News Analysis
Applied Net 24: Applied eyes opportunities for automation
Applied Systems sees opportunities for automation and data use, as its clients number one ask is for more operational efficiencies, chief product officer Anupam Gupta told journalists at Applied Net 24.
Coalition to set up regional underwriting hubs
Coalition has recruited Philip Cruickshank from Aon as a regional development underwriter based in Manchester, as it embarks on creating a series of hubs in the country, Insurance Age can reveal.
The stats: Q2 2024 – Commercial combined and combined liability premiums fall for first time in three years
The smallest index movement since Q2 2021 suggests the commercial lines market is starting to become more competitive again, as Ida Axling reports.
Think strikes third buy in three years with Bromwich Insurance Bureau deal
Walsall-headquartered Think Insurance Services has secured its third Midlands-based deal buying Bromwich Insurance Bureau, Insurance Age can reveal.
Ageas Retail revenue ticks up as profit rebounds
Ageas’ wholly owned broking subsidiary Ageas Retail grew post-tax profit by 20% in 2023 to £6.5m, switching back to growth after declining in 2022.
When it comes to risk management do brokers practice what they preach?
Brokers are being asked to constantly bang the drum for risk management to make sure a client is adequately insured. But what are intermediaries doing to protect and ready their own businesses for all eventualities? Martin Friel investigates.
MCE administration extended for a year
The administrators of MCE Insurance have revealed a 12-month extension to the process which is now set to close in July 2025.
How can the insurance industry bust ghost brokers for good?
With ghost broking a growing and persistent threat to the insurance industry, Rosie Simms asks whether technology is making the problem more prevalent – or easier for insurers to spot.
Biba concerned IPT exposed to rise
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association is concerned insurance premium tax is exposed to a rise, according to director of regulation David Sparkes.
FCA opens discussion on commercial insurance regulation
The Financial Conduct Authority has launched a discussion paper on the regulation of commercial and bespoke insurance business.
Dual eyes up Bristol and Manchester for new regional offices
Dual is targeting Bristol and Manchester for the two regional offices previously promised this year, Insurance Age can reveal.
Allianz’s Hobbs, Arch’s Peters, Aviva’s Martin and Zurich’s Nichols to join panel at Broker Expo 2024
Insurance Age is delighted to reveal the first panel at the Broker Expo 2024 and it has a lot of insurer star power.
Ecclesiastical urges insurer climate credentials be part of broker-client conversation
The majority of brokers are not talking to clients about insurers’ climate credentials, according to research from Ecclesiastical, Insurance Age can reveal.
UK Broker Awards 2024 shortlist announced
Today Insurance Age can reveal the shortlist for the 2024 UK Broker Awards.
Addept looks to go live in Q4 as it finalises capacity deals
Wholesaler Addept Insurance Services has revealed it plans to sell its first product in the fourth quarter, as it strives to hit a target of £5m net written premium by year three.
Academy turnover dipped in run-up to Blixt buy
Academy Insurance Services’ turnover and profitability fell in the run-up to being bought by private equity house Blixt, according to a filing at Companies House.
MGA “has to own its claims proposition” – Partners& boss
A panel at the Managing General Agents Association 2024 conference explained MGAs need to create a better claims proposition and own it.
Somerset Bridge swings to Ebitda profit as turnover doubles in 2023
Arch Reinsurance-owned Somerset Bridge Group trimmed post-tax losses in 2023 to £13m from £32m the year before, as it moved into positive Ebitda territory.
PIB reveals costs of record 26 deals in 2023
PIB spent £331.9m on a record 26 deals in 2023 as the consolidator expanded in the UK and across Europe.
MUM founder Charles Manchester to retire from Pen
Charles Manchester, founder of Manchester Underwriting Management, is retiring from the business this month, Insurance Age can reveal.
FCA trims broker fees hike to 9.3%
The Financial Conduct Authority has confirmed it is raising the financial contribution of the general insurance mediation fee block by 9.3% for 2024/25, down from its initial projection of a 9.8% increase.
C-Quence seeks to “unleash” digital tools and target schemes after Sompo tie-up
C-Quence is looking to “unleash the breadth” of its digital capabilities and target more schemes business having switched capacity provider for its property and casualty and property owners propositions.
The stats: Q1 2024 - Commercial combined slows to near halt
The year has started with almost no average premium growth in commercial combined while fleet and property owners have powered ahead, according to the latest statistics from Acturis.
Are new regional insurer offices the silver bullet to improve broker service?
The insurer retrenchment from the regions might have stopped and indeed been reversed in some cases, but as Ida Axling discovers, new branches, whilst welcome, are not the answer to all the issues over broker service.