Feature
Getting back to growth
Small business confidence has slumped but recovery relies on creating an environment more conducive to growth, writes John Walker
Reportage: Path to protection
Brokers have to embrace professionalism and improve placement procedures if they are going to protect both clients and themselves from crippling liability claims, explains Edward Murray
What will the FCA look like?
The new regulatory regime could have a very different complexion to the current watchdog, explains Terence Clark
How to… boost your CV
▶ In one of the most competitive jobs markets for years, candidates have their work cut out just to get as far as the interview stage. ▶ Your CV has really got to cut the mustard and extra-curricular activities are a prime opportunity to help you stand…
Market moves: Underwriting boost and a nod to brokers
An interesting month saw ongoing developments on commercial business with personal lines remaining steadfastly silent. Insurers looked to boost their underwriting and pricing capabilities while keen to highlight they were reaching out to brokers. Axa…
Reportage: Back to basics
Is underwriting becoming a lost art, or is technology helping to make it better than ever? Louise Meeson finds out
Talk, text or t’internet?
As Generation Y starts to infiltrate boardrooms, technology will change the way brokers communicate, says Andy Heap
The state we’re in
The full effects of the government’s austerity measures are still unknown, explains Andrew Goodwin
Reportage: This time it’s personal
Personal lines is not a market in which you would expect to find brokers thriving, but the big budget aggregators and direct writers are not getting it all their own way, writes Edward Murray.
Meet the brokers
Brokers have got to get back into their client’s circle of trust, says Peter Knowles.
Reap the rewards
A growing SME market could provide an ample harvest for brokers and insurers, says David Overall.
Happy searching
Natural searches can be as effective at winning new business as appearing on aggregator sites, says Kevin Taylor
Knock-on effect
Solvency II and insurers’ need for high-quality information is beginning to impact on intermediaries, writes Ian Singer
Reportage: Take the plunge
The personal lines market is well and truly established on the internet, but the SME market is lagging behind. Edward Murray explains why now is the time to go online before the big players move in.
Sentiment Survey Spring 2011
The latest Sentiment Survey indicates that the market is definitely hardening in personal lines, dual pricing is still a concern for brokers and uncertainty remains over networks. Emmanuel Kenning reports.
Have you got a bright idea?
Insurance Age and Axa have teamed-up to offer you the chance to turn your ‘Big Idea’ into reality
Power hour: legally speaking
Our experts debate the issues facing legal expenses insurance, from the implications of the Jackson Review to referral fees and broker understanding of the market. Liz McMahon reports
Reportage: what is there to be afraid of?
The shake-up of the regulatory regime has got the industry in a sweat, fearing the wounded beast may put it under unwarranted scrutiny. Edward Murray looks at what it means for brokers
Time to refine measures
The Bribery Act guidance doesn’t need to be a burden on the corporate system, says Richard Burger
Reportage: Facing up to networks
With networks increasing in popularity, Emmanuel Kenning recounts their development and looks to the future of this crucial market sector.
Management - business development: service as selling
Peter Belsey explains how selling is not the preserve of the sales team but should link through and underpin the organisation.
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.
Reportage - Defining schemes: Spoilt for choice
Coming in such a vast array of shapes and forms, it is difficult to define what schemes actually are. Tony Bloomer argues their ambiguity enables flexibility and innovation and, ultimately, opportunity for the industry.
Reportage - Scheme innovation: Creative sparks
Has the financial crisis forced insurers to become more imaginative with new products and schemes or are they following where brokers lead? Louise Phillips investigates the catalyst for recent innovation in the market.