Commercial
Biba in PI spat with Law Society
Legal professional body brushes off criticism over its scathing broker comments
Power hour: Electric dreams
The commercial market has traditionally lagged behind personal lines as far as e-trading is concerned, but our panel of experts agree it is catching up fast. Emmanuel Kenning reports
In-depth: Building for the future
Construction is seen as the bellwether of the wider economy and there are signs it might be picking up, so how can brokers capitalise on the changing fortunes of the sector? Edward Murray reports
Brighter days ahead
The outlook is less gloomy with a strong possibility of improving conditions for commercial brokers in the next 12 months, says Tony Cornell
Expertise-in-Action: Q&A with Richard Smith
In recent years the insurance industry has made a concerted effort to improve its record on professionalism.
Insurance infographic: The Impact of the 2011 Energy Act on property lettings
In this insurance infographic, Zurich focuses on the Energy Act 2011 which contains provisions to make it unlawful from April 2018 to rent property that does not hit minimum energy efficiency standards.
Privileged position
With the rise of aggregators and the threat of commission disclosure on the horizon, Tony Cornell asks if commercial brokers’ dominance will ever come under threat
Corporate Underinsurance: Solving the problems
Underinsurance is a common problem and a collaborative approach is needed to stamp out an issue that has gone unresolved for too long
On the increase
If insurers’ results reveal poor COR performance in commercial, will it prompt rating increases? Peter Hubbard asks
New year, new start
The last 12 months have been difficult for the commercial insurance market, but there are signs that 2013 could see an upturn, says Paul Upton
The Broker Business Club: Thinking big about SME
The final Zurich Broker Business Club of 2012 drew together a panel of experts to discuss the challenges facing brokers in the SME market.
Growing SMEs: SME-volution
From the earliest beginnings as innovative start-ups, to their ultimate emergence as corporate entities, evolving SMEs will always need brokers to ensure that cover matches exposure.
In conversation with Zurich: Growing SMEs
As a firm develops from a start-up to a fully fledged corporate entity, its risk profile inevitably changes. And, as its exposures change, its insurance needs evolve too.
Choosing an insurer: The bigger picture
Price is naturally a factor medium-sized businesses consider when choosing an insurance partner, but it's time they learned that it shouldn't be the most important.
Choosing an insurer: Avoiding the money trap
The rush to the bottom over price by customers can only hurt the industry, but brokers are well placed to stop the rot by offering their clients advice on the difference that choosing the right insurer can make.
Broking success: International broker
From humble beginnings, Bartlett & Company has grown to be a player on the international stage, but it remains a family firm, chairman Michael Bartlett and head of corporate risks Mike Briggs tell Caitlin Morrison
RSA’s motor retreat frustrates and delights
Withdrawal from writing motor trade insurance alerts competitors to opportunities
Reportage: From farm to plate
The food and farming industries can be challenging but ultimately rewarding sectors for brokers to operate in. Edward Murray explores the niches
Professionalism
Throughout 2013 Insurance Age ran a campaign to shine a light on the levels of professionalism in the general insurance broking community.
SMEs: A web of complexity
UK companies are quick to take advantage of technological advances to create new business opportunities, and the industry must get up to speed with the many and varied risks this brings.
SMEs: Home advantage
The Olympic experience showed that flexible working is a viable option for many, but companies need to weigh up the risks as well as the benefits.
Market split over tying solicitors into two-year deals before ARP abolition
Predictions of drop in rates sparks debate over signing up for long-term deals
Broking success: What’s the ‘Gos’?
Higos has ambitious plans for growth in the South West and is on the look out for acquisitions, managing director Ian Gosden tells Caitlin Morrison
Review: Cleaning up
Exclusovely Cleaning. This product has been reviewed by brokers and rated from one to five stars, based on the policy’s key benefits. * = Poor ** = Average *** = Good **** = Very good ***** = Excellent