Commercial
Countrywide pulls out of broker-distributed business
The legal indemnity specialist, which had been working with around 80 brokers, says it has decided to revert to a sole focus on solicitors.
Direct Insurance becomes Aventum
It’s UK broker operation, Direct Insurance London Market, has been re-named Consilium as part of a business restructure as the group teases M&A plans.
"No silver bullet" to fix industry reputation after BI backlash, says MGAA's Keating
Keating discusses the business interruption test case and the FCA's £7.5m special levy to recover the costs as he urges brokers, MGAs and insurers to pull together and rebuild trust in the sector.
Blog: Beware the hidden dangers of kerb appeal
As pubs, restaurants, and bars re-open with the use of outdoor areas and pavement seating, brokers need to ensure insurers are in the loop or risk disappointment when it comes to a claim warns Tom Hill, executive director at Aqueous Underwriting.
CFC creates Lloyd's syndicate
The syndicate has planned gross premium of over £100m for its first year of trading and will be managed by Asta Managing Agency.
Aviva opens buildings cover for properties affected by cladding to new customers
Move follows large premium increases in the market after the Grenfell fire and the provider urges brokers to sell the product net of commission on a fee basis to keep costs down.
Inperio unveils brokers' PI product
MGA says new offering is launched in response to rising rates and concerns about availability and affordability of cover after several providers introduced Covid-19 exclusions.
Network veteran, Les Brewin, joins Cobra
Purple-founder Brewin has been lured out of retirement to join the PIB-owned network.
FCA confirms MGAs are exempt from £7.5m BI special levy
The regulator has reissued its consultation paper on fee rates for 2021/22 after the initial document wrongly said that MGAs were expected to contribute.
Macbeth CEO: "We’re really pleased to add another string to our bow"
Paul Macbeth tells Insurance Age about how the broker's deal for Peter Lole came about and discusses his plans for the future.
Insurance Age Top 100: Are you eligible?
Planning for the expert supplement has begun, so if you’re an independent broker with GWP over £12m, and haven’t been invited before, please do get in touch.
Analysis: The rise of pay-as-you-go insurance
As demand for flexible on-demand insurance products is accelerated by Covid-19, Insurance Age investigates what the challenges and opportunities are for brokers.
MPs call on government to assume contingent liability for live events
A number of planned events, such as the festival Boomtown, have already been cancelled due to lack of cover as pressure mounts on the government to step in.
Macbeth buys Buckinghamshire broker
Its buy of Peter Lole takes its GWP up to £23m.
Video: Risk Insights - understanding the interconnected risk landscape
Aviva's interim managing director of commercial insurance, Nick Major, discusses three of the top ten risks facing UK businesses as outlined on Aviva's Risk Insights Report: business and supply chain interruption and loss of reputation and brand value.
Aston Lark buys O’Loughlin Insurance Group in Ireland
Aston Lark Ireland CEO Robert Kennedy says further acquisition announcements are "imminent" as broker makes its second Irish deal of the year.
Blog: The market opportunity and how to capitalise on it
Brokers are in demand, but what should you think about ahead of selling up? The Cripps Pemberton Greenish team outline some key considerations.
Xenia buys West Midlands-based trade credit broker
The Nexus-owned business says Credit Insurance Alliance Brokers will be integrated with its Credit Risk Solutions unit.
Analysis: The future of the networks model
Following on from GRP's surprise purchase of Marsh Networks, Martin Friel investigates how consolidation is changing the networks landscape.
Video: Risk Insights - employee wellbeing and remote working
Aviva's UK wellbeing lead, Debbie Bullock, explains how remote working has brought employees' wellbeing to the forefront and why creating a positive workplace culture is key to improving wellbeing and business performance.
1st Choice opens office in Willenhall
The Shrewsbury-based broker hopes to generate more business and create more jobs in the area as it expands across the West Midlands.
FCA data reveals progress as insurers settle Covid-19 BI claims
Updated figures show providers have made interim payments of £247.7m and final settlements of £352.1m since the Supreme Court verdict, but 12,217 policyholders are still waiting to hear whether their policies provide cover or not.
Partners& buys Nottingham-based broker
Business says deal for IFM Select supports its strategy to build its presence in the Midlands.
Interview: A niche focus
Insurance Age meets the team at specialist managing general agent Avid Insurance.