Broker
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
Startups: Plotting the first move
There are many reasons for brokers to start their own businesses, from wanting to escape the confines of a consolidator, suffering redundancy or having the vision to create smart, independent new firms who provide superb service for their clients, writes…
Market Watch: Connecting with the UK Muslim community
Emmanuel Kenning looks at opportunities and developments in the UK takaful market
Broking Success: Lessons in growth
Emmanuel Kenning journeys to Ware to meet the managing director of Cullum Capital Ventures' first broker purchase, Moffatt Saunders
Management Clinic: Equal opportunities in working practice
I believe my company to be an equal opportunities employer but want to ensure that I protect it. How can I show myself to be one?
Management Clinic: Reviewing client money arrangements
A review of our insurer agency arrangements shows that we have risk transfer with all our insurer partners. Can we cancel our permission to hold client money?