Articles by Rosie Simms
Coalition claws back £16.4m of policyholders’ stolen funds in 2025
Cyber insurer Coalition recovered £16.4m in stolen funds for policyholders around the world last year, with an average recovery of £152,053.
ERS launches ultra-HNW motor offering
ERS has launched Private Client Ultimate, a proposition developed for high-net worth individuals with complex motor risks to provide specialist cover for single vehicles valued at £350,000 and vehicle collections valued at £500,000.
People Moves: 2 – 6 March 2026
Follow the latest personnel moves in insurance.
Chris Knight succeeds Brewis as FCA insurance director
The Financial Conduct Authority has recruited Chris Knight to take on the director of insurance role within its supervision, policy and competition division starting July 2026.
MGA Lumara adds Draper to lead Midlands offering
Managing general agent Lumara Insurance has appointed Matt Draper as lead underwriter for the Midlands, responsible for the managing general agent’s broker panel in the region.
Partners& buys West Midlands-based Movo AR
Partners& has purchased Dudley-based Holmes Insurance Brokers, a Movo Partnerships appointed representative.
Adler Fairways strikes deal post-Intact investment in parent UKGI
Adler Fairways has expanded buying County Antrim-based McCarroll McConnell & Co to “create a strategic presence” in Northern Ireland.
Stephanie Cryer promoted to QBE International CUO
QBE has promoted Stephanie Cryer to chief underwriting officer for its international division, effective 1 April 2026.
Beazley profit drops 19% in year prior to Zurich deal
Beazley has reported a profit before tax of $1.14bn (£857.99m) in the year ended 31 December 2025, down from $1.42bn in 2024, as insurance written premiums stayed stagnant.
Newbie News: Senior-led personal touch – Hardings Insurance Brokers
Tom Butler and Martin Billington have launched Hardings Insurance Brokers, Insurance Age can reveal, as the pair explain how they are looking to build a senior-led trusted broker in its space achieving organic growth through “cold hard prospecting”.
Zurich and Beazley deal ‘not about laying off staff’ – CEO Greco
Zurich CEO Mario Greco has made clear the £8.1bn acquisition of Beazley is “not about laying off staff” as he noted Beazley will become fully part of Zurich in 2027.
Andrew McGee named Howden Retail chief broking officer
Howden UK and Ireland Retail has appointed Andrew McGee as chief broking officer.
Zurich takeover of Beazley a step closer after boards agree offer terms
The respective boards have agreed the terms of a recommended all-cash offer by Zurich for the entire issued and to-be-issued share capital of Beazley.
Bspoke increases HNW line size to £15m after locking down new capacity
Bspoke Private Clients, the mid and high-net-worth offering from Bspoke Group, has secured a new five-year capacity deal via the Accelerant Risk Exchange, increasing the maximum line size to £15m per single location.
Coversure opens eleventh office in past year
The Coversure Network, part of the Jensten Group, has strengthened its footprint in Manchester with the launch of Red Apple Brokers.
Axa’s door “fully open” to new DA and schemes business – Markham
Joel Markham, Axa Commercial’s director of schemes, delegated authorities, financial lines and speciality, has outlined its pipeline in DA business remains strong; whilst noting its investment in technology means it is more “nimble” and less frictional…
Aviva grows broking Rising Stars programme with largest cohort
Aviva has extended its Rising Stars programme with its 19 cohorts, aiming to help brokers retain the best talent from across their business.
Aviva restructures GCS team as Probitas CEO Washington leaves
Matt Washington, managing director of Global Corporate & Specialty at Aviva and CEO of Probitas, is set to leave the insurer as it restores his responsibilities into two roles.
Bspoke secures £250m capacity deal with Accelerant
Bspoke Underwriting, the UK personal lines MGA, has secured a five-year capacity deal via the Accelerant Risk Exchange providing £50m of capacity annually.
Wiser Academy launches bite-size training platform
Wiser Academy has launched a free digital platform supporting more consistent learning by making content easier to access and complete, and giving employers better visibility of skills development and progression.
Regional open market book key growth area for 2026 – Hiscox’s Walker
Stewart Walker, broker development director at Hiscox UK, has highlighted up to four large schemes deals for the first half of the year, and how the regional open market book is a key growth area.
People Moves: 16 – 20 February 2026
Keep up to date with the latest personnel moves in insurance.
Neil Jenkinson to leave Biba after 10 years
Neil Jenkinson is set to leave his role of regional manager for the North, Scotland and Northern Ireland at the British Insurance Brokers’ Association at the end of February.
BMS boosts new A&H team with five hires
BMS Group has created an accident and health division, adding five people to the team including managing director James Early.