Commercial
Viewpoint: Changing tactics
The market is buzzing with talk about the introduction of variable commission on individual commercial policies. Malcolm Smith asks what the implications will be for brokers, insurers and policyholders.
Prime Professions hits back
Prime Professions has rejected claims it is struggling financially and had been in discussions with Aon about a takeover late last year.
Delay to Bribery Act should not distract businesses, says PWC
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has confirmed that the Bribery Act, due to come into force in April, will be delayed until it has issued further guidance to businesses.
Jelf Insurance Brokers set for 'aggressive' growth despite dip in revenue and profits
Premium finance arrangements are the reason behind the shortfall in Jelf Group’s insurance business, says chief executive Alex Alway.
Saffron continues growth spree with Chris Semmens merger
Saffron Insurance has merged with Baldock-based Chris Semmens (Commercial) Insurance Broker.
Arista opens Leeds office
Arista Insurance has expanded its branch network to seven by opening a new permanent office in Leeds.
Simply Business claims commercial insurance platform first
Simply Business has launched what it says is the commercial insurance industry’s first live online tracking platform for its customers going through the claims process.
UK General Insurance targets smaller brokers with launch of commercial property scheme
UK General Insurance has added to its smart schemes initiative with a tailored commercial property scheme targeting upwards of £150,000 gross written premium.
Insurance law firms Parabis and Everatt join forces
Parabis Law has merged with Everatt & Company, creating what they claim to be a £100m plus turnover business with more than 60 partners.
Launch of MGAA may hinge on insurer and supplier take up
The future of the Managing General Agents’ Association (MGAA) could be dependent upon appetite from insurers and suppliers, according to the chairman of its steering committee.
Momentum signs up three brokers
Momentum, the recently launched support and development service for new and existing insurance brokers, has been joined by three brokers.
Woodstock makes three acquisitions in a year
Endsleigh-owned Woodstock Insurance Brokers has confirmed the acquisition of a book of business from the personal lines arm of Clear Insurance.
Heath Lambert wins major pub contract
Heath Lambert has been appointed to provide all general insurances for one of the UK’s largest pub retailers, Enterprise Inns.
Quantative easing now back on the cards as UK economy shrinks by 0.5%
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed that UK GDP contracted by 0.5% in the fourth quarter of 2010.
The British Insurance Awards 2011: a call for nominations
The British Insurance Awards 2011 are now officially open for entries. These prestigious awards, for the entire UK general insurance industry, will be presented at the Royal Albert Hall on the evening of the 6th July.
RSA expects 2010 profits to approach £630m despite bad weather impact
RSA has announced the impact of adverse weather in November and December 2010 to be around £142m above normal levels with full year costs predicted to hit £255m.
Simply Business targets £100m GWP
Simply Business, the online broker for small to medium sized enterprise business, has unveiled a gross written premium target of £100m by the end of 2012, up from £41m last year.
1 Answer becomes first network to sign up to Powerplace
Personal lines network, 1 Answer, has pushed into the commercial arena by joining Powerplace.
Oamps grows UK presence with credit team
Oamps Special Risks has launched a new credit insurance division in the UK, Oamps Credit.
New general insurance technology offering for intermediaries launched
Founding directors, Gregg Taylor and Neil Harkin, have launched What-Insure, a general insurance trading platform for intermediaries.
Cullum bags CBE for business and charity work
Towergate Partnership founder and chairman Peter Cullum has been recognised as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's New Year Honours List.
Towergate loses Blanc to Axa commercial lines
Axa has appointed Amanda Blanc as chief executive of its commercial lines business, which includes broker Bluefin.
Reportage - Defining schemes: Spoilt for choice
Coming in such a vast array of shapes and forms, it is difficult to define what schemes actually are. Tony Bloomer argues their ambiguity enables flexibility and innovation and, ultimately, opportunity for the industry.
Moorhouse online arm set to write £50m GWP
Welsh broker Moorhouse's online commercial arm Constructaquote is aiming to write £50m of gross written premium (GWP) by the end of 2013.