Broker
New LEI product tailored for smaller landlords
Arc Legal Assistance has teamed up with Swinton Commercial to launch a commercial rental guarantee product for semi-professional landlords.
Product review: Media cover
This product has been reviewed by brokers and rated from one to five, based on the policy’s key benefits.
National broker welcomes Bribery Act delay
JLT’s D&O liability team has welcomed the delay to implementation of the Bribery Act claiming there is too much uncertainty around the Act.
Biba hits out at FSCS levy rise
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba) has hit out at this year's over 50% increase in the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) levy.
Brokers hit by further FSCS levy rise of over 50%
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) has announced that the general insurance mediation sub-class will have to contribute £93.5m in 2011/12 a 57% increase over last year’s levy (2010/11: £59.6m).
CEO for new broker regulator unveiled
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has appointed Martin Wheatley as the new managing director of its Consumer and Markets Business Unit.
Accident Exchange slashes debt by £50m
Accident Exchange, the accident management company, has reduced its debt by £50m in a debt for equity deal.
Brightside expects to meet stock market profit expectations
Brightside Group has announced that it expects to meet stock market expectations of £6.5m-£7m in profits after tax for the year ended 31 December 2010.
Schemes news: Deposit scheme attracts agents
A tenancy deposit scheme backed by brokers Hamilton Fraser Insurance Services has seen a sharp increase in the number of protections taken out by letting agents.
Reportage - engineering: Keeping things ticking over
With news of cutbacks to the HSE budget, there are fears the engineering inspection sector will suffer. Neil Clutterbuck advises how brokers can ensure their clients' equipment meets UK standards and help reduce risk.
Motorists happy to misrepresent to obtain cheaper car insurance
Research from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has revealed that the majority of motorists are prepared to misrepresent a risk to get cheaper car insurance.
Health news: MCD trust fund scheme offers brokers alternative route into PMI
Medical Care Direct (MCD), part of the Skipton Group, has launched a scheme which offers brokers an alternative path into the private medial insurance (PMI) sector.
Reportage - Environmental liability: Caring for the environment
As local authorities begin to grasp the new Environmental Damage Regulations, the number of cases ending in legal action looks set to rise. Liz McMahon clarifies how brokers operating in the agricultural sector can protect themselves and their clients.
Health news: Pruhealth seeks to broaden its range in wake of SLH aquisition
Pruhealth is targeting general insurance brokers with a range of new healthcare plans following the acquisition of Standard Life Health (SLH) in August last year.
Reportage - Risk management: The commercial menu
Risk management is often touted as a way in which brokers can differentiate themselves from their competitors. Edward Murray asks why it is not offered to commercial clients as standard.
E-commerce: Simply Business reveals ambitious GWP growth plans
Simply Business, has unveiled a gross written premium target of £100m by the end of 2012, up from £41m last year.
E-commerce: Policyfast and RSA come to non-EDI agreement
Online wholesaler Policyfast has reached an agreement with RSA to provide online business car and van policies to brokers.
Government awaits LSB report ahead of referral fee decision
The uncertainty around the future of referral fees has persisted despite recent legal judgements indicating that Lord Justice Jackson's recommendations will be adopted.
Reportage - Commercial property: Businesses under the weather
Louise Phillips examines the risks facing commercial property when it comes to weather and how brokers should advise their clients to prepare for the worst and put in place measures to limit damage.
Hastings to recruit 350 to meet expansion plans
Bexhill-based insurance broker Hastings Direct has announced it is to recruit 350 members of staff in 2011.
Systems and regulation top brokers' 2011 concerns
Improving systems and regulation are the issues that concern brokers and underwriters most for 2011, according to insurance software specialist Sequel.
Bespoke insurance regulation is top of Biba agenda
The British Insurance Brokers' Association (Biba) has put regulation at the top of its 2011 manifesto agenda as it continues to campaign for a regulatory approach more tailored to its members.
Editor's comment - February 2011
As you are no doubt aware from this month's cover story, brokers are facing another year of heavy, heavy levies from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).