Broker
Products: La Playa tests its new research and development product in the lab
La Playa has produced a new product designed specifically for start-up, early stage and SME research and development businesses.
Products: NIG fills a gap in its property owners insurance range
NIG has launched Essential Property Owners (EPO) cover, an SME-focused version of its Premium Property Owners (PPO) product.
JLT delivers good revenue and profit growth for 2011
Jardine Lloyd Thompson (JLT) has followed the trend of positive financial results in the insurance market with a 13% hike in profits before tax to £147.6m for 2011.
Market moves: Mad for it
Last month things went a bit mad in Manchester, with two insurers and an MGA creating brand new teams in the city. There were numerous other appointments across the insurance spectrum, and what most of them had in common was the city that gave us Oasis.
The Broker Business Club: Meeting of minds
Insurance Age has once again teamed up with Zurich Insurance to hold a series of Broker Business Clubs where some of the most influential insurers, brokers and stakeholders address and tackle the issues that matter to the modern insurance market. The…
Brokers on the brink?
Administrations, threatened product pull-outs and agency culls have sparked brokers’ fears over the future of the market
Commercial faces long road to hardening rates
Despite insurers announcing improved profitability last year, the commercial market still faces tough trading conditions
Products: B&Bs can rest easy with bespoke product
Bridge Insurance brokers has teamed up with Brit Insurance to launch Hospitality, an insurance scheme focused on boutique bed and breakfast businesses.
Are you ready for the next big thing in motor?
Telematics could transform motor insurance, and brokers who already have a foot in the market could cash in
Review: Living the high life
Aqua: three: 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: Axa makes products available on Powerplace
Axa has made two of its products available to Powerplace users in the last month: a new property owners/landlords policy and its management liability policy.
Products roundup: A little bit of everything
It’s a bit of a mixed bag this month but the old cliché tells us that variety is the spice of life – we’re not sure how spicy the products and schemes are but there should be something for everyone.
Kiln receives top rating for employee happiness
Lloyd's insurer Kiln has been made it on to the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For 2012 list.
Towergate increases South Western presence with acquisitions
Towergate Insurance has acquired Centenary Insurance and William Rogers Insurance Brokers.
Investigation begins as Riverbourne is rescued
The Riverbourne Group, the Caterham-based broker that recently entered administration, has been purchased in a deal that will see the business split in two.
Plum doubles sales with focus on non-standard risks
Plum Underwriting has doubled its sales over the past year as a result of increasing numbers of people struggling to find appropriate home insurance.
Keychoice improves membership package
Keychoice has added five new benefits to its membership package as the firm tries to gain increased leverage in the network sector.
Financial strength rating a priority when brokers assess insurers
Brokers are placing much greater emphasis on the credit ratings of the insurers they deal with, according to a recent survey by NIG.
Oval strikes exclusive deal with St Helens RFC
Oval has been appointed as the sole insurance and risk management provider by St Helens RFC (Saints) for its new stadium at Langtree Park.
Swinton to create more than 100 jobs in Manchester
Swinton is to create more than 100 call centre jobs to manage new business coming in from a deal struck with HPI.
Quinn seeks to defend himself against Anglo Irish claims
Seán Quinn has told the Commercial Court in Dublin he wishes to personally defend the former Anglo Irish Bank’s claim that he has a liability for loans of €2.34bn (£1.98bn).
Welsh broker ranks 85 on 100 Best Small Companies List
Thomas, Carroll Group has re-entered the Sunday Times 100 Best Small Companies list.
Blackburn broker banned by FSA
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has banned Mukhtar Khan, trading as United Finance and Insurance Services (UFIS), for not being fit and proper on competence and capability grounds.
The first to fall
The most worrying news of the last week, if not the biggest, was that two brokers entered administration.