Feature
In-depth: E-trading and the digital broker
Siân Barton examines how well brokers are keeping up with the digital world and how they can use technology in commercial lines as Larry Ferguson considers how technology can help fraud prevention and detection
Social scheming
With 55% of customers saying they would be interested in using social media to buy insurance, brokers should be tapping into this often ignored new community, says Karen Beales
In-depth: Call a specialist
In a highly competitive market one way brokers can differentiate themselves is by targeting specialist lines. Here Markel tackles the biomedical and life sciences industry while the Insurance Age team examines the specialist markets of directors &…
Video: Broker Expo 2014
Delegates at Broker Expo 2014 share their thoughts.
Tackling mental health issues
Employers should not ignore the signs of mental health problems, David Price explains
In-depth: All events great and small
Event insurance could be a big growth area for brokers, whether it’s a village fête or an arena tour, but how do you break into the sector? Edward Murray finds out
In-depth: Rise of the SME
The SME tag covers a wide range of UK businesses and, as Siân Barton reports, brokers and insurers are coming up with innovative new ways to target the rapidly growing sector
In-depth: Knowing the worth
Underinsurance is a thorn in the side of most sectors, but is it the same in the high net worth space? Siân Barton investigates
In-depth: The claim game
With increasing numbers of clients switching providers in search of better service, brokers are having to devote more time and resources to handling claims, reports Edward Murray
Innovation is key
The insurance sector is full of innovators, says Karen Beales
Working flexibly
Changes to legislation governing flexible working mean employers need to get up to speed with the new guidelines, explains Peter Done
In-depth: Tackling the technology jigsaw
From adding value to working with insurers, from data validation and enrichment to up-selling and cross-selling, Edward Murray tackles four key e-trading areas for brokers
In-depth: Happy days here again?
The commercial property owners sector survived the recession relatively unscathed, but could the strengthening economy threaten its performance? Edward Murray asks
Leading from the front
Having the right leader in place is vitally important for a business, especially in times of expansion, says Peter Done
In-depth: Bright ideas
Many in the industry worry that the schemes market has become saturated, but there are still opportunities for brokers with a good idea. Caitlin Morrison reports
In-depth: Happy medium
The mid-market is an area where brokers can still compete on service and advice rather than just price, and there are plenty of opportunities, explains Edward Murray
In-depth: After the floods
After another bout of storms, the insurance industry is facing up to the possibility that they will have to deal with increasing numbers of major weather events. Andrew Pearce reports
Unlocking the power of management information
Brokers may not be getting the most out of MI, says Jeff McCracken
Soft targets
With insurers and bigger brokers taking fraud prevention seriously, fraudsters are increasingly seeing smaller high street brokers as a ‘softer’ target, explains David Priest
In-depth: Driving out the past
The last 12 months have seen tiffs between trade bodies, acquisitions galore, regulatory upheaval, rows over unrated insurers and a long-awaited agreement on flood insurance. Andrew Pearce reports
In-depth: Where next for networks?
Networks have taken a few body blows in recent months, but brokers can still gain value from the sector. Caitlin Morrison reports
Taking ownership
Continuity, not consolidation, will help secure a lasting legacy, with employees taking a greater share of the business – but it will need a mindset change, writes James Sharp
In-depth: Digging for victory
Most brokers have had specialist risks to place, but many don’t capitalise on their new-found expertise. So how can brokers make the most of niche opportunities
Rise of the internet
Are insurance websites sophisticated enough for today’s consumer? Andrew Wormleighton asks