Commercial
Profits down in QBE’s European operations
QBE has revealed a significant drop in European insurance profits to £123m for the first half of 2011 compared to £146m for the same period of 2010.
SRA issues ABS guidance ahead of 2012 licences
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has published a guide to help prospective owners of alternative business structures (ABS) understand what steps they will need to take to earn an operating licence.
Marsh's new PI offering targets cover issues for small law firms
As another challenging renewal season for solicitors’ professional indemnity (PI) approaches, Marsh has launched a service designed to cater for smaller practices.
Amlin teams up with BJP to launch GP scheme
Amlin UK, in conjunction with insurance broker BJP, has launched a new scheme dedicated to providing Employers’ and Public Liability (PL) cover to GP surgeries in the UK.
Cooper Gay creates senior IT post
Cooper Gay Swett & Crawford (CGSC) has appointed Brent Kruger as its first group chief information officer.
Keychoice makes series of hires to boost commercial growth
Keychoice Underwriting has made four appointments to its underwriting and business development teams as it targets further growth.
Broker Direct to offload three brokers to Swinton
Broker Direct is to sell three brokers to Swinton Commercial, Insurance Age understands.
Dooley leaves Arista
Paul Dooley has confirmed his resignation from commercial underwriting agency Arista Insurance, Insurance Age's sister title Post has revealed.
Rural makes further appointments to push for growth across UK
As part of its ambitions to be a top five player in the agricultural market, Rural Insurance has hired two new senior managers to cover Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Charles Earle hits back at Arista capacity rumours
Arista chief executive Charles Earle has hit back at industry rumours claiming the insurer is being forced out of the motor trade market.
Further law firms announce merger plans
The partners of Clyde & Co and Barlow Lyde & Gilbert (BLG) have voted for a merger between the two law firms.
How to… sell personal accident cover
▶ There is a common misconception that personal accident (PA) cover is difficult to sell and administer – this is not the case. It is incredibly flexible – there are no rules about the number of employees or size of premium and the benefits can be…
Products: RSA launches “easy to understand” marine product for non-specialist brokers
RSA has claimed an industry first with the launch of its combined Marine Cargo and Marine Stock Throughput policy.
Review: Telematics and fleet in one
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
Review: Helping hotels
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
Products: Axa offers chartered brokers benefits
Axa Commercial Lines has announced its intention to favour chartered brokers with the launch of a specialist proposition that it said would deliver a range of unique benefits. The insurer plans to hold a number of discussion groups nationwide to help …
Product roundup: It’s a Standard Life for the man from the Pru
The finish line is now visible for the much discussed integration of Standard Life Health into Pruhealth, following its acquisition last year. The insurer has taken the move as an opportunity to adopt what it calls a leadership stance on differential…
Market moves: Underwriting boost and a nod to brokers
An interesting month saw ongoing developments on commercial business with personal lines remaining steadfastly silent. Insurers looked to boost their underwriting and pricing capabilities while keen to highlight they were reaching out to brokers. Axa…
NIG raids rivals to boost Midlands team
NIG has lured staff away from Keychoice Underwriting, Axa, Bluefin and UK General with four appointments at its Midlands regional office in Birmingham.
Regional brokers win business because of service, says study
Just under half of commercial insurance clients prefer to work with regional brokers, according to findings from Pearlfinders Risk Index.
Brit sees profits plunge to £6.8m
Brit Insurance has reported a dramatic fall in profits before tax to £6.8m from £77.5m in 2010 in its half year results to 30 June.
CBG confirms Giles approach
CBG has confirmed that it has received an approach from a fellow broker which could result in an offer for the business.
Aspen swoops for M4 renewal business
Aspen Insurance has announced that its regional platform, Aspen Risk Management, has agreed to purchase certain commercial insurance renewal rights and other related assets from M4 Underwriting.
Brokers warned to take heed of corporate manslaughter case
Recent charges made under the Corporate Manslaughter Act should serve as a reminder to brokers of the need to advise clients appropriately, Allianz Commercial has warned.