Insurer
Product update: SMEs protected from insolvency
Trade credit insurance firm Atradius has launched a policy designed specifically to help protect small to medium-sized enterprises (SME) from unexpected insolvencies impacting their supply chain.
Product update: Sunworld travel disruption
A new product designed to protect travellers against the insolvency of travel agents and tour operators and the disruption caused by increasingly severe weather events, has been launched.
Power hour: Calling in the experts?
This month's debate, with live interaction from Twitter, ascertains what value MGAs bring to brokers' businesses and the wider market. Are they simply another mouth to feed or the specialists that insurers and brokers need to service a diverse client…
Entire Choicequote workforce in redundancy consultation
The entire staff and management team at Choicequote have entered a redundancy consultation period just two and a half years after the broker was bought by Groupama.
Product update: Metals and machinery cover
Aviva has launched two bespoke policies for those working specifically in metals or machinery and equipment.
Allianz responds to calls for South-west presence
Allianz has responded to regional broker demand by launching a mobile underwriting team in the South West.
The interview: Spreading the word
Although officially retired from the industry, Reg Brown remains full of ambition. Liz McMahon talks to the former president of the CII about his community work, formation of the MGAA and, of course, the London Phoenix Orchestra.
Insurers create London teams to develop broker relationships
Broker focused insurers Groupama Insurances and Ecclesiastical have set up new divisions in London in an effort to win new business.
Agenda: Insurance and the state
The insurance industry and the state are inextricably entwined with a large number of common interests but competing in a number of areas in looking after the wellbeing of citizens and businesses. On a macro basis, the need for insurance in a communist…
E-commerce: Failing to enforce 'leaver' processes risks giving access to competitors
Brokers could be leaving their client database wide open to attack from competitors by not implementing effective staff exit strategies, according to industry experts.
E-commerce: Insurers urged not to rush into app development
Insurers have been warned against rushing to create iPhone applications (apps) for basic insurance processes as Aviva became the latest insurer to launch an app.
2010 review: A year of living cautiously
The economy grew, rival political parties unexpectedly started working together and personal lines rates even hardened, although plenty of surprises and setbacks meant that 2010 was far from plain sailing, writes Andrew Tjaardstra.
2010 round-up - Professionalism: The year of the professional
This year saw the launch of PB's and Post's Investing in the Profession campaign to promote a new era of professionalism, writes Andrew Tjaardstra.
Viewpoint: Justice for all will disappear
It is all too easy to point at the manner of Lord Young's recent departure from government as the Prime Minister's enterprise adviser to suggest that he was out of touch with the real world. Some commentators had already made the observation back in…
Focus - Broker funding: Finding your way through
With the major banks still cautious about lending, brokers are finding it tough to access funding for growth. Rachel Gordon looks at the options.
Editor's comment: Pulling together on flooding
The cost of damage caused by flooding has risen 200% over the last decade, giving insurers a nightmare to consider for the future.
News Analysis: Changing course at Aviva
Andrew Tjaardstra discusses Aviva's change in fortunes and direction since the departure of former chief executive Igal Mayer to head up the insurer's North American operations.
News Analysis - Cornwall: After the flood
Emmanuel Kenning asks how the insurance profession has responded to the floods in Cornwall.
The PB Interview - Laurent Matras: Through the storm
Laurent Matras, managing director at Groupama Insurances, tells Andrew Tjaardstra about the state of the insurance market and how he is working closely with brokers to give his firm a competitive advantage.
News analysis - Coaching: Asking the right questions
Emmanuel Kenning asks if questions rather than answers can help brokers build a successful business.
Market Watch - Construction: Building a brighter future
Emmanuel Kenning investigates the impact of the recession on the construction industry and asks sector experts if they are upbeat or downcast in their expectations for 2011.
MMA creates new South East focus
MMA Insurance has appointed Caroline Fisher to a newly-created position of development manager to cover the South East.
Oval teams up with Lorega
Oval and Lorega have launched a dedicated claims assistance service for the broker’s commercial client base.
Travel rates need sharp hike if sector is to turn profit
The travel insurance industry needs to push through rate increases of up to 30% if the sector is to return to profitability, according to travel specialist Mondial Assistance.