News
Biba healthcare group founder resigns, labelling it a toothless tiger
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba) healthcare focus group has been dealt a further blow with the resignation of one of its founder members.
Groupama sells healthcare arm to Simplyhealth
Simplyhealth has today announced that it has reached an agreement to purchase the UK healthcare business of Groupama Insurances, subject to the required regulatory approvals.
Broker Network circles Our Network members following Willis deal
Broker Network has opened itself up to membership enquiries from Our Network members following the news that the Broker Direct-owned network had struck a deal with Willis Networks to transfer membership.
Giles weighs in with cash offer for CBG
Giles Insurance Brokers has made a £5.1m cash offer for CBG Group.
Amlin profit warning concerns analysts
Amlin has released a profit warning, lowering the half-year result after tax by £53m.
Dooley leaves Arista
Paul Dooley has confirmed his resignation from commercial underwriting agency Arista Insurance, Insurance Age's sister title Post has revealed.
Bluefin appoints sport specialist
Bluefin Insurance Services has appointed Richard Cliffe as divisional director of Bluefin Sport.
Confused.com advert banned by ASA
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has ruled that confused.com’s adverts stating “18 million strong”, later amended to 20 million, were misleading.
Former Confused.com chief returns with new aggregator model
A new Covea-backed aggregator, due to hit the market early next year, is to be headed up by former Confused.com and Tesco Compare chief, Debra Williams.
Top three in motor a possibility for LV, says O'Roarke
Managing director of LV's general insurance business, John O'Roarke, has revealed the insurer's ambition to reach £1.4bn gross written premium by the end of 2011.
New quarterly FOS data indicates PPI complaints set to double
The Financial Ombudsman Service’s (FOS) data for the first quarter of the financial year 2011/2012 has revealed that it received over 81,000 complaints – more than double the number received in the same period last year.
Rural makes further appointments to push for growth across UK
As part of its ambitions to be a top five player in the agricultural market, Rural Insurance has hired two new senior managers to cover Scotland and Northern Ireland.
LV's COR down as broker channel grows
LV's half year results have seen the mutual insurer's combined operating ratio (COR) drop below 100 to 98.1%.
UK firms feel FSA scrutiny puts them at a disadvantage
The Financial Services Authority’s (FSA) post-crisis clampdown may be harming the UK’s international competitiveness, according to research among senior financial services executives.
Davey on insurer relationships in day two of Network Spotlight
In the second instalment of the 12 day Network Spotlight series, Jonathan Davey, managing director of Keychoice Distribution questions whether more brokers are outside networks than in.
Charles Earle hits back at Arista capacity rumours
Arista chief executive Charles Earle has hit back at industry rumours claiming the insurer is being forced out of the motor trade market.
Chartis raids rivals to build core London team
Barry Taylor joins Chartis Insurance UK from Chubb and John Montgomery arrives from Brit.
Network spotlight series
Insurance Age has interviewed the leaders of the networks to ask them why there are more brokers outside networks than in and what steps they have taken to help members in the past year.
Further law firms announce merger plans
The partners of Clyde & Co and Barlow Lyde & Gilbert (BLG) have voted for a merger between the two law firms.
NMJ doubles in size with Broker Direct purchase
NMJ Insurance Brokers has acquired Barry Fenton Insurance from Broker Direct as a result of the latter’s plan to focus on its core business.
Houghton predicts reduction in networks, as Network Spotlight kicks off
Nick Houghton, managing director of Broker Network, faces the camera for Network Spotlight, and predicts 70 new members in 2011.
Insurer claims industry first with mobile payment cover
Insurance2go.co.uk has said its policy covering mobile phone payment technology fraud is the first of its kind.
Hiscox slumps to half year losses but UK prospers
Hiscox Group has reported a pre-tax loss of £85.6m for the first six months of 2011, in the comparable period of 2010 it made £97.2m in profit.
Quinn issues mass refund after overcharging customers
Quinn has had to refund 20,500 customers after it failed to give them an agreed discount.