Interview
Aviva’s rising stars programme sees cohort promotions
Poppy Keys, construction commercial broker executive at ABA Insurance Commercial, has implemented a number of changes following Aviva’s rising stars programme, as five of its participants gain promotions.
Education key as AI adoption faster than ever, says CFC’s Radu
Focusing on the end client and education programmes spanning policyholders, brokers and insurers is key to success as companies ramp up the use of artificial intelligence, CFC head of technology Aura Radu told Insurance Age.
Interview: ERS managing director Martin Hall
The newly appointed ERS managing director Martin Hall speaks to Jonathan Swift about how it plans to maintain its profitable growth through embracing data/technology, focusing on opportunities in mobility innovation and being the go-to market for brokers…
MGAs ‘extremely focused’ on broker distribution in softening market - Keating
MGAs are “extremely focused” on distribution, according to Mike Keating, CEO of the Managing General Agents’ Association, as he also detailed how the claims process needs to be deconstructed and put back together.
Interview: Georgina Davis, head of regional market for the Midlands, South West and Wales at Zurich
In her first interview since taking up the post of head of regional market for the Midlands, South West and Wales at Zurich, Georgina Davis tells Insurance Age about the goal of smashing the 30% growth target and her route to the “coming home” role.
Petchey: “Strong demand” in schemes gives Markel opportunity to diversify
Mike Petchey, head of schemes at Markel, is seeing “strong demand” in the market, highlighting the number of possibilities when it comes to schemes is enormous.
Interview: DCI Nik Jethwa, head of the insurance fraud department at the City of London Police
Detective Chief Inspector Nik Jethwa, head of the insurance fraud department at the City of London Police, tells Insurance Age why he is optimistic about the outlook for fighting insurance fraud, including ghost broking, with industry collaboration and…
Cheesbrough outlines M&A and tech plans as Movo enters ‘2.0’ growth phase
The Movo Group of Companies is poised to enter a new period of M&A activity and member sign-up following the sale of a majority equity stake to AUB in October 2024.
Interview: Brendan Devine, CEO of Atec Group
In his five years as CEO of Atec Group Brendan Devine has led the business to more than double policy numbers and profit organically, now having struck its first acquisition buying Moorhouse last month he explains how it will triple in size over the next…
Interview: JP Allcock, managing director of commercial insurance at NFP Europe
NFP’s John Paul Allcock tells Insurance Age about building the broker’s UK arm from nine staff to over 300, buying and rebranding plans as well as how the business has fared since the takeover by Aon just over a year ago.
Interview: Superscript CEO Chris Barclay
Newly appointed Superscript CEO Chris Barclay tells Jonathan Swift about its plans to enter motor, reduce the number of insurers it works with and treble in size to over £100m GWP after shaking off its insurtech tag to become a truly digital insurance…
Cowens looks for growth in challenging market
Mark Wilson, managing director of Cowens, has targeted 15% growth in the next year but highlighted the soft market and wider economy challenges, with acquisitions not ruled out.
Cowbell targets cyber insurance education to increase uptake
Simon Hughes, senior vice-president of global distribution at Cowbell, looks to grow the cyber insurance market by educating brokers, as the UK team continues to expand.
Lycetts to invest more in technology, with opportunities in softening market – Barclay
Ian Barclay, CEO of Lycetts, told Insurance Age the broker is investing in technology whilst keeping face-to-face relationships with clients, as he sees opportunities in a softening market.
Broking Success: One team
James Godsall, managing director of generalist broker Jukes Insurance, on bringing teams together and maintaining a high street-type presence while moving the broker to 50/50 commercial and personal lines.
Sporting Sponsor: Birkdale Insurance Group and Southport FC
Insurance Age caught up with Birkdale Insurance Group to find out more about its main shirt sponsorship for Southport FC.
Interview: Emma Rawlinson, CEO of Markerstudy Distribution
After four job titles in just 12 months, Markerstudy Distribution CEO Emma Rawlinson tells Insurance Age about what comes next on brands, growth, acquisitions and more for the multi-billion-pound business as the Atlanta integration proceeds at pace.
Interview: Keith Hector, Covéa
Keith Hector, commercial lines director at Covéa, looks to make e-trade limits more flexible, highlights “buoyant” schemes business, and teases new products as he targets £200m GWP in 2025.
Meet the MGA: Arkel
Chief underwriting officer Kris Lee outlines why data and people are key to Arkel’s success, none more than recent recruits Matthew Donaldson and Steve Lewis, and how its ‘dream team’ will take it to new heights in a ‘pivotal’ 2025 as it aims to become a…
Cotty eyes Bristol becoming Thomas Carroll’s largest region
Gareth Cotty, group chief commercial officer at Thomas Carroll, details the agility in being independent, opportunities for the Bristol office to become its largest region, and notes further buys and office expansions are not off the table.
Ageas’ Middle and Beckett on staying strong with broker growth ambitions amid deals
Ageas’ plans are “as strong as ever” when it comes to broker growth and the ongoing deals will not be a distraction, its bosses have promised the sector as they flagged home insurance expansion as a key priority.
MyFirst CEO on social media opportunities and Gymshark founder taking a share
James Noble, CEO and founder of MyFirst, is aiming to create a brand every young person in the UK will know in three to five years by focusing on social media, and Gymshark founder Lewis Morgan has taken a 15% share of the business.
Aviva’s Yabantu: Consistency of strategy needed in mid-market
Michael Yabantu, head of mid-market at Aviva, highlights the need for consistency in mid-market underwriting strategy, and shares how the insurer is improving response times and refreshing products.
QBE’s Fitzgerald on doubling in the regions, and what comes next
In the past three years, QBE has doubled its gross written premium in the regions and is not taking its “foot off the growth”, UK regions director Andy Fitzgerald tells Insurance Age, promising consistency for brokers.