Broker
Bluefin buys Carlisle-based broker
Bluefin has acquired Ross Lloyd in Carlisle, its third acquisition of 2010.
Country headed for double dip recession as banks limit lending for five years
Delegates at the fifth Broker Network conference were warned to expect a double dip recession, slow to stagnant economic growth and that banks would be in no mood to lend for at least another five years.
Insurers will look to 'supporting brokers' in the future
Insurers will increasingly turn to “supporting” brokers as they attempt to tackle declining investment income according to Ageas MD, Mark Cliff.
Giles makes its largest acquisition
Giles has announced the acquisition of RA Rossborough and its general insurance broking companies. While the amount of the deal has not been disclosed Giles has confirmed it is the largest acquisition in the company’s history.
Brokers urged to push law firms to flag up ABS intentions to insurers
Brokers must push clients to alert their insurers if they are planning to become an Alternative Business Structure (ABS) or risk being drawn into claims for non-disclosure, according to legal experts.
Reportage - CII training: The value of training
The CII has an enviable reputation for promoting professionalism in the industry, however there is a sentiment in some parts of the market that it is more concerned with making money. Louise Phillips weighs up the true value of its training structure.
Reportage - CPD requirements: Under development
No one seems to disagree with the principle of CPD, but why hasn't it proved effective so far in the broking profession? Liz McMahon reports.
Your opinions: Chartered Insurance Institute report on BCP highlights disparity in thinking
Insurance Age welcomes your opinions via email, Linked In, the Broker Forum, Twitter and good old-fashioned letters. Send your views to Martin Friel, editor, Insurance Age, VNU House, 32 – 34 Broadwick Street, London, W1A 2HG or email martin.friel…
Product review: Optima PI for non-traditional trades
This product has been reviwed by brokers and rated from one to five based on the policy's key benefits.
Non-standard risks: When risks don't fit
David Whitaker discusses the trials of obtaining non-standard insurance and explores how brokers can go about placing these risks.
Bluefin's Elite in run-off to allow greater Platinum focus
Bluefin has announced it is putting its Elite underwriting facility for small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) business into run-off in favour of expanding its existing Platinum product range.
News review: November 2010
IAG UK-owned broker Barnett & Barnett almost doubled its size to £50m gross written premium, with a move for a controlling stake in Bromley-based commercial and personal lines specialist NBJ.
Brokers penetrate regions with further acquisition activity
Acquisition activity has continued to bubble away in the regions where Cullum Capital Ventures (CCV), Barbon Insurance Group, Antur Insurance and BLS Insurance Brokers have all swooped for new businesses.
Editor's comment - December 2010
As our front page shows, the prospect of mandatory commission disclosure appears to be receding. I'm not a broker so I can't really make any truly informed comment on the rights or wrongs of this. However, I'm a journalist and, by extension, nosey.
Broker Expo 2010 review: Exceeding expectations
A record number of brokers flocked to Coventry's Ricoh Arena to attend last month's Broker Expo. Louise Meeson reports on why the event just keeps on getting better. If you weren't there, here's what you missed
E-commerce: Powerplace completes '3 As' with Axa addition
Powerplace has secured what it described as the "3 As" after announcing Axa's intention to join its panel of insurers.
Regional review: Way out west
An area that sometimes falls off the radar, Louise Meeson surveys brokers and insurers in Wales and the South West to discover many have been shielded from the worst of the economic crisis.
Polly C - the hottest insurance gossip
Hearing the term restrictive covenant in the bars and restaurants surrounding Leadenhall Street will always make a broker sit up and listen and Polly is no different.
Your opinions: Public perception
On Twitter this month, BrokingLiz's followers were asked to define how the public saw brokers. Here are some of the best replies:
Threat of enforced commission disclosure fades as European bodies follow UK lead
An agreement between European broker and risk management associations is the clearest sign yet that the revised Insurance Mediation Directive (IMD) will opt for commission disclosure on request rather than making it compulsory, according to regulatory…
Product update: Sunworld travel disruption
A new product designed to protect travellers against the insolvency of travel agents and tour operators and the disruption caused by increasingly severe weather events, has been launched.
Power hour: Calling in the experts?
This month's debate, with live interaction from Twitter, ascertains what value MGAs bring to brokers' businesses and the wider market. Are they simply another mouth to feed or the specialists that insurers and brokers need to service a diverse client…
Entire Choicequote workforce in redundancy consultation
The entire staff and management team at Choicequote have entered a redundancy consultation period just two and a half years after the broker was bought by Groupama.
E-commerce: Besso launches online underwriting facility via MGA
Specialist Lloyd's broker Besso Group has launched what it describes as a unique online commercial underwriting facility via managing general agent (MGA) Gladstone Underwriting.