Broker
Coates out at Bluefin
Bluefin has announced that Graham Coates, chief trading officer, has resigned and is leaving the company with immediate effect.
Brokerbility's two new members raise GWP to over £450m
Brokerbility has added two new members in the form of Saffron Insurance and Morrison Insurance Solutions.
Paymentshield's chairman leaves to take up CE role
Stuart Pender has resigned as chairman of Paymentshield to take up the role of chief executive of Lomond Capital.
Jelf appoints manager for South West from Towergate
Jelf Insurance has appointed Lee Davey as regional managing director of the South West as it aims to drive growth in the region.
Two insurance brokers banned by FSA
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has banned two insurance brokers, Andrew Porter and Alexander Brincat, from working in the financial services industry and withdrawn the permissions of Mr Brincat’s insurance firm Wise Owl Services.
Open GI launches address product to all brokers
Open GI has launched Address Look-Up which it claimed lets brokers benefit from accurate ratings from insurers by accessing up-to-date data direct from the Royal Mail to populate addresses from a client postcode.
Midlands broker unveils 20% year on year growth plans
Commercial insurance brokers Johnston Park McAndrew has moved into larger offices as part of its growth strategy.
Survey finds falling profitability for brokers
The latest Confederation of British Industry/PwC quarterly survey on financial services has revealed that general insurance brokers expect their volume of business and income to fall in the next three months.
National insurance fraud register launched
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has provided further detail on the national insurance fraud register to be fully operational by early 2012.
Manchester broker sets up in the City
Bridge Insurance Brokers has announced the launch of a London office.
Muir buys out key shareholder of 1 Answer Network
1 Answer Network managing director Paul Muir has increased his stake in the company with a buy out of the 38.57% holding of Optimas Insurance Group, an investor in the network since launch in 2006.
UIB appoints former Travelers man for top role
United Insurance Brokers has appointed Tony Dilley as international operations director and he will assume responsibility for the running of all UIB’s international offices.
Heath Lambert name falls by the wayside
Heath Lambert is to start trading as Gallagher Heath following its acquisition by Arthur J. Gallagher & Co in May.
Reich embarks on acquisition spree with Barnett buy
Reich Insurance has completed the acquisition of Bolton-based D Barnett Insurance Brokers.
E-broking 2011: the rise of online trading
Get ready for increased e-trading, panel tells brokers at inaugural Insurance Age E-broking event
Bulletin from Bordeaux: Axa’s global chief sees UK market hardening
In his third special report from Axa's media conference in Bordeaux, Emmanuel Kenning reports on UK commercial market hardening and Axa's global prospects.
Editor’s letter – July 2011
“As a broker, it must be pretty galling to see a small desert rodent with a ridiculous accent representing an industry that is worth billions”
Products: Groupama claims a first with fully online commercial combined product
Groupama has labelled its new product, Optima Business Plus, the market’s first fully online, multi-section commercial combined product.
Products: CBG brews up scheme for drinks makers
CBG has launched an insurance scheme to meet the specialist needs of the commercial brewery industry.
Products: Insurers ready for Olympic opportunity
As London 2012 fast approaches, insurers are looking towards how they can capitalise on the influx of tourists flooding London for the Olympics.
Products: Allianz and Axa launch commercial motor add-ons
Both Allianz and Axa have launched motor add on offerings in an attempt to court broker favour in the commercial motor arena.
Products: C&A Mackie and Garratts link up to provide cover for 1,000 driving instructors
Preston-based insurance broker Garratts has teamed up with C&A Mackie to provide a scheme to cover driving instructors.
Balance of power
While many brokers believe commercial will outperform personal over the next year, insurers are still investing in personal lines.
Review: Protecting the protectors
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