News
Online PI broker opens in Ipswich
PolicyBee, an online professional indemnity broker, has launched from offices in Ipswich targeting SME business, independent consultants and small consultancies.
Sean Genden appointed CEO of Travelers Europe
Travelers has named Sean Genden as chief executive officer for Travelers Europe. The provider said his appointment was designed to support its strategic and growth initiatives in the European property and casualty market.
Norgrove confirmed as Zurich's GI CEO in Ireland
Zurich Insurance has confirmed the appointment of Ken Norgrove as chief executive officer of its general insurance (GI) business in Ireland.
Autonet raids Carole Nash for senior hire
Van insurance specialist Autonet Insurance Group has appointed Phil Evans as its new head of operations.
Biba launches FSCS petition to prompt Treasury review
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba) has launched a petition of its members on the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) to be tabled in the House of Commons by an MP.
MMA launches scheme team
Broker-only insurer MMA has formed a dedicated schemes team designed to build on the 20% growth of commercial schemes it experienced in 2010.
FSA trebles fines to £97m
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) trebled the value of fines it collected from financial services businesses in just one year, from £33.1m to £96.7m, according to Reynolds Porter Chamberlain (RPC).
Groupama launches first product from "Exclusively" range
Groupama Insurances has created a series of specialist commercial insurance products for open market trading with supporting brokers.
Congregational invests in specialist broker
Congregational & General Insurance has purchased a minority shareholding in Solihull-based David Edwards Insurance Brokers.
Mike Smith says MMA will be "a force to be reckoned with"
Former Provident Insurance director Mike Smith has reacted to the news that the specialist motor insurer has been sold to Covea Group-owned insurer MMA.
Insurance Age blog: Space - the final frontier
Up until now, the opportunity to venture into space has been available to a very select few. In fact over the past 50 years less than 500 people have been lucky enough to blast into that vast abyss that exists beyond our rather worn out ozone layer.
Biba in trade credit deal
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba) has announced an agreement with the Government’s Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD) to provide general insurance brokers with access to the ECGD export insurance scheme for their clients.
Provident deal receives cautious welcome from brokers
MMA’s acquisition of Provident has been welcomed by brokers, but concern has been voiced over how the merger could impact on the variety of products available.
What the Papers Say
Welcome to the latest edition of What the Papers Say. This month, Insurance Age editor Martin Friel is joined by senior reporter, Liz McMahon and Richard Adams, associate director at FWD.
Business insolvency rate falls again
Business insolvencies in February 2011 fell by 12.5% to 1,605 compared to the same month in 2010 when 1,834 failed in the UK.
Ageas unveils four retail appointments
Ageas UK has announced a series of appointments as it looks to support the growth of its retail operations.
MMA to buy Provident Insurance
Covea Group owned insurer MMA has agreed a long touted deal to acquire the Halifax based motor insurer Provident.
Claims firm shut down and stung with fine following organised fraud
An accident management company director has been hit with “huge” legal bill after his involvement in a string of fraudulent claims topping £200,000.
Brokers give thumbs up to Axa strategy
Brokers have reacted positively to the core strategy unveiled by Amanda Blanc, commercial lines CEO at Axa.
New Aberdeen office for Willis
Willis has opened a new office in Aberdeen to develop business in the city and complement Willis’ existing presence in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee.
"Give me six months" Blanc asks brokers
Axa Commercial boss, Amanda Blanc, has asked brokers to give her six months to prove that she will genuinely empower her local underwriters to make decisions.
Reed in as MD as Blanc's restructure puts 114 jobs in jeopardy
Axa Commercial Lines CEO Amanda Blanc has merged the insurer's specialist markets and solution and distribution branches and appointed Matthew Reed to lead the new division as MD of intermediary and direct.
FSCS GI levy rises but not as much as feared
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) has set the 2011/12 levy on general insurance (GI) intermediaries at £69.5m.
Higos buys again in Devon
Higos Insurance has bought Plymstock Insurance Centre, near Plymouth.