Broker
PB December 2010: News round-up
Apple iPhone apps continue to be all the rage in the insurance industry. Aviva launched MyClaim, a free app enabling policyholders to file a motor insurance claim remotely from their iPhones.
Broker regulation - Viewpoint: Securing the future
John Greenway on how, after 23 years as an MP, he is now turning his attention to helping brokers with the new regulatory regime.
Viewpoint: Justice for all will disappear
It is all too easy to point at the manner of Lord Young's recent departure from government as the Prime Minister's enterprise adviser to suggest that he was out of touch with the real world. Some commentators had already made the observation back in…
Management clinic - regulation: Conditional compliance
A number of our procedures are not compliant but I see little value in doing anything about it now because the Financial Services Authority will soon be gone. What is the point?
Focus - Broker funding: Finding your way through
With the major banks still cautious about lending, brokers are finding it tough to access funding for growth. Rachel Gordon looks at the options.
Editor's comment: Pulling together on flooding
The cost of damage caused by flooding has risen 200% over the last decade, giving insurers a nightmare to consider for the future.
News Analysis: Changing course at Aviva
Andrew Tjaardstra discusses Aviva's change in fortunes and direction since the departure of former chief executive Igal Mayer to head up the insurer's North American operations.
News Analysis - Cornwall: After the flood
Emmanuel Kenning asks how the insurance profession has responded to the floods in Cornwall.
The PB Interview - Laurent Matras: Through the storm
Laurent Matras, managing director at Groupama Insurances, tells Andrew Tjaardstra about the state of the insurance market and how he is working closely with brokers to give his firm a competitive advantage.
News analysis - Coaching: Asking the right questions
Emmanuel Kenning asks if questions rather than answers can help brokers build a successful business.
News Analysis - Ireland bailout: Ireland on the brink as UK exposures rocket
The bond markets continued to punish Ireland as fears of contagion spread in the Eurozone, writes Andrew Tjaardstra.
Market Watch - Construction: Building a brighter future
Emmanuel Kenning investigates the impact of the recession on the construction industry and asks sector experts if they are upbeat or downcast in their expectations for 2011.
Technology - 2010 retrospective: Software houses moving forward steadily
This year, most of the key players in technology were pleased with steady progress, keeping close to existing clients in a tough economic environment for brokers, writes Andrew Tjaardstra.
Oval teams up with Lorega
Oval and Lorega have launched a dedicated claims assistance service for the broker’s commercial client base.
ECIC appoints new underwriting manager
The Electrical Contractors’ Insurance Company has announced the appointment of Agneta Desouza as underwriting manager, reporting to chief underwriting officer, Richard Forrest-Smith.
The truly exotic world of broking
This isn’t by any stretch of the imagination a new topic but I'm still baffled by it so please indulge me.
Five new members join Willis Networks
Five new members have joined Willis Networks, bringing its combined membership to 111 firms.
Axa UK appoints Kevin Murray as chief operating officer
Axa UK has appointed Kevin Murray as group chief operating officer reporting directly to Paul Evans, group chief executive of Axa UK. He is also a member of the Axa UK executive committee.
RFIB reveals operating profit growth
Lloyd’s broker RFIB has announced a 17% increase in operating profits to £3.5m for the year ending 30 June 2010 (2009: £3.0m).
Oval's profits and revenue down for 2009/2010 financial year
In the financial year ending 31 May 2010, broker Oval today revealed its revenue reduced by 8% from £104.6m in 2009 to £96.0m in 2010.
Rural appoints three regional development managers
Rural Insurance, the agricultural business insurance brand of UK General, has appointed three new regional development managers to work with brokers as part of a new business drive.
PB Week: Through a child's eyes
I am involved in motor fleet risk management and my aim is to prevent accidents happening to anyone who uses the roads, be it a rider, driver or pedestrian, writes Doug Jenkins, motor risk manager at QBE.
Towergate firm aquires healthcare arm of IFA
Towergate Healthcare has acquired the healthcare business of IFA Origen Financial Services.