Commercial
Allianz targets doubling brokers in Accelerator Programme to 250 next year
Mike Thomas, director of distribution for digital and mid-market at Allianz Commercial, has set his sights on reaching 250 brokers in its Accelerator Programme next year.
UK property MGA to launch in January 2024
Real estate managing general agent Ventis is set to launch in January with capacity from Accelerant and the support of Mission Underwriters.
Brown & Brown snaps up South Wales broker R McGee
Brown & Brown (Europe) has bought out R McGee Insurance Brokers based in Maesteg, Glamorgan, for an undisclosed sum.
Jensten buys Scrutton Bland in East Anglia
Jensten has added to its footprint in East Anglia buying Scrutton Bland Insurance Brokers to follow up its purchase of One Broker, which completed last month.
Clear Group widens reach with launch of European arm
Clear Group has launched a holdings business in Continental Europe, as it looks to make its first acquisition in the area, Insurance Age can reveal.
GIC buys out Cinven’s shareholding in Miller
Cinven, the international private equity firm, has reached an agreement for GIC to acquire its shares in insurance broker Miller.
Review of the Year 2023: OneAdvent’s Tim Quayle
Tim Quayle, CEO of OneAdvent, admits relief that the hype around blockchain has rescinded and wonders if it is time for Lloyd’s to turn its iconic building into a shared office space for the market…. with beer on tap.
Premium finance lenders ready to support brokers hit by BNP Paribas pullout
The leaders of broker-facing premium finance providers have reassured they can move quickly to help brokers affected by BNP Paribas Personal Finance’s decision to exit in 2024.
SRG nets biggest deal to date with CBC buy
Specialist Risk Group has agreed to acquire London-based professional lines specialist, CBC Partnership.
Review of the Year 2023: Iprism’s Ian Lloyd
Ian Lloyd, CEO of Iprism, reflects on a major M&A deal he did not see coming, and how he could turn childhood promise in shooting/archery into an Olympic podium finish in 2024.
A fifth of UK businesses victims of cyber-attacks in past year
Research by Aviva has found one in five businesses have been victims of a cyber-attack in the past year, with only 17% of small businesses having a cyber policy in place.
Zurich driving forward on digitisation for international programmes
Zurich has boosted digital interaction to 70% of international programmes in the last two years with a target of 100% by the end of 2025, according to Vinicio Cellerini, global head of customer and distribution.
Advertising feature: Three ways brokers can help clients gain a security advantage when selecting cyber insurance
Tom Draper, UK head of insurance, Coalition outlines the most important ways brokers can help clients select cyber insurance providers that will give them a security advantage.
Markel recruits Axa’s Jo Sykes to lead broker business
Markel has appointed Jo Sykes as divisional director for the UK broker channel.
Review of the Year 2023: Axa’s Sarah Mallaby
Sarah Mallaby, Axa commercial distribution and trading director, reflects on the insurer’s cautious exploration of the opportunities afforded by AI and pushing the boundaries in ‘green’ schemes business.
Flock to push on broker relationships with NIG fleet partnership
Insurtech Flock has partnered with NIG on fleet insurance in a move that will also involve opening up more broker relationships, according to Ed Leon Klinger, CEO of the managing general agent.
BNP Paribas to exit premium finance in 2024
BNP Paribas Personal Finance will leave the premium finance market on 31 March 2024, Insurance Age can reveal.
Polaris updates imarket with £1.5m investment
Polaris has updated its flagship digital trading platform imarket following a £1.5m investment.
Meet the MGA: Onda
Launched into the UK in October, chief underwriting officer Alex Jomaa explains why managing general agent Onda is on a mission to simplify and demystify cyber insurance for both brokers and customers alike.
Blog: Surety Bonds support construction clients through challenging times
Factors such as higher inflation, fluctuating interest rates, and labour shortages, mean the construction sector faces ongoing challenges. Hannah Sewell-Moore, surety manager, Kerry London, explains how a wholesale surety bonds broker can support these…
Rokstone launches contingency portfolio
Managing general agent Rokstone is launching a contingency portfolio promising a same-day quote turnaround for brokers.
Ecclesiastical strikes third scheme deal of 2023 with Towergate Care
Ecclesiastical has continued its expansion into the scheme space by partnering with Towergate Care to offer property capacity for larger care home providers.
Walsh and Newman to exit after Lloyd’s misconduct investigation into CFC
CFC group CEO David Walsh and Graeme Newman, CEO of CFC Underwriting, will leave in 2024, the provider has confirmed following the completion of an investigation by Lloyd’s into allegations of non-financial misconduct at the company.
Markel’s State National to bring capacity to UK MGAs in 2024
Markel Group’s State National Companies will be entering the UK on 1 January 2024 with capacity for managing general agents, focusing on specialty commercial lines in a move designed to support an “underserved” market.