News
THB Group doubles pre-tax profits to £1.9m
THB Group has announced an increase in broking profits to £4.8m along with a group pre-tax profit of £1.9m for the six months ended 30 April 2011.
Broker stars in Microsoft advert
Reading-based Macbeth Chartered Insurance Brokers features in a video advert for Microsoft’s new cloud computing solution, Office 365.
Another senior figure leaves as Towergate IPO looms
Chief operating officer Max Carruthers has left Towergate, Insurance Age understands.
SSP launches Keychoice Distribution
Technology provider SSP has restructured with Keychoice Distribution unveiled as a single point of access to all the group’s products and services for its 1,000 independent brokers.
Bennetts rebrands to become major player in the South
Insurance Broker Bennetts Commercial has unveiled its rebrand.
Gallagher Heath strengthens in the Midlands
Gallagher Heath, formerly known as Heath Lambert, has recruited four senior executives to be based at its Birmingham office.
Survey reveals limited remote working capability in insurance
A survey by Hyland Software of insurance professionals across the UK, Europe and Asia has found that 37% of respondents changed their business model and diversified into new sectors including increased product and service lines during the economic…
IIB calls for FSCS review after 900% levy increase
The Institute of Insurance Brokers (IIB) has presented research to the All Party Parliamentary Group on Insurance and Financial Services (APPGIFS) showing that brokers with an income of £500,000, £1m or £5m have seen their Financial Services Compensation…
Jonathan Swift elected co-ordinator of insurance’s APPG
At the annual general meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Insurance and Financial Services (APPGIFS), Jonathan Swift, group editor-in-chief of Insurance Age and sister title Post, was elected as the APPGIFS’ co-ordinator.
Banks to offload 10% of Brightside holding
Arron Banks, chief executive officer of Bristol-based Brightside Group, is to sell 10% of his share holding and grant security to an unconnected third party of nearly eight million ordinary shares in the company, it has been announced.
SMEs still gripped by fear of going bust as confidence nosedives
Many SMEs face going bust in the coming months if trading conditions don’t improve, according to a new study.
Biba slams Zurich Municipal over anti-broker marketing
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba) has hit out at Zurich over the content of a Zurich Municipal advert urging customers to “cut out the middle man”.
Heath Lambert loses two in Scotland to rival
Towergate Scotland has made two appointments to its Edinburgh-based broking team as it looks to grow its presence in the Scottish capital.
Axa commits to rewarding Chartered brokers
Chartered brokers could begin to reap commercial benefits for their status as Axa Commercial Lines rolls out an initiative to reward such brokers with “a range of unique benefits”.
Higos makes latest acquisition
Higos Insurance Services has acquired Vaughan Insurance Brokers in the Somerset market town of Crewkerne.
HSBC Insurance (UK) sold for £68.5m
HSBC Insurance Services Holdings has agreed to sell HSBC Insurance (UK) to Syndicate Holding for £68.5m in cash.
Video: What the Papers Say - latest edition
Insurance Age senior reporter Emmanuel Kenning is joined by colleague Liz McMahon and director of Spotlight Communications, Lesley Russell to discuss the top insurance stories.
Slow down in car insurance price rises
The average price of a comprehensive car insurance policy rose by 2.7% in the second quarter of 2011, according to the Confused.com and Towers Watson Car Insurance Price Index.
UK Broker Awards 2011 shortlist announced
The judges deliberated long and hard but managed to whittle down the entries to these lucky few. Congratulations to all those shortlisted and best of luck on the day.
CCV buys in Lincolnshire
Cullum Capital Ventures (CCV) has announced the acquisition of Lincolnshire-based high street broker Lincsure.
CII finds replacement for Alasdair Stewart
The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) has appointed Graeme Sutton as director of corporate development, Insurance Age can reveal.
UK insurance industry survives stress tests
The strength of the UK insurance industry has been underlined following the results of the second European insurance stress test, according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI).
Chartis names UK MD
Nicolas Aubert has been appointed managing director of Chartis Insurance UK.
Further growth at Be Wiser
Be Wiser Insurance Services has announced a sharp rise in gross premium income to £52.3m from £23.5m in 2010.