News
Bank of England holds interest rates at 0.5% for 11th month in a row
The Bank of England has announced today decisions to keep interest rates on hold at 0.5% and to stop the asset purchase facility at £200bn.
Oxygen appoints in Leeds following death of former boss Sean Hicks
Oxygen appoints Julie Donkin for motor trade and specialist sectors to replace staff leavers in Leeds
Groupama creates tailored SME service for brokers
Groupama Insurances has launched a variable commission option across the whole of its commercial product range
Zurich reports fall in GI profit but rise in COR
Zurich has reported a 2% fall in general insurance business operating profit to $3.5bn (£2.2bn) in 2009, compared to the previous year, however, in local currencies it increased by 1%.
Paul Brierley leaves Our Network
Network managing director leaves the organisation following establishment of joint venture with IIB
Catlin raids Swiss Re for senior hire
Catlin Group has announced that Martin Zingg has been appointed chief investment officer of the Catlin Group with effect from 1 March. He will be based in Catlin’s office in Zurich, Switzerland
Willis Group's revenue and income rise in 2009
Willis Group Holdings, the global insurance broker, today reported results for the year ended December 31, 2009, which showed a $134m (£84.4m) rise in net income and $500m growth in revenues.
QBE becomes partner to RFU
On 3 February QBE announced an agreement to become the official insurance partner of England rugby.
Jelf invests in Ringwood Operation
The Jelf Group has relocated its Ringwood operation to a purpose built premises, Endeavour House on Crow Arch Lane in Ringwood.
PB Week: Mike Crane's weatherman presentation
Mike Crane's team attempt to spice up his insurance words of wisdom in the latest PB Week
Axa goes direct with Confused.com
Axa has returned to the direct insurance market in the form of Axa Direct, the latest insurer to join Confused.com’s list of motor providers.
Premium finance broker referrals increase
Close Premium Finance said that broker referrals increased significantly at the tail end of 2009 and has predicted that premium finance will remain popular thoughout 2010.
CBG signs deal with boxer Ricky Hatton's promotions company
CBG Group, the corporate general insurance, risk management and financial services intermediary, has bolstered its sports division by adding boxing event promoter, Hatton Promotions, to its portfolio.
Think-tank predicts economic growth but rising unemployment in the UK
A report by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) has predicted positive economic growth for the UK economy but also described a more gloomy outlook for unemployment.
Willis names interim CFO
Willis Group Holdings has announced today that Stephen Wood, the company's global group financial controller, has been named interim chief financial officer.
Bluefin 'very lucky' to recruit ex Heath Lambert MD Mike Bruce
Former Heath Lambert managing director, Mike Bruce, has joined Bluefin as chief development officer, responsible for underwriting and claims at the Axa-owned broker
Van broker Autonet appointed by Autotrader
Autonet Insurance Group has been appointed by Autotrader as its sole preferred van insurance provider.
Keychoice Underwriting takes first steps towards market launch
Keychoice Underwriting has unveiled its senior management team in the run up to its official launch later this year
Insurance industry encouraged to take on apprentices
The Government has launched National Apprenticeship Week and is urging insurance employers to recruit apprentices
Helphire consolidation plan could affect up to 300 staff
Helphire Group proposes to consolidate its operations resource in a move that could affect up to 300 employees.
Giles Insurance Brokers opens new office in South Wales
Giles Insurance Brokers is centralising a number of its businesses at a new regional 'super office' in Llantrisant, South Wales.
Marsh raids Zurich for energy leader
Marsh has appointed Martin Clark as UK leader of its energy claims team.
Brightside's trading report reveals 30% broking boost
Brightside Group has released its trading update for the financial year ended 31 December 2009 and announced how it intends to spend the £20m it raised at the end of last year
News review: January
Towergate Underwriting (TU) outlined plans to grow the business through the launch of a network of regional underwriting centres. The move was a precursor to taking the model to an international market. Chief executive Clive Nathan confirmed TU's first…