Commercial
APC aims to double SME book with new underwriting model
APC has implemented a new area rating underwriting strategy for the lower crime level areas throughout the UK and Northern Ireland with the aim of doubling its SME business in five years.
Video interview: Peter Cullum on Towergate's refinancing
Days after Towergate Partnership announced the completion of its refinancing and £200m investment from private equity firm Advent International, founder and chairman Peter Cullum CBE spoke to Post about what now lies ahead for the broker.
Towergate wins NICEIC contract
Towergate has been appointed to provide insurance services to NICEIC, the UK electrical contracting industry’s independent voluntary accreditation and regulatory body.
The professionalism push: Video interview with Sandy Scott, CII
Sandy Scott, chief executive of the Chartered Insurance Institute talks to Jonathan Swift about the challenges and opportunities facing the general insurance industry in its quest to embrace professionalism.
Powerplace launches business support team
Powerplace has launched a dedicated business support team to provide brokers with a quick source of help and advice.
Laurent Matras defends new claims structure
Groupama’s managing director, Laurent Matras, has claimed the company’s new claims structure will make brokers “happier”.
Willis exec jumps ship for rival broker
Executive director and major client advocate at Willis Finex Global, Mike Earp, has resigned to take up a senior post at Aon, Insurance Age understands.
Willis revenue rises as commissions increase 3%
Willis has announced a 2% rise in revenues to $3.34bn (£2.08bn) for the year ended 31 December 2010 (2009: $3.26bn).
Further 200 roles axed at Lloyds
Lloyds Banking Group has made 200 job cuts, mainly within its insurance division, as part of an ongoing integration programme which has resulted in 26,000 job losses in two years.
THB reports 32% increase in broking profit
THB Group has reported a 5% rise in fees and commission to £48.4m (2009: £46.2m) for the year ended 31 October 2010.
Brightside building commercial aggregator
Brightside Group has confirmed that it will be using newly acquired technology company Quote Exchange to build a commercial insurance comparison site.
Ex-Towergate trio reunited at Barbon
Barbon Insurance Group has confirmed the appointment of Brett Sainty as its new head of business for Cadogan Keelan Westall.
HSB focuses on North London with new development hire
HSB Engineering Insurance has appointed Chantell Scott as development executive with a focus on North London and the surrounding areas.
Brightside expects to meet stock market profit expectations
Brightside Group has announced that it expects to meet stock market expectations of £6.5m-£7m in profits after tax for the year ended 31 December 2010.
Reportage - Risk management: The commercial menu
Risk management is often touted as a way in which brokers can differentiate themselves from their competitors. Edward Murray asks why it is not offered to commercial clients as standard.
Reportage - Commercial property: Businesses under the weather
Louise Phillips examines the risks facing commercial property when it comes to weather and how brokers should advise their clients to prepare for the worst and put in place measures to limit damage.
E-commerce: Commercial market struggles to meet fraud prevention demand
As the capacity for online small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) trading increases, the commercial insurance market continues to lag behind in fraud prevention, according to APC underwriting director, Ian Russell.
Director's and Officer's: A D&O deluge
Emmanuel Kenning takes an overview of the D&O sector and asks where the market will go next after a host of developments in 2010.
Schemes news: 'Smart scheme' to double Gent & Craig's GWP for dental policies
Northern Ireland broker Gent & Craig Insurances has boosted its presence in dental surgery insurance following the creation of a 'smart scheme' by specialist insurer UK General.
Power hour: A flood defence drought
The coalition has already announced that flood defence spending is to be cut. With the Statement of Principles due to run out in 2013 this month's discussion focuses on the possible impact for insurance. Emmanuel Kenning reports from Manchester.
Agenda: KIC 2010 results and 2011 outlook
Letter to president Petrov Arverbeyev Kazakhstan Insurance Company
News review: January 2011
Groupama announced its plans to transfer the Liverpool and Glasgow-based commercial motor accounts of broker Choice Quote to its sister business Bollington, as part of a restructure of its GUK Broking Services arm.
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.