News
IIB issues warning on IMD review
The Institute of Insurance Brokers (IIB) has flagged up its concerns that the Insurance Mediation Directive (IMD) review could result in mandatory commission disclosure.
Laurent Matras defends new claims structure
Groupama’s managing director, Laurent Matras, has claimed the company’s new claims structure will make brokers “happier”.
Insurance Age blog: Sports people as biscuits, insurers as presenters
If you have never listened to Fighting Talk (Radio 5, Saturday 11am) then you are missing a trick. One of the staple jokes is ‘sports people as biscuits’ where Seb Coe becomes a Viennese Whirl, or Gareth Southgate is likened to a digestive, a good honest…
NIG defends “Guarantee to Beat” pricing strategy
NIG is promising brokers it will beat premiums by up to 5% on business held or quoted with 15 major insurance companies in the UK market.
PPI complaints surge again
The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has revealed that payment protection insurance (PPI) complaints rose to 24,955 for the period October to December last year, up 17% from the previous three months.
Willis exec jumps ship for rival broker
Executive director and major client advocate at Willis Finex Global, Mike Earp, has resigned to take up a senior post at Aon, Insurance Age understands.
Willis revenue rises as commissions increase 3%
Willis has announced a 2% rise in revenues to $3.34bn (£2.08bn) for the year ended 31 December 2010 (2009: $3.26bn).
Video: The Bribery Act 2010 delay - what does it mean for brokers?
Matthew Woodford, partner at law firm Browne Jacobson, gives his thoughts on the Government's decision to postpone the implementation of the Act.
Further 200 roles axed at Lloyds
Lloyds Banking Group has made 200 job cuts, mainly within its insurance division, as part of an ongoing integration programme which has resulted in 26,000 job losses in two years.
Former Westinsure member joins rival network
The Purple Partnership has signed its 50th member, former Westinsure broker, Fletcher Smith Insurances.
Federation of Small Businesses welcomes bank lending announcement
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has welcomed the news that the banking sector has agreed to increase lending to small businesses.
Banks commit to 15% increase in lending to SMEs
The Government has welcomed a commitment by the UK's biggest banks on lending expectations and capacity which will focus on small to medium-sized enterprises (SME).
Phil Bird leaves Groupama
Groupama Insurance’s claims director, Phil Bird, is to leave the company following an internal restructure.
Powerplace hit by Reed departure
Towergate-owned trading platform Powerplace has confirmed the departure of chief executive Matthew Reed.
Jelf focuses on boosting personal lines offering
Jelf has appointed Antony Summers as managing director of its personal lines business reporting directly to chief executive of insurance Phil Barton.
THB reports 32% increase in broking profit
THB Group has reported a 5% rise in fees and commission to £48.4m (2009: £46.2m) for the year ended 31 October 2010.
Allianz creates new sales and partnerships role in Speciality Retail
Allianz Retail has recruited Simon Masding as head of sales and partnerships for its Speciality Retail division.
Brightside building commercial aggregator
Brightside Group has confirmed that it will be using newly acquired technology company Quote Exchange to build a commercial insurance comparison site.
Ancile pushes into niche travel market with Sun Selection buy
Direct travel broker Ancile Insurance Group has acquired specialist insurance brand, Sun Selection.
Brightside buys aggregator technology firm Quote Exchange
Brightside Group has agreed to buy Quote Exchange for £3.7m in cash and just under 1.4m ordinary shares in Brightside.
Ex-Towergate trio reunited at Barbon
Barbon Insurance Group has confirmed the appointment of Brett Sainty as its new head of business for Cadogan Keelan Westall.
ECIS targets brokers through new affinity division
Electrical Contractors’ Insurance Services (ECIS) has announced the creation a new affinity group division.
HSB focuses on North London with new development hire
HSB Engineering Insurance has appointed Chantell Scott as development executive with a focus on North London and the surrounding areas.
Aon announces fall in UK broking income
Aon has reported a 3% fall in UK retail broking income to $629m (£392.1m) in the year ended 31 December 2010 (2009: $650m).