Broker
Review of the year: March 2018
As we moved into spring brokers were interested in the names of the top five most complained about insurers, Axa inking a $15bn deal with XL, the collapse of CBL and Alpha as well as mergers and acquisitions.
Gauntlet opens southern hub
A former Wrightsure associate director has joined the Gauntlet team to head up an Essex office focusing on bus and coach insurance.
Review of the year: February 2018
The shortest month of the year kicked off with brokers complaining about SSP, early reports of Allianz expressing interest in buying XL Group, InsurTech start-ups and GDPR.
Quizzical questions: 07 December 2018
Test your knowledge of the week's news with our topical quiz.
Opinion: Peter Cullum on the value of consolidation
Buying power: Consolidation is helping to support regional brokers, argues Peter Cullum
Brightside targeting £250m GWP within five years
Broker looking to digital for organic growth but is also ready to buy.
Oak enhances household product to include cyber
The policy now covers losses from fraud, telephone hacking and ransom.
Gallagher buys Pavey Group
The deal follows Michael Rea’s promise that Gallagher would have another acquisition finalised before the end of 2018.
Fusion sports team moves into Geo Specialty after Ardonagh sale
UK construction portfolio also ring-fenced from deal.
The Blog Spot: Solving dual pricing with three figures
In an excellent piece in The Times last month was a reference to a suggestion – that renewal invitations should in fact have three prices on them.
Review of the year: January 2018
2018 started off with a bang with FCA fines and some big ticket M&A involving Markerstudy and A-Plan.
Professional indemnity rates set to harden
Less capacity to drive up rates as Loyd's syndicates cut back or pull out of PI.
All litigation over at Brightside
Broker had been involved in three legal cases.
Wiser Academy launches heavily subsidised training programme for brokers
New Kick-Start offering comes with 90% government funding.
Statutory pre-tax loss of £20m for GRP
However Mike Bruce points to 4% organic growth and suggests the business is on track to buy “double digit” businesses, including MGAs, in 2019.
SEIB buys Greenwood Moreland Insurance Brokers' equine book
Book was sold to build on existing foundations and to deliver a higher level of expertise.
Finch Group buys Southampton-based Specialist Insurance Agency
This is the broker’s seventh purchase since it became Broker Network’s first “regional powerhouse” in October 2016.
Sweeney leaves Brightside
Broker looking to replace the MD with a chief operating officer after restructure.
FCA updates approach to authorisation
Feedback statement follows on from consultation that closed in March.
InsurTech Futures: Lloyd’s Lab starts search for second tech start-up cohort
First global talent search drew in almost 220 applications from 36 different countries.
Interview: Starting up on your own
James Noble, managing director of My First UK, tells us about the challenges and rewards of creating a new broking business.
Biba renews holiday travel scheme with Syndicate DTW1991
Trade body extends relationship for a further three years.
PIB reveals new structure with Lorica
Consolidator bought the business in March.
Editor's letter – December 2018
Time flies: After a year of huge news stories, 2019 promises to be just as hectic