Commercial
Broker Expo Roadshows coming to London, Bristol and Manchester in 2026 – sign up now
Building of the success of the Broker Expo in Birmingham, Insurance Age is going on the road in 2026.
UK commercial softening accelerated to 7% in Q4
The commercial insurance market in the UK softened by 7% in the final quarter of last year, in its eighth drop in a row, according to research by Marsh.
Zurich reaches agreement with Beazley over potential £8bn takeover
Zurich and Beazley have reached an agreement in principle for a deal worth potentially £8bn, clearing the way for a formal bid.
Top 100 broker to go on recruitment drive after securing challenger bank loan
Top 100 insurance broker M&DH is looking to grow its headcount to a 100 after securing an investment loan from Allica Bank.
DCL restructures new business teams to align closer with brokers
Specialist motor MGA Direct Commercial (DCL) has restructured its operation to create two new business teams tailored to different broker propositions.
Aviva enhances Minifleet on Fast Trade to cover more vehicles
Aviva has enhanced its Minifleet proposition to allow brokers to place up to 20 vehicles at new business on its proprietary Fast Trade platform.
Beazley shares hit new high as Zurich reveals 1.5% stake in Lloyd’s target
Shares in listed Lloyd’s insurer Beazley hit 1,173 pence yesterday [2 February] after prospective suitor Zurich revealed it had acquired a 1.47% stake in the business as of 30 January.
Laker named loss adjuster CEO as it realigns into four business areas
Loss adjusting and claims management business QuestGates has announced the promotion of long standing director Greg Laker to the role of group CEO as part of a ‘realignment’ of its senior leadership team.
SME MGA outlines mission to ‘empower’ brokers as it opens for business
Kovrilo, an MGA incubated by Mission that provides bespoke, modular commercial cover for UK SMEs, has formally launched.
MGA sells D&O arm to “accelerate the development of new lines”
Managing general agent Rising Edge has confirmed the sale of its management liability business, to K2 International.
Marsh publishes first FY results since rebrand
Marsh has today reported that its Risk & Insurance Services revenue was $17.3bn for the full year ended 31 December 2025, an increase of 12% (2024: $15.4bn), or 4% on an underlying basis.
Aviva enhances mid-market motor trade and property owners
Aviva has made enhancements to its regionally traded mid-market motor trade and property owners products.
Intact joins Gracechurch’s SQM hall of fame
Gracechurch has awarded regional Service Quality Marques to six insurers, with Intact joining the roster, while Allianz was the only provider to secure recognition for both underwriting and claims.
Survey: Rebuilding trust in commercial combined
Commercial combined etrade was meant to simplify placement. Instead, brokers say rigid systems, slow referrals and automated declines are making one of the market’s most important products harder to trade. Martin Friel reports
Cullum and McCaffrey on Minority Broker Partnerships’ aim to hit £100m GWP by end of 2026
Launched without much fanfare, Minority Broker Partnerships reunites Peter Cullum and James McCaffrey into the intermediary investment space. However, as the pair tell Jonathan Swift the market has changed since their last attempt - with younger brokers…
Arch adds cyber coverage to event cancellation policies
Arch Insurance International has launched event cancellation cyber coverage.
Brit launches integrated cyber and financial institutions cover
Brit has rolled out joined up cover across cyber, professional indemnity, directors’ and officers’ liability, and crime in an integrated package for financial institutions.
Interview: Meet the Biba drone scheme providers who want to double the business and crack the US market
With 80,000 UK policyholders and a renewed Biba scheme under their belts, Coverdrone leaders Phil and Andrew Heath are bullish about doubling the business over the next two years and have long-term international expansion plans.
‘Softening’ of language offers Zurich hope over Beazley deal, say analysts after latest bid rejection
The sixth time could be the charm and a Zurich takeover of Beazley is still possible, according to analysts at Jefferies who have put forward a potential top price of 1,408 pence per share.
Beazley reveals it rejected higher £8.4bn Zurich proposal in 2025 as it dismisses latest approach
Lloyd’s insurer Beazley’s board has rejected Zurich’s recent £7.67bn takeover proposal, revealing it dismissed a higher offer valuing it at £8.4bn in June 2025.