Articles by Rosie Simms
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.
Sarah Pritchard named first FCA deputy CEO
The Financial Conduct Authority has promoted Sarah Pritchard to the newly created role of deputy CEO.
Konsileo eyes international opportunities as US ‘heavy hitter’ added
Konsileo has added Joe Zuk, US insurance, operations and investment executive, to its board of directors to advise and support growth.
Ghost broker sentenced
A ghost broker has been sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months with a requirement to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, after selling two fraudulent motor insurance policies to unsuspecting members of the public.
People Moves: 2 – 6 June 2025
Follow the latest personnel moves in insurance.
Mike Petchey promoted to Markel head of schemes
Markel has appointed Mike Petchey head of schemes to lead its broker-led specialist proposition.
Chris Bose named ABI director of general insurance and international
The Association of British Insurers has appointed Chris Bose as director of general insurance and international, joining from Nationwide Building Society.
Patons hones in on £35m target as it grows by 16.6%
Patons Insurance reached £31.5m of gross written premiums in the 2024/25 financial year, growing by 16.6% compared to the year before.
City of London Police leads nationwide crackdown on ghost broking
The City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department has led a nationwide period of action targeting ghost brokers in a coordinated crackdown on insurance fraud.
Dual adds key appointments to the Midlands and South West
Managing general agent Dual UK has named Stephen Davis regional manager for the Midlands and South West and Jayne Sprigg business development manager of the Midlands, confirming it will be open an office in Bristol this year.
MGA Optio launches PVT product with Lloyd’s backing
Specialty managing general agent Optio Group has re-entered the political violence and terrorism market, securing Lloyd’s of London backing.
Interview: Keith Hector, Covéa
Keith Hector, commercial lines director at Covéa, looks to make e-trade limits more flexible, highlights “buoyant” schemes business, and teases new products as he targets £200m GWP in 2025.