Broker
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
Reportage: organic growth - Natural development
In spite of the recession, Doodson Broking Group has achieved significant growth through hard work, developing niche areas and targeting clients it really wants to do business with, writes Neil Clayton
Reportage: internet assistance - Keeping in touch
Louise Meeson offers practical advice on how brokers can utilise their websites to build customer relationships and improve business performance
Reportage: streamlining - Avoiding the chop
The redundancies of valuable staff are often the knee-jerk reaction in a recession. Edward Murray examines how brokers can cut costs without leaving businesses struggling when the economy recovers
Editor's comment
It is refreshing when the chief executive of one of the country's largest broking firms cuts to the chase. Talking to me about rate increases, the broker in question let out a heavy sigh and declared that the whole subject was rather tiresome, albeit…
Your letters: From the Broker Forum, 14 January
Mike Cranny: Lord Jackson's report on legal reform has been published
Your letters: Seen it all before
As my last two years in the City, 1968-70, were with CT Bowring & Muir Beddall and one of the people I reported to was the account director for British Leyland, I found Tony Cornell's article 'Direct Debate' (Insurance Age, January 2010, p14)…
Your letters: Fear not, Equity is at hand
I refer to the lead article in last month's issue, 'Brokers in the spotlight after surprise IPT ruling' (Insurance Age, January 2010, p1), in which it states: "Without any prior discussion with the industry, chancellor, Alistair Darling announced in his…
DOA confident as it unveils 10% growth strategy
Underwriting agency, wholesale broker and retail travel provider, David Oliver Associates (DOA), has revealed significant growth plans for 2010 as the country officially emerged from recession
CCV kicks off New Year with 49th acquisition
Cullum Capital Ventures (CCV) has continued its acquisition spree with the purchase of two commercial brokers
Increased FSA scrutiny shows it means business
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has made it clear that there will be no let up in its hardline approach to financial misconduct with a series of broker bans and an increase in business surveillance
Up to 20% rate hikes required to salvage travel insurance sector
Drastic rating action is required in the travel insurance industry if the negative impact of the recession is to be properly mitigated
Unexpected loss of MD forces e-division reshuffle
Towergate Risk Solutions has reorganised its e-division and sales and service management team following the untimely death of former managing director for Towergate e-division, Matthew Bright
Research exposes national contenders as biggest threat
Brokers have identified the large national players as posing the greatest threat to their business, according to new research
IIB CEO condemns fee proposals as a 'burden'
Barbara Bradshaw, chief executive of the Institute of Insurance Brokers (IIB), has slammed Financial Services Authority (FSA) proposals on fees and levies as a "burden for the smaller broker"
QBE takes to the road to rally property interest
QBE is to make a renewed effort to win broker business through a nationwide road show as it develops its strategy to become a top five property insurer
Osborne sets out plans for a more balanced economy
Shadow chancellor says economy is unbalanced under Gordon Brown
First Assist joins with Home & Protect in ASU deal
First Assist Insurance Services has been appointed by Home & Protect to provide a suite of accident, sickness and unemployment (ASU) products.
AFL Insurance brokers appoint new aviation chief
AFL Insurance Brokers has appointed Eddy Dawson as aviation practice leader to its broking team.
Biba welcomes new associate member
The British Insurance Brokers' Association (Biba) has welcomed Harris Balcombe, insurance claims specialists, into associate membership
Consumer bill heralds industry boost
A proposed change in legislation to protect consumers could be good news for the public, insurers and brokers, writes Emmanuel Kenning