Jonathan Swift
Content director, insurance, postonline.co.uk
Jonathan has written and commented about the insurance industry since 1998 as a reporter, news editor, editor and content director at Incisive Media.
He has appeared on television speaking about topics as diverse as the insurance implications of Michael Jackson's death to the consequences of consolidation on motor premiums; and is a past winner of the British Insurance Brokers' Association journalist of the year and Association of British Insurers general insurance trade journalist prizes.
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Articles by Jonathan Swift
Analysis: Aviva’s bid for DLG – what are the pros and cons for UK insurance brokers
The industry was abuzz last week with the ramifications of Aviva’s £3.3bn bid for Direct Line Group. Jonathan Swift reflects on the weekend’s developments, and what the deal might mean for UK brokers should the possibility of a green light gain momentum…
Sompo priortising regional hires and MGAs over expanding broker panel
Sompo International remains “open minded” to further regional expansion, but is happy to build on its existing locations in Birmingham and Manchester for now.
Partners& in triple swoop
Partners& has added another two brokers and a managing general agent to its stable, Insurance Age can reveal.
Policy Expert strikes £1bn co-insurance deal with Bridgehaven and Accredited
Personal lines specialist Policy Expert has added a second capacity provider in Bridgehaven as part of a new co-insurance arrangement with existing backer Accredited.
DLG rejects £3.3bn Aviva takeover offer
Aviva has revealed it has become the second insurer to publicly bid for Direct Line Group this year, with an offer worth £3.3bn.
Meet the MGA: Kayzen Specialty
Kayzen Specialty founder and CEO Charles Boorman explains to Jonathan Swift his plans for the MGA to be a go-to market for financial lines through continuous improvement across its three pillars of broker-centric, underwriter-fronted and tech-focused.
Konsileo seals £8m fundraise
Top 100 insurance broker Konsileo has completed an £8m fundraise to accelerate its expansion across the UK, Insurance Age can reveal.
News analysis: If PIB has reached an end game with Carlyle and Apax, what next?
As speculation mounts that PIB’s backers Carlyle and Apax want to cash in on their investments, content director Jonathan Swift explores how the broker’s strategy of overseas hubs and specialisms might dictate its value to new investors.
Clear seals largest deal with £76.2m “transformational” swoop for Lloyd’s broker
Clear Group has entered the wholesale Lloyd’s broker space with what it has described as the “transformational deal” for Lilley Plummer Risks - a marine and property specialist.
Top 100 UK Insurance Brokers 2024: Introduction
Welcome to the Top 100 UK Insurance Brokers for 2024, which Insurance Age has put together again with the help of Insuramore.
Taylor’s broker remit expanded at Aviva as Birbeck shifts to claims
Aviva’s strategic accounts director Michelle Taylor has been handed a wider broker-facing remit within the insurer, Insurance Age can reveal.
Partners& CEO Barton: Mooted Labour tax plan offers “incredible opportunities” for M&A
Speculation that the new Labour Government might increase capital gains tax has created a fertile window for acquisitive insurance brokers.
Aviva UK&I GI boss Storah “bullish” commercial rates to hold steady throughout 2024
Aviva UK and Ireland general insurance CEO Jason Storah is confident that most of the wider commercial sector will continue to hold its nerve over rate and not chase short-term market gains – for now, at least.
Acrisure reveals top team at Eleven Network after senior departures
US broking consolidator Acrisure has moved to put in place a new leadership team at its Eleven Network arm, following a raft of senior departures as first reported by Insurance Age.
Senior quartet depart Acrisure-owned Eleven Network
Four senior directors have resigned from the Acrisure-owned Eleven Network it acquired 14 months ago, Insurance Age can reveal.
CUO hails deals as proof of improved broker sentiment towards Hiscox
Hiscox’s “momentum” with UK brokers has been further underlined by six new distributions deals signed in the first half of 2024.
Former Premium Credit bosses resurrect ‘tifco’ brand for new venture
The Insurance Finance Consultants (tifco) has formally launched today with the aim of supporting all firms, including brokers, that offer insurance premium finance.
Interview: Addept Group managing director Richard Finan
Addept MD Richard Finan gives Insurance Age the lowdown on his return to the market; his thoughts on changes to the MGA market in the wake of Consumer Duty; and the challenges of creating ancillary products in a post-FCA GAP intervention world.
Addept looks to go live in Q4 as it finalises capacity deals
Wholesaler Addept Insurance Services has revealed it plans to sell its first product in the fourth quarter, as it strives to hit a target of £5m net written premium by year three.
C-Quence seeks to “unleash” digital tools and target schemes after Sompo tie-up
C-Quence is looking to “unleash the breadth” of its digital capabilities and target more schemes business having switched capacity provider for its property and casualty and property owners propositions.
RSA expects new business “clunkiness” to ease from July as it continues NIG integration
RSA expects any “clunkiness” in how it handles brokers seeking quotes from both itself and merger partner NIG for the same business to improve materially from next month.
Meet the MGA: Kova Professions
Having worked in both the insurer and MGA sectors, as well as the FCA, Kate Albert has a well-rounded view of the market. The Kova Professions CEO and founder explains to Jonathan Swift why service has become a point of difference in setting apart her…
Brown & Brown retail CEO Carter exits
The CEO of Brown & Brown’s retail division Duncan Carter has left the business, Insurance Age can reveal.
Wallace: QBE reaping benefits of focus on ‘holy grail of service’
QBE’s consistency and lack of upheaval in contrast to some of its peers has helped it become a “viable alternative” for regional brokers.