Commercial
Reportage - SME aggregators: See you later, aggregator?
As issues of trading SME business through the aggregator channel are brought to light, Edward Murray asks whether it is too complex a sector to ever be successfully sold in bulk.
Regional power hour - Bristol: When it rains, it pours
This month's power hour, sponsored by Ecclesiastical and held in Bristol, looks at the growing impact of climate change on the industry - particularly that of flooding. Martin Friel reports.
Agenda: Pricing strategies
The UK commercial insurance market is worth about £15bn and there has been little change in its overall size since 2002. In 2001-2002, the market increased by 75% reversing years of losses into a platform for a long period of profitability. In the…
E-commerce: LFC Shield plans to double broker base with online quote system
Underwriting agency LFC Shield has launched a new online commercial business quote system, which it hopes will help double its broker base to 400 over the coming year.
E-commerce: Non-intermediaries set to muscle in on micro market
Brokers that fail to embrace technology-savvy trading risk losing their majority share of the micro commercial market.
Product launches: Aviva reviews policy wording
Aviva has enhanced its commercial policy documentation to extend the cover and make it more broker friendly.
Second Insurance 360 insight study about to kick off
This summer, Insurance 360 - Insurance Age's sister industry insight unit - is conducting its second annual study of commercial insurers' performance on service to their brokers.
Talent search is trigger for top staff moving roles in industry
The corporate merry-go-round at the top of the country's insurers is being driven by the need to secure 'top talent' in an attempt to stave off the worst effects of the recession.
Rate increases stifled by 'fragile' global economy
Commercial rates remained flat during the first quarter of 2010, according to global professional services company Towers Watson.
Leaked Brit takeover offer sparks FSA investigation
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has launched an investigation into the private equity bid for Brit Insurance after details of the approach were leaked before the stock exchange was informed.
Light at the end of the FSCS levy tunnel?
It remains unclear whether brokers left reeling by huge increases in the Financial Services Compensation Scheme will be able to seek a retrospective reduction from the regulator.
MMA grows micro offering
Broker-only insurer MMA is adding a series of new products to the remit of its micro underwriting team as part of a first year review.
Emergency Budget 2010: PMI costs set to soar due to IPT rise, claims Healix
Healix has warned that the increase in insurance premium tax (IPT) will result in even higher costs for employers offering private medical insurance (PMI) or health cash plans to their staff.
LV Broker appoints new regional manager
LV Broker has promoted Mark Hands to regional manager for the North of England and Scotland.
Allianz Commercial to boost productivity by 10%
Following a successful trial, Allianz Commercial has said it would take advantage of a bespoke solution from systems integrator LAN2LAN in a bid to create new efficiencies across the company’s risk assessment business.
Aviva revamps commercial offering
Aviva claims to have improved its commercial policy documentation to extend the cover and make it more broker and customer-friendly.
Axa appoints former Allianz man as property chief
Axa Insurance has appointed Tony Hutchins as its new head of property insurance. Mr Hutchins has joined from Allianz Commercial where he was UK head of property and risk control.
Business confidence suffers record drop
Findings from the latest BDO Business Trends report have shown a sharp drop in business confidence.
PowerPlace appoints finance director
Online commercial insurance marketplace, PowerPlace, has appointed Robert Appleton as finance director.
Lloyd's broker reveals "aggressive" growth plans following £1.4m investment
Lloyd’s broker NCG Professional Risks has unveiled plans to expand its UK retail business and explore acquisition opportunities following the announcement that it will receive a £1.4m investment, subject to regulatory approval.
Online commercial MGA partners with THB
Insureit UK, the online commercial insurance managing general agency (MGA), has chosen THB Risk Solutions as its distribution partner in time for the launch of a new range of commercial insurance solutions for brokers.
Ace Global Markets appoints head of aviation
Ace Global Markets has announced the appointment of Malcolm Brett as product line head of aviation.
NIG enhances package products
NIG has relaunched its package products suite within its NIG Network broker system, with revamped products, a new ‘professionals’ product and an enhanced quote system.
Calling all UK brokers
There are only two weeks left to get your entries in for the 2010 UK Broker Awards, the only industry awards dedicated to the broking community.