News Analysis
Jo Sykes: Markel out to disrupt cyber market with new launch
Markel is set to launch its cyber product in September, and Jo Sykes, divisional director for commercial lines, has outlined the insurer will continue to add to its digital offering suite.
Reed survey paints mixed picture of account exec pay
Average pay levels for insurance account executives are projected to increase in all areas of the UK going into next year, however any rises will come on the back of declines in the past 12 months.
Staffordshire-based broker makes first deal under Momentum Equity Partners
Bartlett James Risk Solutions has purchased fellow Momentum appointed representative IPC, marking the first Momentum Equity Partners deal.
Bexhill report shines spotlight on broker ownership
Premium finance lender Bexhill UK has crunched the numbers on the broking sector, with CEO Ravi Takhar warning that truly independent owner-managed regional brokers are slowly becoming ‘a thing of the past’, Insurance Age can reveal.
FOIs reveal no brokers directly involved in motor insurance taskforce
The Financial Conduct Authority has confirmed insurance brokers and intermediaries did not directly form part of the Motor Insurance Taskforce review, in its response to a Freedom of Information request by Insurance Age.
Sabre ‘all in’ on broker support as CEO Carter eyes growth after profit boost in 2025
Sabre is ready to grow with brokers as the provider promised the sector it “can rely on us to provide competitive prices through our part of the market through this year’” CEO Geoff Carter told Insurance Age.
JMG recruits Cunis from Gallagher to lead on private clients
Andrew Cunis has left Gallagher to join JMG Group in May as CEO of private clients, Insurance Age can reveal.
Aviva to keep Direct Line for Business
Aviva, which partially exited direct SME commercial business in 2024, is keeping Direct Line for Business and does not view it as a challenger to brokers, Jason Storah, CEO for UK and Ireland general insurance told Insurance Age.
News analysis: Will NCDs for fleets catch on, and what does the future hold for the CV sector?
Last year, Zurich Insurance announced it was enhancing its SME e-trade fleet offering by accepting no claims discount (NCD) claims history in response to broker demand. Saxon East examines the ramifications of this move – and explores other dynamics…
Open GI parent trims losses in year of Ares deal
Open GI’s parent company, OM Bidco, cut operating and post-tax losses in the year Ares Management bought the business, a filing at Companies House has revealed.
News analysis: Why are more brokers competing for brand and affinity partnerships?
A number of brokers have recently announced tie-ups with household brands to distribute insurance. Ida Axling explores the benefits these affinity deals bring for intermediaries and their partners, and the prospects for future growth in the brand…
Caravan Guard pays tribute to founder Peter Wilby who has passed away aged 78
With deep sadness the Wilby family has announced the passing of Caravan Guard founder and chairman, Peter Wilby, aged 78.
Broker Diversity Push: FOI stats show subtle improvements in broking leadership gender balance
The latest data from the Financial Conduct Authority obtained by Insurance Age via a Freedom of Information request has shown small improvements in five out of six key SMF approved functions.
Brokers have mixed reaction on Zurich/Beazley deal
Insurance brokers have given a mixed response to the potential Zurich/Beazley deal highlighting the acquisition would create a “strong proposition” and could create opportunities but noted another competitor leaving the market as a medium-term worry.
Grove & Dean doubles down on digital after turnover and profits slip
Motor experts Grove & Dean saw turnover shrink by 9.3% and post-tax profit fall 39.7% in the year ended 31 May 2025, but is seeing signs of improvement and momentum in the current year according to managing director Damian Collett.
Commercial Express adds Fortegra as capacity provider as MGU plans step forward
Managing general agent Commercial Express has struck a capacity partnership with Fortegra, Insurance Age can reveal.
JMG spend on deals surges to new high in year before PE investment
JMG Group spent £89.62m on buying in 2024/25, the financial year ahead of private equity firm GTCR investing alongside existing backer PE house Synova and the broker’s leadership team.
Circle within a whisker of £10m turnover
The parent company of Circle Insurance Services grew turnover in the year ended 30 April 2025 as profits recovered compared to the prior period.
Seventeen Group boosted turnover but losses widened in run-up to PE investment
Seventeen Group grew turnover by 16.4% to £52.76m in 2024 helped by 11 acquisitions however the cost of the deals hit the bottom line.
Motor MGA KGM boosts Zurich deal to £2bn+ over five years
KGM has renewed its capacity deal with Zurich for a further five years tapping into backing for over £2bn in gross written premium, Insurance Age can reveal.
The numbers that reveal the true extent of the 2025 broker deal slump
The number of UK broker deals halved in 2025 to the lowest level in the three years since Insurance Age started its interactive map series, with the fall coming despite the number of buyers remaining steady.