Articles by Siân Barton
Brightside sold to Markerstudy seven years after collapse of initial deal
Markerstudy finally gets its hands on the specialist personal lines broker after being rejected for undervaluing the broker in 2013.
IPT remains at 12%
The Budget swerves IPT rise and Entrepreneurs’ Relief escapes for now but Corporation Tax increases to 25%.
GRP’s Newstead buys local broker
GRP purchased Birmingham-based Newstead in January this year and described it as a “flag in the ground” in the city as it seeks to build its presence.
Aston Lark snaps up Scottish broker
Bruce Stevenson has been bought for an undisclosed sum and CEO Edward Bruce will now lead Aston Lark’s operations in Scotland.
Pressure mounts on government to underwrite live events
Broker-led group pushes for more support as March deadline for festivals to get insurance looms.
Meeting private equity: Andy Marsh of Beech Tree
In our continuing series, Beech Tree founder, Marsh talks through the investor’s interest in UK insurance distribution and its investment into managing general agent Avid Insurance.
Egan reflects on RSA UK numbers
CEO points to an underlying UK & Ireland COR of 96.7% and praises broker contribution as he looks ahead to Intact acquisition.
Jensten moves in for second deal this month
It has bought Advance Insurance Agencies to act as a specialist personal lines hub for its franchisees and broking operation.
FCA finalises guidance on vulnerable customers
The regulator highlights that 27.7m UK adults could be categorised as vulnerable as it promises to hold firms to account for failures.
MCE commits to AI underwriting
The specialist motorcycle broker is using artificial intelligence to provide precision pricing and bundle quote, policy and claims data.
Consolidators running out of M&A targets
IMAS analysis highlights “sobering conclusions” for buyers as potential targets diminish but broker M&A still reports record year in 2020.
Meeting private equity: Tom Elliott, Bowmark Capital
Private equity is driving an M&A boom in UK broking but often we don't know who is behind it. Insurance Age gets to know the key figures.
Peter Hubbard exits Be Wiser
The move follows staff at the motor broker being put under consultation last week.
IPT-threat level raised
The “soft target” tax is under threat amid economic uncertainty but the sector is still arguing for a cut or a freeze.
Be Wiser to slash staff numbers amid restructure
All 280 staff are under consultation as the business looks to reorganise following a series of losses and a "tough" pandemic.
Jensten to accelerate M&A pace
CEO Alistair Hardie explains how the business is planning to grow in 2021.
Jensten acquires Packetts
The deal adds £13m in GWP to Jensten Group which is targeting £500m in GWP.
Interview: Specialist Risk Group
CEO Warren Downey tells Sian Barton why SRG has something different to offer than the other players in the M&A space.
Partners& establishes North East base
The broker takes Marsh branch director to head up the newly-developed team in the region.
Broking success: Building business
Borland Insurance CEO John Silcock tells Insurance Age about the Scottish broker’s humble beginnings and how new investment is driving ambitious growth plans
Prometheus Insurance falls into administration
The Gibraltar-based insurer, also known as Tradewise Insurance Company, which went into run-off last year, cannot meet claims in full.
Julie Page to head up merged Aon/WTW business in the UK
It is believed WTW head of GB, Nicolas Aubert, will remain with the organisation until the close of the deal.
Brokers push government to cover Covid-19 event insurance gap
Without backing as soon as possible events will be unable to take place over the summer as broker calls for £200m support package.
PIB’s Brendan McManus lifts lid on Apax deal
The leader says brokers have become even more popular with private equity investors following Covid-19 as many have sustained performance and kept hold of revenue despite the pandemic.