Articles by Rosie Simms
First Central confirms job cut plans
Insurer First Central has confirmed proposed plans to cut staff numbers by around 160, with most taking effect in late January 2026.
Newbie News: Merlin Insurance Brokers
Richard O’Brian, founder and CEO of Merlin Insurance Brokers, has targeted growing the property and construction specialist broker by 80% in 2026 and already has an application in to the FCA to be fully authorised.
Bridgehaven completes on first deal as it eyes European expansion
Bridgehaven Europe has completed its acquisition of SureStone Insurance DAC, following receipt of all required regulatory approvals.
BP Marsh founder steps down as Topping takes on CEO role
Serial insurance investor Brian Marsh who founded BP Marsh & Partners has stepped down from his executive role as Dan Topping becomes CEO with immediate effect.
Momentum Equity Partners launches
Momentum Broker Solutions has created Momentum Equity Partners – backed by investor AUB – to support its appointed representatives with acquisitions and starting loans, Insurance Age can reveal.
MGA Addept expands motor insurance portfolio
Addept Insurance Services has expanded its motor-related solutions, launching a legal recovery insurance for motorists, ‘Drive’.
Broking Success: BG Insurance group chief operating officer Uwais Patel
BG Insurance, part of Well Dunn Group, is looking to become the number one driving instructor broker, as it targets double digit GWP, according to Uwais Patel, group chief operating officer.
TBIG broker aims to become ‘South West powerhouse’ after latest buy
Mark Richard Insurance, part of The Broker Investment Group, has acquired a 75% stake in Portal Broking Group.
People Moves: 24 – 28 November 2025
Follow the latest personnel moves in insurance.
Zurich’s Brumpton looks to build on ‘best job nobody’s heard of’
Zurich’s head of engineering, Iain Brumpton, highlights the impact of its engineers finding 400,000 faults a year in the “best job nobody’s heard of”, and the opportunities to work with the wider insurer’s group.
Partners& enters Lloyd’s market buying 3DI
Partners& has acquired 3 Dimensional Insurance, marking its entrance into the Lloyd’s market, in its second deal of the week.
US broking giant Alliant makes UK debut with consolidator investment
Ex-Kentro [formerly Nexus Underwriting] founder and CEO Colin Thompson has launched joint venture Sodalis Capital with Alliant and BP Marsh backing.
Survey finds over one-third of SMEs have not renewed standalone cyber cover
Coalition has found nearly three-quarters of UK SMEs have been affected by a cyber incident in the last five years.
Gary Duggan to lead Hood Group as CEO steps down
Hood Group CEO Simon Hood has stepped down, with Gary Duggan taking over as interim executive chairman, Insurance Age can reveal.
Partners& makes double acquisition with Avenue and Ko-bolt deals
Partners& has purchased two businesses, specialist trade credit and surety bond broker Avenue Insurance Partners and B2B debt recovery business Ko-bolt International, in a move to boost its wider proposition.
Former Jensten Wholesale MD Taylor joins MGA Exance
Simon Taylor has joined managing general agent Exance as CEO.
Neal to be paid $2.7m by AIG despite not joining the insurer
John Neal is set to receive a $2.7m (£2.06m) payout by AIG according to an SEC filing, following his employment at the insurer being cancelled before he came on board.
Ex-Ardonagh and Clegg Gifford leader joins Kingfisher as private client head
Kingfisher has named Richard Miller as head of private clients and specialist motor trade.
People Moves: 17 – 21 November 2025
Stay in the loop with the latest insurance personnel moves.
IFB appoints Zurich’s Clayton as chair
The Insurance Fraud Bureau has named Scott Clayton, head of claims fraud for Zurich, as chair, stepping into the role on 1 January 2026.
Addept launches dedicated rent guarantee and legal expenses insurance
Addept Insurance Services has launched a dedicated rent guarantee and legal expenses insurance product for landlords and local authorities providing social housing in England and Wales.
Lloyd’s launches investigation into former CEO Neal’s conduct
Lloyd’s has launched an investigation into former CEO John Neal looking into an alleged workplace affair.
Ripe expands into holiday homes insurance with latest deal
Digital managing general agent Ripe has bought holiday homes insurance specialist Schofields, marking its entrance into the sector.
Former Stackhouse Poland co-owner becomes chairman of start-up broker
Start-up specialist broker Taurus Risk Management has appointed former Stackhouse Poland co-owner James Agnew as chairman.