Insurer
Interview: Mike Crane, SME & Specialty director at Axa Commercial
In his first interview since starting at Axa Commercial as SME and specialty director this January, Mike Crane tells Insurance Age about his key message to brokers at the upcoming Biba Conference, what he has found at his new home and his plans for the…
Premium finance costs ease ahead of FCA report
The cost of home and motor premium finance has fallen in the past six months, according to research by Pearson Ham.
TMHCCI names Thibaud Hervy as CEO
Tokio Marine HCC International has appointed Thibaud Hervy as CEO, following Barry Cook taking on the deputy CEO role at the wider TMHCC group.
Axa Commercial to enter cyber market for SMEs in 2025
Axa Commercial will roll out a branded cyber product aimed at SMEs this year, Mike Crane told Insurance Age.
People Moves: 28 April – 2 May 2025
Keep up to date with the latest insurance industry personnel moves.
Biba 2025 Countdown: Granite’s Alistair Rose
Alistair Rose, managing director of Granite Underwriting, talks up the merchandise on its stand, recommends Manchester Art Gallery as a calm place to reflect on the Biba buzz, and highlights an emergency snack stash as essential to get through the two…
Markel becomes Biba partner
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has welcomed Markel as an official partner.
Schemes and HNW help drive Q1 premium growth at Hiscox
Hiscox has hailed “very strong” schemes growth and double-digit expansion in art and private client business as the UK retail arm posted a 4.4% premium rise in the first quarter of 2025.
No new FCA skilled persons investigations into insurance in final quarter
The Financial Conduct Authority did not commission any skilled person reports in the insurance sector between January and March, leaving the running total for the 2024/25 financial year at 10.
Biba 2025 Countdown: Coalition’s Tom Draper
Coalition UK managing director Tom Draper looks forward to filling an extra bag with Biba swag and giveaways; explains why Oasis’ Stand By Me sums up the event perfectly; and explains how it will be supporting brokers with relevant, real-world content on…
Aviva Health boss Steve Bridger takes claims role as Waseem Malik exits
Aviva has appointed Steve Bridger as chief claims officer for UK and Ireland general insurance, replacing Waseem Malik, who has left the business.
Biba 2025 Countdown: Beazley’s Sam Franks
Sam Franks, country manager and head of partner engagement for the UK & Ireland at Beazley, promises plenty of pink and underwriters on its stand; offers advice about how brokers can differentiate themselves from their peers in the market; and looks…
People Moves: 22 – 25 April 2025
Follow the latest personnel moves in insurance.
UK commercial rates falling faster – Marsh
The pace of UK commercial insurance rates dropping quickened in the first quarter of the year, outstripping the global fall.
Gibson and Johnson set to leave Allianz after claims merge
Graham Gibson, chief claims officer for Allianz Commercial, and Caroline Johnson, claims director for Allianz Personal, are set to exit the insurer in Q4.
Cowbell makes first move beyond standalone cyber insurance in UK with PI launch
Cowbell, provider of cyber insurance for SMEs and middle-market businesses, has launched professional indemnity and cyber cover for technology companies with up to £1bn in annual turnover.
Axa swings back to UK underwriting profits in 2024
Axa Insurance UK returned to underwriting profit in 2024 with a £45m result, reversing a £103m deficit in 2023.
Biba 2025 countdown: Arch Insurance UK’s Janine Starkie
Janine Starkie, regional manager for the North and Scotland at Arch Insurance UK teases a special guest for its event at the Exhibition Bar; reveals she has snagged Oasis tickets; and looks forward to promoting its ‘hub-and-spoke’ model that ensures…
IPT receipts surge 9% to £8.88bn in 2024/25
Data from HMRC has confirmed receipts from Insurance Premium Tax jumped by £737m in the 2024/25 financial year reaching a new high of £8.88bn.
Biba 2025 Countdown: Bridgehaven’s Paul Jewell
Paul Jewell, CEO of Bridgehaven hails Mike Keating’s ability to not park the bus; looks forward to discussing the exciting opportunities presented by alternative capacity providers; and recommends delegates visit Manchester’s answer to Hogwarts.
Brokers see growth opportunities in non-standard property
Brokers have ranked unoccupied homes as top of the key growth areas list in a Prestige Underwriting survey on the non-standard market.
Ecclesiastical grows presence in Scotland opening office in Glasgow
Ecclesiastical Insurance has opened an office in Glasgow after it saw a surge in new business in Scotland.
Biba 2025 Countdown: Markel’s Jo Sykes
Jo Sykes, divisional director, broker & ATE UK at Markel, promises a partnership with an Olympic champion; expects to see another uptick in attendance at its annual hospitality event; and looks forward to putting her sore feet up and checking the iPad…
Axa warns brokers on criminal gangs targeting vacant commercial properties
Axa UK has urged brokers to make sure customers are vigilant about criminal gangs targeting empty commercial properties as the insurer has seen a steep rise in the problem in recent months.