Broker
Non-standard risks: When risks don't fit
David Whitaker discusses the trials of obtaining non-standard insurance and explores how brokers can go about placing these risks.
Bluefin's Elite in run-off to allow greater Platinum focus
Bluefin has announced it is putting its Elite underwriting facility for small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) business into run-off in favour of expanding its existing Platinum product range.
News review: November 2010
IAG UK-owned broker Barnett & Barnett almost doubled its size to £50m gross written premium, with a move for a controlling stake in Bromley-based commercial and personal lines specialist NBJ.
Brokers penetrate regions with further acquisition activity
Acquisition activity has continued to bubble away in the regions where Cullum Capital Ventures (CCV), Barbon Insurance Group, Antur Insurance and BLS Insurance Brokers have all swooped for new businesses.
Editor's comment - December 2010
As our front page shows, the prospect of mandatory commission disclosure appears to be receding. I'm not a broker so I can't really make any truly informed comment on the rights or wrongs of this. However, I'm a journalist and, by extension, nosey.
Broker Expo 2010 review: Exceeding expectations
A record number of brokers flocked to Coventry's Ricoh Arena to attend last month's Broker Expo. Louise Meeson reports on why the event just keeps on getting better. If you weren't there, here's what you missed
E-commerce: Powerplace completes '3 As' with Axa addition
Powerplace has secured what it described as the "3 As" after announcing Axa's intention to join its panel of insurers.
Regional review: Way out west
An area that sometimes falls off the radar, Louise Meeson surveys brokers and insurers in Wales and the South West to discover many have been shielded from the worst of the economic crisis.
Polly C - the hottest insurance gossip
Hearing the term restrictive covenant in the bars and restaurants surrounding Leadenhall Street will always make a broker sit up and listen and Polly is no different.
Your opinions: Public perception
On Twitter this month, BrokingLiz's followers were asked to define how the public saw brokers. Here are some of the best replies:
Threat of enforced commission disclosure fades as European bodies follow UK lead
An agreement between European broker and risk management associations is the clearest sign yet that the revised Insurance Mediation Directive (IMD) will opt for commission disclosure on request rather than making it compulsory, according to regulatory…
Product update: Sunworld travel disruption
A new product designed to protect travellers against the insolvency of travel agents and tour operators and the disruption caused by increasingly severe weather events, has been launched.
Power hour: Calling in the experts?
This month's debate, with live interaction from Twitter, ascertains what value MGAs bring to brokers' businesses and the wider market. Are they simply another mouth to feed or the specialists that insurers and brokers need to service a diverse client…
Entire Choicequote workforce in redundancy consultation
The entire staff and management team at Choicequote have entered a redundancy consultation period just two and a half years after the broker was bought by Groupama.
E-commerce: Besso launches online underwriting facility via MGA
Specialist Lloyd's broker Besso Group has launched what it describes as a unique online commercial underwriting facility via managing general agent (MGA) Gladstone Underwriting.
Product update: Product for boat enthusiasts
Boat and marine insurance provider Towergate Mardon has launched a new travel policy for boat and dinghy enthusiasts.
Referral fee income to stay
Legal experts have predicted that referral fees in personal injury cases will continue to exist in some form even if the Government decides to implement an outright ban on their use.
Product undate: Jelf and IMechE join forces
Jelf has entered into an affinity partnership with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
FSCS review put on back burner
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has put plans to overhaul the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) on hold in the wake of this year's sharp levy hike.
Product news: Wind farm contract won
Heath Lambert has won the contract to supply all risk services to Scottish wind farm developer Carbon Free.
Product update: Metals and machinery cover
Aviva has launched two bespoke policies for those working specifically in metals or machinery and equipment.
Expo workshop highlights need for Risk Transfer consistency
Brokers must put pressure on the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and individual insurers to adopt a consistent approach to Risk Transfer wordings within their Terms of Business Agreements (TOBA), according to compliance expert Branko Bjelobaba.
Reportage - training delivery: Digital vs. face to face
Traditionally, training has been about face-to-face contact but there has recently been an increase in online offerings, which claim to provide the same quality of tuition with less cost and increased convenience. Edward Murray looks at the pros and cons…
Allianz responds to calls for South-west presence
Allianz has responded to regional broker demand by launching a mobile underwriting team in the South West.