Commercial
Bluefin buys Carlisle-based broker
Bluefin has acquired Ross Lloyd in Carlisle, its third acquisition of 2010.
Product review: Optima PI for non-traditional trades
This product has been reviwed by brokers and rated from one to five based on the policy's key benefits.
News review: November 2010
IAG UK-owned broker Barnett & Barnett almost doubled its size to £50m gross written premium, with a move for a controlling stake in Bromley-based commercial and personal lines specialist NBJ.
Brokers penetrate regions with further acquisition activity
Acquisition activity has continued to bubble away in the regions where Cullum Capital Ventures (CCV), Barbon Insurance Group, Antur Insurance and BLS Insurance Brokers have all swooped for new businesses.
Entire Choicequote workforce in redundancy consultation
The entire staff and management team at Choicequote have entered a redundancy consultation period just two and a half years after the broker was bought by Groupama.
E-commerce: Besso launches online underwriting facility via MGA
Specialist Lloyd's broker Besso Group has launched what it describes as a unique online commercial underwriting facility via managing general agent (MGA) Gladstone Underwriting.
Product undate: Jelf and IMechE join forces
Jelf has entered into an affinity partnership with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
Allianz responds to calls for South-west presence
Allianz has responded to regional broker demand by launching a mobile underwriting team in the South West.
Insurers create London teams to develop broker relationships
Broker focused insurers Groupama Insurances and Ecclesiastical have set up new divisions in London in an effort to win new business.
2010 review: A year of living cautiously
The economy grew, rival political parties unexpectedly started working together and personal lines rates even hardened, although plenty of surprises and setbacks meant that 2010 was far from plain sailing, writes Andrew Tjaardstra.
PB December 2010: News round-up
Apple iPhone apps continue to be all the rage in the insurance industry. Aviva launched MyClaim, a free app enabling policyholders to file a motor insurance claim remotely from their iPhones.
News Analysis: Changing course at Aviva
Andrew Tjaardstra discusses Aviva's change in fortunes and direction since the departure of former chief executive Igal Mayer to head up the insurer's North American operations.
The PB Interview - Laurent Matras: Through the storm
Laurent Matras, managing director at Groupama Insurances, tells Andrew Tjaardstra about the state of the insurance market and how he is working closely with brokers to give his firm a competitive advantage.
Technology - 2010 retrospective: Software houses moving forward steadily
This year, most of the key players in technology were pleased with steady progress, keeping close to existing clients in a tough economic environment for brokers, writes Andrew Tjaardstra.
Oval teams up with Lorega
Oval and Lorega have launched a dedicated claims assistance service for the broker’s commercial client base.
ECIC appoints new underwriting manager
The Electrical Contractors’ Insurance Company has announced the appointment of Agneta Desouza as underwriting manager, reporting to chief underwriting officer, Richard Forrest-Smith.
Rural appoints three regional development managers
Rural Insurance, the agricultural business insurance brand of UK General, has appointed three new regional development managers to work with brokers as part of a new business drive.
Flood insurance bills soar to £4.5bn, according to ABI
The cost of flood damage since 2000 has leapt by 200% on the previous decade according to figures released by the Association of British Insurers.
Aviva heads to Zurich for corporate risk and specialty lines MD
Zurich’s CEO for global corporate UK business David Hall has resigned to join Aviva as managing director of corporate risks and specialty lines in its UK general insurance business.
Jelf enters mechanical engineering affinity partnership
Jelf has secured an affinity partnership with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
Keychoice chooses Cunningham Lindsey as claims management partner
Keychoice Underwriting has appointed Cunningham Lindsey as its claims management partner to provide a one stop claims service to its brokers and policyholders.
Aviva launches package for metal and machinery sector
Aviva has launched two bespoke policies for those working specifically in metals or machinery and equipment.
Purple replaces Zurich with Groupama
Purple Partnership, the Jelf-owned network, has announced Groupama Insurances as a new commercial key partner, replacing Zurich on its panel of supporting insurers.
Evolution unveils iphone app for brokers
Evolution Underwriting has launched a service for brokers allowing them to manage their customers, policies and quotations on an iPhone.