Personal lines market in the doldrums
Profit slumps, job cuts and collapsed takeover bids point to a difficult personal lines market
News from two major brokers brought the spotlight onto the personal lines broker market
last month.
Swinton announced, alongside a 48% profit slump, that it is to cut 120 roles and further reduce branch numbers to 400.
The broker’s chief Christophe Bardet defended the decision (see box) as being in line with growth plans and a generally positive approach to the market.
Brightside Group also hit the headlines as Markerstudy slashed its takeover bid from £123m to £100m. The Bristol-based broker
Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.
To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@insuranceage.co.uk or view our subscription options here: https://subscriptions.insuranceage.co.uk/subscribe
You are currently unable to print this content. Please contact info@insuranceage.co.uk to find out more.
You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@insuranceage.co.uk to find out more.
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (point 2.4), printing is limited to a single copy.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@insuranceage.co.uk
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
You may share this content using our article tools. As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (clause 2.4), an Authorised User may only make one copy of the materials for their own personal use. You must also comply with the restrictions in clause 2.5.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@insuranceage.co.uk
More on Personal
Travel insurance broker goes into liquidation
Michael Pettifer Insurance Brokers, trading as MPI Brokers, went into creditors’ voluntary liquidation on 21 November, the Financial Conduct Authority has confirmed.
Deloitte forecasts home insurers will slide back to losses in 2026 after profits in 2025
UK home insurers are set to make an underwriting profit in 2025, with a net combined ratio of 98%, but will swing back to losses next year with an NCR of 102.1%, according to Deloitte.
Caravan Guard profits soar as turnover up double digits
Caravan Guard grew profit by over 40% in the year ended 31 March 2025 as turnover rose 21%.
Q&A: Grove & Dean’s Michael Lawrence
Michael Lawrence, distribution and underwriting director at personal lines specialist Grove & Dean, spent 34 years at LV general insurance in its various guises before jumping the fence in 2024.
Premium Credit adds three more brokers on back of Close pull out
Premium Credit has struck deals with Riviera Insurance, Principal Insurance, and Bedford Insurance Group after Close Brothers decided to pivot away from personal lines to commercial.
End of Year Review 2025: Axa Retail’s Matt Field
Matt Field, intermediary director at Axa Retail, hails the insurer’s domestic violence proposition; keeps a keen eye on its NPS; and predicts new entrants to shake up the retail personal lines market, with a particular focus on data and technology.
Interview: Tigi Singhateh and Adrian Best, Invicta Insurance Services
Since coming on board in 2022, Invicta Insurance Services’ leaders have doubled the size of the business, despite having to deal with a fraudster. With the now ex-employee jailed and the case firmly behind them, they are targeting doubling again.
FCA’s home and travel super-complaint response triggers praise and warnings from experts
Industry specialists have praised the clarity and transparency of the Financial Conduct Authority’s response to the Which? super-complaint about the ‘broken’ home and travel insurance markets but warned the actions may not “get to grips” with “growing problems”.