Broker
Axa and Bluefin both report drop in revenue
Axa’s full year earnings for 2010 have plunged by £100m to £131m (2009: £235m) with Bluefin Insurance services also reporting a 3% drop in revenue to £112m.
Biba demands action from regulator on FSCS
Eric Galbraith, chief executive of the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba), has called on the Financial Services Authority (FSA) to accelerate its fundamental review of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
Arista strengthens South West presence with former Chartis appointment
Arista has appointed Genna Ryan as senior fleet underwriter in the South West.
Home and Legacy now has platform to grow further, says MD
Home & Legacy has experienced a major increase in sales across its product portfolio, demonstrating a 26% year-on-year growth.
Policyfast in Aviva homework cover deal
Policyfast has announced an exclusive deal with Aviva to provide the insurer’s homework cover electronically to the broker market for the first time.
Towergate finalises refinancing programme
Towergate Partnership has announced the completion of its previously announced refinancing and £200m investment from Advent International.
IIB issues warning on IMD review
The Institute of Insurance Brokers (IIB) has flagged up its concerns that the Insurance Mediation Directive (IMD) review could result in mandatory commission disclosure.
Laurent Matras defends new claims structure
Groupama’s managing director, Laurent Matras, has claimed the company’s new claims structure will make brokers “happier”.
NIG defends “Guarantee to Beat” pricing strategy
NIG is promising brokers it will beat premiums by up to 5% on business held or quoted with 15 major insurance companies in the UK market.
PPI complaints surge again
The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has revealed that payment protection insurance (PPI) complaints rose to 24,955 for the period October to December last year, up 17% from the previous three months.
Willis exec jumps ship for rival broker
Executive director and major client advocate at Willis Finex Global, Mike Earp, has resigned to take up a senior post at Aon, Insurance Age understands.
Willis revenue rises as commissions increase 3%
Willis has announced a 2% rise in revenues to $3.34bn (£2.08bn) for the year ended 31 December 2010 (2009: $3.26bn).
Video: The Bribery Act 2010 delay - what does it mean for brokers?
Matthew Woodford, partner at law firm Browne Jacobson, gives his thoughts on the Government's decision to postpone the implementation of the Act.
Former Westinsure member joins rival network
The Purple Partnership has signed its 50th member, former Westinsure broker, Fletcher Smith Insurances.
Federation of Small Businesses welcomes bank lending announcement
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has welcomed the news that the banking sector has agreed to increase lending to small businesses.
Banks commit to 15% increase in lending to SMEs
The Government has welcomed a commitment by the UK's biggest banks on lending expectations and capacity which will focus on small to medium-sized enterprises (SME).
Jelf focuses on boosting personal lines offering
Jelf has appointed Antony Summers as managing director of its personal lines business reporting directly to chief executive of insurance Phil Barton.
THB reports 32% increase in broking profit
THB Group has reported a 5% rise in fees and commission to £48.4m (2009: £46.2m) for the year ended 31 October 2010.
Allianz creates new sales and partnerships role in Speciality Retail
Allianz Retail has recruited Simon Masding as head of sales and partnerships for its Speciality Retail division.
Brightside building commercial aggregator
Brightside Group has confirmed that it will be using newly acquired technology company Quote Exchange to build a commercial insurance comparison site.
Post Intelligence Benchmarking: How do insurers measure up in the high net worth market
High net worth clients demand a high standard of service, as do their brokers, but which insurers are delivering it? Peter Joy unveils the answer.
Ancile pushes into niche travel market with Sun Selection buy
Direct travel broker Ancile Insurance Group has acquired specialist insurance brand, Sun Selection.
Brightside buys aggregator technology firm Quote Exchange
Brightside Group has agreed to buy Quote Exchange for £3.7m in cash and just under 1.4m ordinary shares in Brightside.