News
Consumer trust in insurers hits lowest point since 2021 – Fairer Finance
Public trust in the insurance industry has dropped to its lowest level in four years, according to the latest Trust in Insurance Index from Fairer Finance.
City of London Police leads nationwide crackdown on ghost broking
The City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department has led a nationwide period of action targeting ghost brokers in a coordinated crackdown on insurance fraud.
Peach grows appetite in hairdressing scheme expansion with Starpeak
Peach has extended its backing for Starpeak’s hairdressing insurance offering to include property cover.
Dual adds key appointments to the Midlands and South West
Managing general agent Dual UK has named Stephen Davis regional manager for the Midlands and South West and Jayne Sprigg business development manager of the Midlands, confirming it will be open an office in Bristol this year.
Dickson Group buys Northern Ireland broker
Dickson Group has made its first purchase of 2025 snapping up DTM Insurance Brokers based in Holywood, Northern Ireland.
New MGA to target recruitment companies
Acies MGU has created a new managing general agent, Acies Specialist Schemes, launching with an offering for recruitment companies.
Aspect grows product range again with liability offer
Managing general agent Aspect has broadened its product range with liability cover now being offered alongside property risk underwriting.
MGA Optio launches PVT product with Lloyd’s backing
Specialty managing general agent Optio Group has re-entered the political violence and terrorism market, securing Lloyd’s of London backing.
MGA signs three year capacity deal with AmTrust
Legal expenses and specialist add-on insurance provider Alps has signed a new three-year capacity deal with AmTrust International in another tie-up with the backer.
British businesses embracing AI – QBE
More than 9 in 10 UK businesses (95%) are now using artificial intelligence or looking into it, according to research by QBE.
Adler Fairways recruits Bristol and Birmingham branch directors
Adler Fairways has appointed Oliver James and Rachael George as branch directors for its Bristol and Birmingham offices.
Ex-RSA boss Lee Mooney named Markel UK MD as Neil Galjaard steps down
Neil Galjaard, managing director of Markel UK, will step down with Lee Mooney taking up the job towards the end of June, subject to regulatory approval.
Premium Credit research shows finance options crucial to over 25% of insurance customers
More than one in four (27%) insurance customers would cut cover or switch to cheaper policies if they were not able to make monthly premium payments, according to research by Premium Credit.
People Moves: 27 – 30 May 2025
Stay in the loop with the latest insurance personnel moves.
Rokstone launches international casualty division
Managing general agent Rokstone has launched an international casualty division, recruiting again from Convex to lead the new offering.
Personal lines specialist buys bicycle and e-bike insurance brand
Niche Box Group has bought Next Generation Insurance Group – trading as Cycler – to expand into bicycle insurance as a stand alone or embedded into core covers.
Oxbow predicts profitable motor market CORs for 2025 and 2026
Oxbow Partners has forecast a combined operating ratio for the UK motor market of 93% for 2025 and 96% for 2026, which would mark three consecutive years of profit for the sector.
Leicester-based broker strikes first acquisition
GOAT Insurance has purchased the full book of business from IGG Insurance, marking its first buy.
Superscript partners with Toolstation
Digital insurance broker Superscript has teamed up with Toolstation, one of the UK’s largest suppliers of tools, accessories and building supplies, to deliver the retailer’s customers access to a new insurance offering.
Zurich appoints youngest ever regional head
Georgina Davis has been appointed head of regional market for the Midlands, South West and Wales at Zurich, succeeding Stephen Davis who is leaving for a new role at another business.
FSCS confirms no broker levy for 2025/26
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme has confirmed there will be no 2025/26 levy for the general insurance distribution class in which brokers sit.
People Moves: 19 – 23 May 2025
Keep up to date with the latest personnel moves in insurance.
2025 UK Broker Awards open for entries, and it’s simpler than ever to get involved
The 2025 UK Broker Awards are open for entries, with a new process that makes it simpler for firms to put themselves forward to be in with a chance of winning.
FCA authorisation service slips back in Q4
The Financial Conduct Authority’s authorisation service in broker-related categories went backwards in the final quarter of the 2024/25 financial year.