Insight
Headline makers – September 2023
The hottest stories from 1 to 31 August.
Cardiff City settles with Miller in legal action over footballer’s plane crash death
Cardiff City has settled with Miller Insurance Services after suing the broker for £10m following the plane crash death of striker Emiliano Sala.
Markerstudy deal will deliver steroid like boost to Atlanta, says Donaldson
Ian Donaldson, Ardonagh Retail CEO and inbound Markerstudy Retail CEO, has hailed the proposed merger as being able to boost growth, product footprint and acquisitions but declined to be drawn on any interest in RSA’s personal lines business.
With Atlanta sold, what will Ardonagh do with the funds it pockets?
Jonathan Swift looks at Ardonagh’s recent growth, and suspects that a larger percentage of the £820m windfall from the Atlanta sale is going to be spent overseas rather than at home.
The stats: Q2 2023 sees fleet rates begin upward climb
The latest Acturis stats reveal that the previously stagnant fleet sector has turned a corner as insurers hike premiums to cope with claims inflation, reports Rachel Gordon.
Greenwood Moreland lands biggest deal since JMG Group-backed MBO
Greenwood Moreland has added to its presence in Scotland with the purchase of Glasgow-based Calcluth & Sangster Insurance Brokers.
My Perfect Broker Week: Atlanta Group’s Leon Carford
To tie in with the first-ever UK Broker Week, we asked our speakers to outline what their perfect working week would look like. Atlanta Group’s head of risk and compliance Leon Carford shares his thoughts.
People Moves: 11 – 15 September 2023
Stay in the loop with the latest personnel moves in insurance.
Insurance sector facing FCA ‘big bombshell’ on commission model – Michael Sicsic
Insurance is facing a ‘big, big bombshell’ on commissions, as the shockwaves reverberate from the Financial Conduct Authority’s property buildings’ investigation, according to regulatory consultant Michael Sicsic.
Allianz appoints Henry Topham to retail MD role as Smith exits for Axa Health
Allianz has appointed Henry Topham as managing director of its UK retail business succeeding Heather Smith who is moving to Axa Health as CEO.
Heather Smith leaves Allianz to head Axa Health
Axa Health has named Allianz’s managing director for retail, Heather Smith, as its new CEO. Smith will take up the role in mid-January 2024.
Clear buys Heath Crawford & Foster as MVP exits
Clear Group has bought 100% of Heath Crawford & Foster, adding £18m of gross written premium to the growing consolidator.
FOS slams insurer payout delays as motor and buildings complaints hit five-year high
The Financial Ombudsman Service has criticised insurers delaying claims payouts as complaints about buildings, car and motorcycle insurance hit a five-year high.
Profile – Stephanie Ogden, HDI Global: Making a difference
Having progressed from a graduate trainee in Guildford to Allianz branch manager in Scotland, and via Lloyd’s in London to UK & Ireland managing director for HDI Global, Stephanie Ogden is ready to take brokers on the next step of the German-owned…
My Perfect Broker Week: Clear Group’s Nick Smallcorn
To tie in with the first-ever UK Broker Week, we asked our speakers to outline what their perfect working week would look like. Nick Smallcorn, regional managing director, London, at Clear Group shares his thoughts.
Broking Success: Celebrating 50 years of independence
Having celebrated its 50th anniversary as an independent broker, R A Cowen & Partners, which is part of Cowens Group, has no plans to sell up any time soon. CEO Paul Chaplin sets out the philosophy behind the business and shares his route into broking.
Aviva delivers digital tool to help brokers with Net Zero sustainability journey
Aviva has launched Sustainable Business Coach, a free-to-use digital tool designed to help brokers discover the impact their business has on the environment and wider society.
Biba launches latent defects scheme
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has teamed up with specialist broker GBW to launch a latent defects scheme, consisting of building warranty cover tailored for the property development and construction industry.
We must embrace diversity if we expect consumers to embrace insurance
To better anticipate and respond to the needs of a rapidly changing world, the insurance sector’s workforce must reflect the world in which it operates argues Dan Cicchetti, senior director, client engagement UK and Ireland, LexisNexis Risk Solutions…
GRP rebranded to Brown & Brown (Europe)
Global Risk Partners Limited has been rebranded to Brown & Brown (Europe) Limited, a filing at Companies House has confirmed.
Editor’s letter: CEO Storah continues Aviva’s ‘entente cordiale’ with Canada
When Aviva needs a new UK and Ireland boss, Canada has become something of a go-to market.
Jensten strikes biggest deal to date as its snaps up One Broker
Jensten has made its largest acquisition to date, acquiring East Anglian-based One Broker Group for an undisclosed amount, subject to regulatory approval.
Lucida Group adds Jon Sutton as CFO succeeding Mark Mugge
Lucida Group, which includes Right Choice Insurance Brokers, Bennetts and Moorhouse, has appointed Jon Sutton as chief financial officer succeeding Mark Mugge.
News analysis: How to boost organic customer acquisition through lead generation
From specialist commercial players to mass market personal lines, lead generation has been part of the broker sales armoury for years. But with a greater focus on digital channels and data, Sian Barton explores how the practice is evolving.