Articles by Emmanuel Kenning
WTW reveals 6% organic growth in broking for 2025
WTW has reported 6% organic growth in its risk and broking division last year, down from 8% in 2024 and 10% in 2023.
UK commercial softening accelerated to 7% in Q4
The commercial insurance market in the UK softened by 7% in the final quarter of last year, in its eighth drop in a row, according to research by Marsh.
Peach partners with Paragon on property
Niche commercial insurer Peach has partnered with insurtech managing general agent Paragon, to provide capacity for its non-standard household and residential let property products.
No price cap or zero interest order plans from FCA on premium finance
The Financial Conduct Authority has confirmed it will not introduce a price cap or order that premium finance is provided without interest, as it published its final report.
FCA imposes growth restrictions on Markerstudy
Markerstudy has confirmed a “cap” on growth after the Financial Times reported the Financial Conduct Authority has restricted its activities.
Aon posts improved 6% commercial organic growth for 2025
Aon achieved 6% organic growth in its commercial risk solutions arm in 2025, up from 5% in the two preceding years.
Aviva launches HNW in Lloyd’s
Aviva’s high-net-worth business, Aviva Private Clients, has launched in the Lloyd’s market in a move the insurer claimed “creates new opportunities for brokers”.
Intact joins Gracechurch’s SQM hall of fame
Gracechurch has awarded regional Service Quality Marques to six insurers, with Intact joining the roster, while Allianz was the only provider to secure recognition for both underwriting and claims.
Ex-Clear boss Lickens joins Konsileo as chair
After retiring from Clear Group at the close of 2025, Howard Lickens has taken up the post of chair at Konsileo.
Prestige CEO hails ‘landmark’ AUB deal
“Partnering with AUB Group gives us an exceptional platform to accelerate our growth, invest further in our people and services, and expand our presence across our current markets, while retaining the independence and culture that have been central to…
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.