Fund and its previous grant-making programme, the Foundation, into a single offering.
Virtual Agents specialist Unitary becomes Biba associate member
Unitary has joined the British Insurance Brokers’ Association as an associate member, in a move the automation platform claimed strengthened its commitment to supporting the UK broker community.
Biba and ABI join forces on ‘Total Signposting’ initiative
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association and the Association of British Insurers have launched a new voluntary industry-wide Total Signposting Commitment.
Financial lines MGA Verde Risk Management launches
Verde Risk Management has launched, specialising in the financial lines market, predominantly commercial crime, management liability and financial institutions.
CII to move to new headquarters in London
The Chartered Insurance Institute Group will move its global HQ and London base to 30 Old Broad Street in the City of London from 2 March 2026.
Cyber remains top business risk but AI rising fast in Allianz Risk Barometer
Cyber incidents created many headlines in 2025 and are still the biggest worry for UK companies in 2026, according to the Allianz Risk Barometer.
Markel launches life science combined
Markel has launched life science combined created specifically for SMEs operating in the sector.
Amiga Specialty boosts financial institutions offering with Lloyd’s capacity
Amiga Specialty has secured Lloyd’s capacity to support its financial institutions proposition as the managing general agent continues to expand its offering since being launched last year.
JMG spend on deals surges to new high in year before PE investment
JMG Group spent £89.62m on buying in 2024/25, the financial year ahead of private equity firm GTCR investing alongside existing backer PE house Synova and the broker’s leadership team.
Circle within a whisker of £10m turnover
The parent company of Circle Insurance Services grew turnover in the year ended 30 April 2025 as profits recovered compared to the prior period.