Broker
Brokers call for more face-to-face interaction as insurer service improves
Three years on from the UK’s first pandemic lockdown, brokers welcomed the uptick in insurer engagement, but urged providers to do more below C-suite level.
Castleacre buys private client insurance broker Merritt
Castleacre has bought Merritt Insurance Services for an undisclosed sum.
Hagerty launches private client service
Hagerty, a car insurance provider, has launched its private client service, which can be sold through brokers who have customers with a vehicle, or vehicles, worth £250,000 or more.
FCA approval times worsen for new firms as overall picture improves
The Financial Conduct Authority’s approval times for new firms is worsening in 2023, according to latest data, bucking a trend that has seen improvements in key broker areas, including for approved person status and appointed representatives.
M&A slips back from 2021 record to £4bn in 2022
Imas has calculated that the value of UK general insurance distribution M&A dropped to £4bn in 2022 from £5.6bn in 2021, Insurance Age can reveal.
Crawford & Co launches automated livestock claims system
Crawford & Company has launched an automated claims settlement system for the UK livestock market, which is available to brokers, insurers and policyholders.
First Underwriting exit a broker ‘blow’ in diminishing personal lines markets
First Underwriting’s exit from standard home and motor is a 'blow', say brokers seeking markets for personal lines.
Ecclesiastical sells SEIB to Lloyd & Whyte
Ecclesiastical Insurance has sold SEIB Insurance Brokers to associated business Lloyd & Whyte for £45.2m, the insurer has confirmed.
People Moves: 13–17 March 2023
Stay in the loop with the most recent insurance personnel moves.
Axa hails importance of face-to-face meetings as it seeks to be more visible
Distribution and trading director Sarah Mallaby claims Axa UK has seen an improvement in broker engagement, as it focuses on face-to-face trading complemented by an investment in digital products and support.
Lloyd’s reveals market increases in female and ethnic minority leadership
Lloyd’s has reported a two percentage points increase in the proportion of women in leadership roles to 32%, as it targets reaching 35% by year-end.
First Underwriting exits private car and home
First Underwriting, part of Kingfisher UK Holdings, has stopped writing private car and home business, Insurance Age can reveal.
FCA boss Brewis to address Consumer Duty concerns at Insurance Age event
Matthew Brewis, director of insurance at the Financial Conduct Authority, has been confirmed as the keynote speaker for the first Insurance Age Broker Breakfast event in Leeds next month.
James Kent promoted to group role with Tom Wakefield named Gallagher Re CEO
Gallagher has promoted James Kent to CEO of global insurance strategic relationships, with Tom Wakefield succeeding him as CEO of Gallagher Re after a transition period.
Gallagher boosts education practice with FE Protect purchase
Gallagher has struck its first UK deal of the year – buying Liverpool-based FE Protect, which specialises in the education sector with a particular focus on further education.
Zurich UK launches climate change resilience services
Following the launch of Zurich’s Global Climate Change Resilience Services, Zurich UK is making the full range of services available to its domestic customers and it will also be available through brokers.
Profile: Abby Houghton – Young female broker
As part of Insurance Age's Broker Diversity Push - Gender Leadership Gap campaign, Sophie Locke-Cooper spoke with Brightside Insurance Services’ Abby Houghton about what it is like being a young female in the industry.
One Call tribute to ‘incredible talent’ director Oliver Rose, who died in a car crash
One Call CEO Nik Springthorpe has given a touching tribute to director Oliver Rose, who died in a car crash.
Close Brothers premium finance drops 2%
Close Brothers has revealed a 2% fall in its premium finance book to £990.1m in its latest set of results.
SRG buys Consort Insurance
Specialist Risk Group has bought mid-market commercial broker, Consort Insurance, subject to regulatory approval.
Broking Success: From banking to insurance
H&H Insurance Brokers managing director Paul Graham speaks to Sophie Locke-Cooper about how he transitioned from banking to broking, and why less regulation along with product evolution makes the sector so rewarding and exciting.
MGAs and insurers are urged to chase brokers as Consumer Duty deadline looms
Insurers and MGAs have until the end of April to ensure they have all the product reviews handed in to comply with Consumer Duty deadlines.
‘Massive blow’ for UK insurtechs averted as key bank is rescued
The Financial Conduct Authority has moved to reassure customers of their rights following the rescue of Silicon Valley Bank.
JMG buys HGV and motor trade specialist New Era
JMG Group has bought former appointed representative, Stoke-on-Trent-based HGV and motor specialist New Era for an undisclosed sum.