Articles by Siân Barton
MCE appoints QBE's Paul Ormiston as claims director
The motorbike specialist said the decision to create the new role at board level signals MCE’s ongoing commitment to customer-centric digitisation.
Right Choice buys Moorhouse
The move follows deals to buy Bennetts and the brands Autosaint, Ladybird and First Van.
MBO for Blythin & Brown
Shawbrook Bank supported the venture with a commercial loan.
Government finally delivers £750m event insurance scheme
The industry was forced to cancel a raft of events including Glastonbury Festival, Boomtown and Womad after insurers backed away and the government dragged its feet on delivering alternative cover.
NIG grows 16.4% in H1 2021
Direct Line Group reported that its commercial division, including NIG, delivered an increased operating profit of £43.6m.
Tasker to push forward with more deals
CEO Robert Organ highlighted how recent buy, PI specialist Insure Risk, was a good fit for the business and chats through its move to join Jensten.
Tasker buys Insure Risk
The move follows Tasker becoming part of the Jensten Group earlier this year.
PremFina names Sharon Bishop UK & Ireland CEO
Bishop left rival finance firm, Close Brothers, a year ago.
Extinction Rebellion hits Lloyd’s in paint attack
The activist group said it threw green paint over the Lloyd’s building to highlight “shameless greenwashing”.
Sabre reports COR of 74.4%
Results for H1 show GWP drop as motor specialist prioritises profitability over volume, joins Saga panel and flags creation of temporary insurance product in H2.
PremFina gears for growth with investment in tens of millions
Investors have given the tech-led premium finance provider a cash injection in a move that sees it set to challenge Close Brothers and Premium Credit for a top three position in the UK.
Firms must respond to FCA pricing reform survey by 9 August
The watchdog, which announced new rules earlier this year, is canvassing brokers about their readiness to implement the remedies.
The Blog Spot: The Masked Broker
Will you continue to wear a mask after July 19?
Biba reports a 36% turnover slump due to Covid-19
The trade body was forced to cancel its conference last year and make redundancies but said that due to managing funds “cautiously” it was able to return a small surplus.
Police in nationwide ghost broking crackdown
Seven people were arrested following the operation by City of London Police.
Interview: Focus on service
Simon Drew and Mark Wilding lift the lid on why they left Marsh Commercial to form a new venture supported by TL Dallas.
Aston Lark adds wholesale specialist to portfolio
The broker bought London-based ES Risks for an undisclosed sum.
Brokers ordered to review client money arrangements
The Financial Conduct Authority has written to intermediaries to remind them it will fine businesses if misconduct occurs as it highlights key failings.
Aviva to invest millions in GI growth
The new UK GI CEO, Adam Winslow, highlights broker support as he flags “millions” in investment going forward as the insurer focuses on growing GI’s role within the group.
Editor's letter - July 2021
Sun’s out: Another summer of much-needed staycations beckons, but is the end of Covid-19 now in sight?
Former Brightside boss Mark Cliff joins Hiscox
He becomes an independent non-executive director alongside James Illingworth and Jane Hayes.
The Blog Spot: Action not words
In Pride month, Sian Barton says it’s good to see some action that goes beyond slapping a rainbow flag on a logo as Zego announces a policy to help trans and non-binary staff in the business.
TL Dallas takes from Marsh to launch new division
The broker has opened an office in Settle, North Yorkshire.
CII opens New Generation programme to fresh faces
The body is calling for “rising star” applicants to its 2021 programme.