Broker
No resignations, no regrets says Homer
Andy Homer has confirmed that Towergate came close to making an internal appointment ahead of its decision to poach Mark Hodges from Aviva for the chief executive role.
Hodges to continue acquisition drive at Towergate
Towergate chairman Alastair Lyons said he was "absolutely delighted" at the arrival of Mark Hodges from Aviva and promised the company would continue on its broker acquisition path.
Aviva responds to Hodges' departure to Towergate
David McMillan, chief executive officer of UK general insurance at Aviva, has told Insurance Age that it is “business as usual” for Aviva following the shock departure of Mark Hodges to Towergate.
Aviva chief jumps ship for Towergate
Mark Hodges, UK chief executive officer of Aviva, has been lined up to replace retiring group CEO of Towergate, Andy Homer.
FirstAssist issues legal costs warning to SMEs
Small businesses, a core part of many brokers’ portfolios, continue to ignore the risk of costly legal action even though defending an average case could potentially put them out of business, according to research by FirstAssist Legal Protection.
Kwik-Fit announces senior appointment
Kwik-Fit Financial Services has appointed Kieran Gilmurray as its new director of finance.
Westinsure eyes SME market
Westinsure is set to launch a range of products to tackle the SME market.
APC revamps hoteliers and guest house owners policy ahead of Olympic tourist surge
APC has announced the re-launch of its hotel and guest house product with area rating designed to help brokers service UK proprietors looking to take advantage of the expected nationwide surge in tourist numbers resulting from the Olympics.
Polly C – the hottest insurance gossip
Polly gets her red arm band on to relay this month's hottest gossip
Broking success: Training to gain
Emmanuel Kenning speaks with a profitable, debt free start-up motor broker that is writing more than £50m a year, targeting 250,000 policies within 18 months and focusing on staff training and development
Reap the rewards
A growing SME market could provide an ample harvest for brokers and insurers, says David Overall.
Happy searching
Natural searches can be as effective at winning new business as appearing on aggregator sites, says Kevin Taylor
Kane Group completes HSBC purchase
The Kane Group has completed the acquisition of the insurance management operations of HSBC.
Editor’s letter – June 2011
I think the front cover says it all. For many brokers, moving into the online world is a leap of faith and not one that should be taken lightly. But there is momentum. Every insurer executive is talking about e-trading and they’re desperate for you, the…
Sign up now for the 2011 Prince's Trust Insurance Cup
With the 2010/11 football season over, whether your team finished top, rock bottom or stuck in mid-table obscurity, it’s time to start looking forward to The Prince's Trust Insurance Cup.
Update: Axa Commercial Lines unveils regional branch managers
Axa Commercial has confirmed a series of appointments across its branch network following its declared strategy of empowering local underwriters to service insurance brokers.
HMRC takes Lloyd's broker Swinglehurst to court
International insurance and reinsurance broker Swinglehurst is facing a High Court winding-up petition Insurance Age has learnt.
Market moves: Team players and fresh faces
They say a problem shared is a problem halved. And the same, elusive “they” also say that many hands make light work. Clearly the insurance community has been spending a lot of time with “they” as teamwork has been the buzz phrase in this month’s…
How to… Unlock the potential of health cash plans
In a nutshell: The story of 2011 is proving to be one of fierce cuts, high inflation, low bank lending and uncertain interest rates. Commercial clients need to retain their employees so they can ride out the storm, but the chances of offering them an…
Dual pricing must end, demands broker
Broker claims three cases cost his firm £35,000
Brokers divided over trade body union
Small independent brokers fear their voice will be lost in the crowd if Biba and IIB merger comes off.
Products: Launches show sea change for insurers
Two insurers took the industry by surprise by launching products in markets they had previously shied away from.
Review: Protection goes on tour
This product has been reviewed by brokers and rated from one to five stars, based on the policy’s key benefits. * = Poor ** = Average *** = Good **** = Very good ***** = Excellent
Products: Providers unveil a raft of online offerings at Biba conference
Providers clearly saw Biba 2011 as an opportunity to court brokers with their new online offerings as Jubilee, Aviva, Ecclesiastical and Catlin all launched technology products.