Broker
Willis Group's revenue and income rise in 2009
Willis Group Holdings, the global insurance broker, today reported results for the year ended December 31, 2009, which showed a $134m (£84.4m) rise in net income and $500m growth in revenues.
Jelf invests in Ringwood Operation
The Jelf Group has relocated its Ringwood operation to a purpose built premises, Endeavour House on Crow Arch Lane in Ringwood.
PB Week: Mike Crane's weatherman presentation
Mike Crane's team attempt to spice up his insurance words of wisdom in the latest PB Week
Premium finance broker referrals increase
Close Premium Finance said that broker referrals increased significantly at the tail end of 2009 and has predicted that premium finance will remain popular thoughout 2010.
CBG signs deal with boxer Ricky Hatton's promotions company
CBG Group, the corporate general insurance, risk management and financial services intermediary, has bolstered its sports division by adding boxing event promoter, Hatton Promotions, to its portfolio.
Think-tank predicts economic growth but rising unemployment in the UK
A report by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) has predicted positive economic growth for the UK economy but also described a more gloomy outlook for unemployment.
Willis names interim CFO
Willis Group Holdings has announced today that Stephen Wood, the company's global group financial controller, has been named interim chief financial officer.
Bluefin 'very lucky' to recruit ex Heath Lambert MD Mike Bruce
Former Heath Lambert managing director, Mike Bruce, has joined Bluefin as chief development officer, responsible for underwriting and claims at the Axa-owned broker
Van broker Autonet appointed by Autotrader
Autonet Insurance Group has been appointed by Autotrader as its sole preferred van insurance provider.
Helphire consolidation plan could affect up to 300 staff
Helphire Group proposes to consolidate its operations resource in a move that could affect up to 300 employees.
Giles Insurance Brokers opens new office in South Wales
Giles Insurance Brokers is centralising a number of its businesses at a new regional 'super office' in Llantrisant, South Wales.
Marsh raids Zurich for energy leader
Marsh has appointed Martin Clark as UK leader of its energy claims team.
Brightside's trading report reveals 30% broking boost
Brightside Group has released its trading update for the financial year ended 31 December 2009 and announced how it intends to spend the £20m it raised at the end of last year
Polly C
Polly has always appreciated Sheilas' Wheels' love of all things pink and was intrigued when she was invited to the Haymarket Hotel to hear its "secret" announcement.
News review: January
Towergate Underwriting (TU) outlined plans to grow the business through the launch of a network of regional underwriting centres. The move was a precursor to taking the model to an international market. Chief executive Clive Nathan confirmed TU's first…
Market moves: A monthly look at who is moving where
Neil Cook has joined Equity & General Insurance Services, based in Rugby. He will adopt the role of specialist risk negotiator and head up his own team focusing on placing complex commercial and household risks. He will deal with clients that have faced…
Broker retaliates against direct writers with launch
Cheshire-based broker RK Henshall & Co is to hit back against direct writers with the launch of two online offerings for intermediaries
Soundbytes
Fast Trade is Aviva's online quote-and-buy facility for small business packages. It provides brokers with simpler navigation and improved quote facilities, cover and instant documentation. The site also provides product information and an online claims…
Research on broker IT spend reveals an improved outlook
Brokers are more optimistic about the year ahead than they were about 2009, according to recent research into the predicted levels of IT spend
Product review: Motor fleet product relaunches with wider reach
Brit Insurance has relaunched its Motor Fleet policy to provide a significantly wider standard product offering for its policyholders. The policy is designed for all operators of fleets with a minimum of five vehicles and provides flexibility to cater…
Product review: Stand-alone, low-cost learner driver cover
Provisional Marmalade is an insurance policy in the name of a learner driver to cover them while driving a family or nominated car under supervision
Brokers professional indemnity: Covering your back
There is growing evidence that clients left unsatisfied by their insurance payouts are blaming brokers. Liz McMahon explores likely sources of litigation and how brokers can protect themselves
Charity business: Charity begins at... work
With increasingly professional charities confident enough to shop around for the best deals and less risk-averse insurers, interest in the third sector is growing. Ian Wainwright gives tips on competing for business
Reportage: creating efficiencies - A well-oiled machine
Working at optimum efficiency is crucial in a recession. Liz McMahon examines how brokers can best utilise the resources at their disposal to ensure their businesses grow with minimal capital outlay