Broker
Regional review: In the middle of it all
The self-sustaining and refreshingly honest nature of the Midlands insurance market mean it is well-equipped to ride out these difficult times, reports Martin Friel.
Reportage - high net worth: Because they're worth it
Edward Murray looks at how upgrading standard policies to mid and high net worth can benefit both the client and broker.
Reportage - specialist lines: Freedom of movement
InsureCancer's award-winning approach to providing travel insurance for cancer sufferers is changing perceptions of this sensitive market. Dr Krish Shastri tells Liz McMahon how the company manages to underwrite the majority of cases and about plans to…
Reportage - market share: Survival tactics
The birth of the direct line in 1985 left many predicting the death of the personal lines broker - but 25 years is a long time and, in true entrepreneurial spirit, brokers have defied the sceptics by adapting to survive. The struggle has produced many…
Reportage - state of the market: A very British coup
Unlike our continental cousins, buying insurance online has become de rigeur for the UK public - but it is not all doom and gloom for personal lines brokers. Louise Meeson reports on the state of market.
Viewpoint: Grasp the nettle
There are sound business reason why clients should be seeking risk management advice - so brokers should overcome their concerns and provide it for them, says Andy Hawkes.
Power hour: Life after Quinn
This month's power hour sees our panel of experts discuss the fallout for brokers following the problems at Quinn Insurance. Liz McMahon reports.
Insurance Age interview: An even keel
For Phil Scarrett, managing the network operation at Willis is all about striking a balance between the need for growth and maintaining the community spirit. He tells Martin Friel how he keeps everyone happy.
Opinion: Editor's comment
This years' British Insurance Brokers' Conference (Biba) was all about professionalism but I have to report that there wasn't much on show as far as I could see.
Your letters: Will some people go to any lengths to win business?
From theBroker Forum, May http://forum.broking.co.uk
Your letters: A missed opportunity
Who or what is Biba? Thousands of visitors to Excel last week are none the wiser - I don't mean delegates to the Biba conference, but the huge audience of potential insurance customers who also happened to be in the vicinity. To the average passer by,…
E-commerce: Avanade's CRM solution aims to boost brokers
A new customer relationship management (CRM) solution has been released, which aims to maximise broker sales and cut the time it takes to train new staff.
E-commerce: Home & Legacy motor system to slash quote turnaround time
An online system that pledges to slash turnaround times for mid to high-net-worth motor quotes by more than half has been introduced to the market.
E-commerce: MMA products made available on SSP platform
Broker insurer MMA Insurance has made its Master Tradesman and offices and surgeries products available online to brokers via the SSP platform.
Risk management/claims: CLS launches accident management service
Co-operative Legal Services (CLS) has launched a one-call accident management service for brokers and insurers.
Risk management/claims: FSA in warning over bribery and corruption controls
Commercial brokers risk imprisonment and unlimited fines if they do not strengthen their anti-bribery and corruption systems and controls.
Schemes: Scheme boom to drive down rates
Commercial affinity schemes are growing in popularity but increased competition could have a detrimental impact on rates.
News: Regional broker growth continues across UK
Regional broker expansion has continued with Oxygen Insurance Brokers announcing the opening of an office in Bristol, Giles growing its Welsh head office and Henderson Insurance Brokers boosting its Manchester hub.
News: A series of broker buys fuels an increase in acquisition activity
The recent flurry of insurance market acquisitions has continued with a number of broker buys.
Results news: 'Admirable' performance as Towergate rates stay put
Towergate executive chairman, Peter Cullum, has claimed that the company has refused to follow the market's "kamikaze" approach to rates.
Another round of RBSI cutbacks points to gloomy NIG future
Broker-only insurer NIG could face further cuts following Royal Bank of Scotland Insurance's (RBSI) announcement that it is axing up to 2,000 roles across all of its brands over the coming year.
Health news: Medical database add-on gives brokers PMI edge
Brokers looking to stand out in the private medical insurance (PMI) arena can now offer an add-on product independently from insurers.
Health news: Launch of hybrid PMI products test traditional cash plan waters
Traditional private medical insurance (PMI) providers National Friendly and Bupa are set to challenge the cash plan market with the launch of hybrid products, following a surge in intermediated sales in the sector.