Articles by Emmanuel Kenning
Aviva considering tied agent model in Ireland
Aviva has told staff in Ireland that it is considering selling some branches while others may be used in a franchise model, according to reports in the Irish press.
QBE maintains rating status despite profit warning
Credit rating agencies Fitch and AM Best have both reaffirmed their ‘excellent’ level ratings on QBE following it announcement on 12 January that group profits would be up to 50% lower than the $1.3bn (£834m) announced in 2010.
MBO not on the table at Groupama
François-Xavier Boisseau, UK CEO of Groupama, has claimed the company will not resort to a fire sale and insisted that an MBO is not on the table.
Jack Straw to "push on" with motor reform
Jack Straw has vowed to fight on in his bid to reform the UK motor insurance market despite his Motor Insurance Regulation Bill hitting the wall.
Aviva survey shows rise in uninsured SMEs
Aviva’s twice yearly SME Pulse survey of 500 UK SMEs has revealed an increase in the number of these businesses trading without insurance from 8% in June to 20% in December 2011.
S&P takes dim view of Canopius' capitalisation
Rating agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P) has described Canopius Group’s risk-based capital as being significantly below BBB.
XL appoints ex-Chartis commercial lines chief
XL Group has appointed Jason Harris as chief executive of its international property and casualty insurance business.
CNA promotes from within for new underwriting manager
CNA Europe has appointed Steve O’Riordan as underwriting manager, London property.
Prince’s Trust and Allianz team up to help disadvantaged young people
The Prince’s Trust has announced that its Palace to Palace cycle ride will be coming to the West Midlands for the first time.
QBE in online H&S training partnership
QBE has launched an e-learning initiative designed to provide health and safety training for clients.
Time running out for Straw's motor bill
Jack Straw MP’s Motor Insurance Regulation Bill is to have its second reading in the House of Commons today although there is little prospect of it becoming law.
CNA adds to healthcare industry range
CNA Europe has added property and business interruption coverage to its suite of products for the advanced medical technology sector.
AA figures show personal lines hardening
Research by AA Insurance has found on-going premium rate rises in both motor and home insurance.
Axa survey finds SMEs pessimistic about profits
A survey of SMEs by Axa Commercial Lines has revealed that while hopes for an increase in turnover were strong expectations of profitability and plans for recruitment were less positive.
Bluefin gains chartered status
Bluefin has been awarded chartered status from the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) having completed the entry process in November last year.
Macbeth targets professions and HNW markets with new hires
Reading-based Macbeth Chartered Insurance Brokers has appointed a new head of professions and head of private clients as it looks to grow its business.
Compass points to identity theft
Compass Underwriting has launched a new identity theft product in association with LawShield and Experian.
Standard & Poor’s maintains negative outlook for insurers
Standard & Poor’s (S&P) has removed Allianz Plc, Aviva Insurance (Europe) and Axa Insurance from its Creditwatch list but confirmed it was keeping a negative outlook for insurers.
Jack Straw warns of regulatory threat facing motor insurers
Jack Straw has called on the industry, particularly insurers, to do much more to reform the private motor market or face further government intervention.
RSA relocates in Ipswich
RSA has opened a new site in Ipswich in a bid to increase broker access to trading staff.
SME confidence hits record low
Research by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has revealed confidence amongst SMEs to be at the lowest level since its ‘Voice of Small Business’ Index started in 2010.
Marsh’s UK leader moves to European role
Marsh has appointed Martin South, CEO of UK and Ireland, to the newly-created role of CEO, Marsh Europe.
Ex-Jubilee chief returns to market
Andreas Loucaides has been appointed syndicate operations and development director at a Lloyd’s syndicate – A G Dore & Others (Syndicate 2526) – less than a month after his sudden departure from Jubilee.
Sterling targets northern business with new Manchester office
Sterling Insurance has confirmed it will open a regional branch in Manchester by the end of March 2012.