Articles by Rosie Simms
Starpeak renews binder with Axa XL’s UK and Lloyd’s business
Digital distributor of specialist insurance products, Starpeak, has renewed its binder arrangement with Axa XL’s UK and Lloyd’s business, marking the 10th year of the partnership.
French broker opens in the UK as it approaches 180 year anniversary
French insurance broker Filhet-Allard Maritime has expanded into the UK opening a London office.
Cowens looks for growth in challenging market
Mark Wilson, managing director of Cowens, has targeted 15% growth in the next year but highlighted the soft market and wider economy challenges, with acquisitions not ruled out.
Biba launches AI guide to help members
The British Insurance Brokers has launched a new guide, sponsored by Markel, to help members understand how artificial intelligence might be beneficially incorporated into their business.
People Moves: 23 – 27 June 2025
Follow the latest personnel moves in insurance.
Start-up broker adds director for bitcoin mining and AI compute
Start-up insurance broker Native has hired George Frith as divisional director of bitcoin mining and AI compute.
Allianz warns SMEs of the risk of underinsurance in summer
Allianz has warned of the “genuine risk of underinsurance” as it found 34% of SMEs don’t adapt their insurance levels to accommodate fluctuations in seasonality.
Ventis expands into Scotland
Commercial and residential real estate managing general agent Ventis has launched in Scotland, under the leadership of Karen Feeney.
Policy Expert grows pre-tax profit by more than £25m as motor moves into black for first time
Policy Expert increased its profits before tax to £30.1m in the last financial year, up significantly from £4.9m, as underlying Ebitda more than doubled to £55.3m.
RAC partners with telematics insurtech on connected motor products
RAC Insurance has partnered with Ticker, a telematics insurance specialist, to licence and distribute a suite of connected motor insurance products aimed at consumers.
Birmingham regional review: Highly competitive market
Birmingham’s central location in the country creates opportunities for investment and growth, according to experts in the highly competitive broker market, with recruitment flagged as the main challenge.
Cowbell targets cyber insurance education to increase uptake
Simon Hughes, senior vice-president of global distribution at Cowbell, looks to grow the cyber insurance market by educating brokers, as the UK team continues to expand.
FCA warns of Brighton broker clone
The Financial Conduct Authority has warned of a clone claiming to be Brighton-based Premium Wise Insurance Brokers.
People Moves: 16 – 20 June 2025
Stay in the loop with the latest insurance personnel moves.
Folgate ramps up e-trade limit for landlords products
Folgate Underwriting has extended its landlords Acturis and extranet e-trade products to plug the e-trade gap with sums insured up to £20m.
Lycetts to invest more in technology, with opportunities in softening market – Barclay
Ian Barclay, CEO of Lycetts, told Insurance Age the broker is investing in technology whilst keeping face-to-face relationships with clients, as he sees opportunities in a softening market.
Aviva launches Accept Quote functionality in mid-market push
Aviva has launched its Accept Quote functionality with brokers now able to accept regionally traded mid-market new business quotes and hold cover at the touch of a button.
Broking Success: One team
James Godsall, managing director of generalist broker Jukes Insurance, on bringing teams together and maintaining a high street-type presence while moving the broker to 50/50 commercial and personal lines.
Cyber provider Cowbell hires director of claims in the UK
Cowbell, a provider of cyber insurance for SMEs and middle-market business, has recruited Kirsten Maley from CFC for the newly created role of director of claims UK.
Brokers disappointed by Applied pulling Epic out of UK market
Insurance brokers have expressed sadness, disappointment and concerns about a hit to competition following Applied Systems withdrawing its Epic solution from the UK broker market.
Sporting Sponsor: Birkdale Insurance Group and Southport FC
Insurance Age caught up with Birkdale Insurance Group to find out more about its main shirt sponsorship for Southport FC.
People Moves: 9 – 13 June 2025
Keep up to date with the latest personnel moves in insurance.
Staysure moves onto aggregators
Staysure Group is set to launch Avanti Go across multiple price comparison websites, marking the first time the group has made one of its travel insurance brands available via an aggregator.
Blog: Young talent now will fix future recruitment challenges
With an ageing industry and recruitment being cited as one of the main challenges faced by insurance firms, bringing in younger talent into insurance is vital, but is the industry doing enough? Rosie Simms surveys the landscape.