Broker
Direct Line reports 25% jump in profit
Direct Line Group, the insurance arm of Royal Bank of Scotland, has reported an operating profit of £84m for the first three months of 2012.
Former Bluefin and Davis directors set up new brokerage
Former Davis Group CEO, Leigh Smart, has established a new brokerage based in Newmarket and London.
Tysers bolsters professional indemnity team with Gallagher hires
Lloyd's broker Tysers has made two additions to the professional indemnity team in its UK corporate division.
L&G reports 17% hike in general insurance premiums for Q1
Legal & General (L&G) has reported gross premiums of £83m for the first quarter of 2012.
RSA reports positive start to 2012 with premiums up 5%
RSA has reported a 5% improvement in net written premiums in the first three months of 2012, up to £2.2bn from £2.1bn in the same quarter of 2011.
Novae reports 5% improvement on GWP for Q1
Novae Group has reported gross written premium (GWP) of £231.1m for the first three months of 2012.
New network system to "revolutionise" SME trading
The managing director of 1 Answer Network has claimed a new system that has been implemented will revolutionise the way SME business is traded.
Lorica achieves chartered status
Lorica Insurance Brokers has become the latest broker to achieve chartered status.
Ink increases PI footprint with IRS acquisition
Ink Underwriting Agencies has acquired Indemnity Risk Solutions (IRS).
Marsh sells part of HSBC business to R K Harrison
R K Harrison has acquired a portfolio of four businesses from Marsh UK.
Bartleet takes first step in growth strategy
Bartleet Enterprises has acquired Chesham Insurance Services.
County subsidiary completes first acquisition
County Insurance North West (NW), part of the County Group, has completed its first acquisition in the shape of Whitchurch Insurance Services.
Lloyd's puts another £375m towards PPI provision
Lloyd’s Banking Group has set aside a further £375m to cover claims from customers who were mis-sold payment protection insurance (PPI).
Deadline for Cobra bids extended
The deadline for potential bidders for the Cobra Group has been extended until the end of May.
Reportage: Lighting up the regions
Insurers are moving underwriting decisions to regional centres, but will this really benefit brokers and is the new model sustainable? Edward Murray finds out
Broking success: Land of his fathers
Thomas, Carroll MD Rhys Thomas explains the Caerphilly-based broker’s niche focus to Caitlin Morrison
Products: Kiln heads for new pastures with appointment of equine underwriter
Kiln has appointed a new equine underwriter in preparation for developing products in that area for the first time.
Products: NIG to undertake funeral director scheme’s underwriting
NIG has won the contract to underwrite the Lark Group’s SAIFInsure scheme from Axa.
Products roundup: Telematics take up gains pace
There were a wide range of products launched in the last month, with numerous markets catered for, from equine risks to vacant commercial properties.
Editor’s letter - May 2012
“The real concern for brokers is that all this change creates a deep sense of uncertainty”
Review: Top down protection
Management Liability Plus: 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
Biba 2012: Manchester calling
With the Biba conference taking place on 16 and 17 May, we look at what you can expect at this year’s event and which sessions are a must see for brokers
Take the lead
Leadership and a strong customer base are needed to get ahead of the competition, explains Stephen Archer
Review: Bio-hazards
BioSurance MD: 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