News
Paymentshield targets online system to attract brokers
Paymentshield is to invest over £2m in its Inertia Online System and overhaul its insurer panel as it bids to enhance the products and services it offers to brokers.
Livestock rustling sends claims soaring in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is the worst affected region for livestock rustling, accounting for more than 20% of claims in 2011, according to rural insurer NFU Mutual.
RSA to reduce broker panel to achieve commercial profitability
RSA's 2011 report and accounts has confirmed that the insurer will take a more “targeted approach” to its broker distribution in the UK.
Regulation moving too fast for financial services
Regulatory developments are coming too fast to allow financial services companies to react effectively according to a report from regulatory analysts, JWG.
E Coleman buys Foster Leighton and targets expansion into Cornwall
Poole-based broker E Coleman has acquired Foster Leighton in Exeter for an undisclosed sum.
Brit suffers ratings downgrade after QBE sale
AM Best has downgraded the financial strength rating and issuer credit rating of Brit Insurance Limited (BIL) to A- from A and placed the ratings under review with negative implications.
Jelf off to a positive start in 2012
Jelf has reported a "positive start to the year" in a trading update.
Chartis Europe sees reduced profit and GWP but improved COR
Chartis Europe has reported a fall in profit for the year ended November 2011 to £11m, compared with £101m in 2010.
Iprism returns to profit with doubled turnover
Iprism Underwriting Agency has reported a jump back to profit, with earnings of £2.1m for the year ended December 2011, compared with a loss of £0.8m in 2010.
Insurecom adds to senior team
Insurecom has appointed a new chief financial officer (CFO) and chief technical officer.
Home Secretary gives backing to Biba and ABI signposting initiative
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba) and the Association of British Insurers (ABI) have revealed a government backed signposting agreement which they claim will make it easier for older customers to find motor and travel insurance.
QBE reveals expansion plans to brokers
Ash Bathia, chief underwriting officer at QBE for property, casualty and motor, has told brokers to expect more engagement and products from the provider after its acquisition of Brit’s UK regional business.
NIG aims to expand in Scottish market
NIG plans to invest in its Scottish operation and grow its Glasgow-based team following feedback from brokers in the Scottish commercial and SME market.
Brokers welcome QBE takeover of Brit's UK regional business
Brokers have given a uniformly positive reaction to the takeover by QBE of Brit’s UK regional business describing it as good news for both brokers and insurers.
QBE buys Brit’s UK regional business
QBE has announced the purchase of Brit’s renewal rights for the UK regional operations business with the transaction expected to be completed on 13 April.
RK Harrison reports jump in profit
RK Harrison Holdings has reported an operating profit of £20.4m for the year ended 30 June 2011, up 27% from £16.1m reported in 2010.
Cobra confirms bid negotiations with Towergate
Cobra Holdings has confirmed that it is co-operating with Towergate and a company formed by chief executive Stephen Burrows over pre-offer enquiries.
Video: Insurance Age meets Birmingham brokers
Insurance Age has launched the first of its new roadshow series interviewing regional brokers on the issues affecting their businesses.
Marsh and Guy Carpenter team up to tackle flood insurance drought
Marsh and Guy Carpenter have joined forces with digital mapping and land data intelligence provider Landmark Information Group to create a new flood risk reinsurance pool.
Kiln races into horse market
Kiln has appointed Georgina Smart as an equine underwriter to focus on specialist risks for sports and leisure horses.
Arista boosts North East presence
Arista Insurance has appointed Adam Hirst as a commercial underwriter and promoted Pamela O'Loughlin to the role of senior fleet underwriter at its Leeds office.
ALPS signs up two Norwich brokers
Norwich-based brokers Alan Boswell and Knowlden Titlow have signed up with Auto Legal Protection Services (ALPS) for motor insurance claims handling.
Giles up against Acromas in bid for Groupama's UK broking arm
Giles and Acromas have both filed bids to buy part of the UK arm of Groupama, according to the Independent.
Oliver to be UK CEO at A&A
Martin Oliver has confirmed to Insurance Age that he will become the new UK chief executive officer at Allen & Allen group once he has completed his notice period at Barbon.