News
Westfield absorbs tax increase and holds rates firm
Westfield Health has announced it will not immediately pass on the 1% rise in insurance premium tax (IPT) to policyholders - a decision set to cost the not-for-profit health insurance provider an estimated £530,000 per year.
Product launches: Solicitors' PI for SMEs unveiled
St Mary Underwriting has launched a new solicitors' professional indemnity (PI) insurance offering for small to medium-sized (SME) solicitor firms.
Oamps director resigns
A senior director of Reigate-based Oamps UK Insurance Brokers has resigned.
LV denies market charge of 'massaging' motor results
LV has hit back at persistent market speculation surrounding the health of its motor business.
Brit recommends buyout deal to shareholders
Brit Insurance has moved a step closer to selling the business after revealing it expects to recommend a buyout offer by Apollo Management and CVC Capital Partners to its shareholders.
Reward for efficiency required
There is no incentive for accident management companies to perform efficiently and the market requires legislation or a new product in order for it to perform acceptably.
Ink hopes facility launch will fill solicitors' PI hole
Ink Underwriting Agencies has stated its intention to seize a "sizeable chunk" of the solicitors' professional indemnity (PI) market following the launch of a new facility.
Axa withdraws personal lines business from Westinsure
Axa has confirmed that its personal lines intermediary business has exited the Westinsure broker network and that all preferential commission rates for that book have ceased.
James Hallam undergoes a 'lucky' rebrand
The holding company of James Hallam Insurance Brokers has undergone a rebrand as the group positions itself to make further investments in the broking market.
Stonebridge poaches Bridle staff
Stonebridge Corporate Insurance Solutions has staked a claim to the Southampton market with a raid on rival firm Bridle Insurance Brokers.
Bluefin selected as SPL broker
Bluefin is to target further sporting business north of the border after being appointed by the Scottish Premier League (SPL) as its nominated insurance broker.
Social media users could face rise in home premiums
Aggregators are divided over whether social networkers could see their home insurance premiums rise.
Banks put loan pressure on commercial clients with preferred broker constraints
The broking community has accused banks of abusing their position by placing increasing and aggressive pressure on small commercial clients to use their preferred insurance intermediaries.
Comparison site to provide unique gadget cover service
Moneymaxim has launched what it claims is the first gadget insurance comparison service.
Market Moves
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Product launches: Sterling wins DOA contract
David Oliver Associates (DOA) has chosen Sterling Insurance Company to underwrite its new Platinum Commercial Combined Policy.
News review: September
John Lewis unveiled plans to rebrand its insurance offering as it targeted "rapid growth" in the insurance market.
Industry's achievers reap the benefits at UK Broker Awards
Thomas, Carroll and Caravan Guard scooped two awards apiece at this year's UK Broker Awards.
Aggregator surge could hamper insurers' IT
Software experts have raised concern that the growing popularity of comparison sites is causing IT troubles for UK insurance companies.
Lloyd's hopes to boost market share by 'getting out to regions'
Lloyd's new regional manager of UK and Ireland, Keith Stern, has revealed plans to target regional brokers in a bid to boost market share.
Barbon set to expand as comeback proves a success
Managing director of Barbon Insurance Group, Martin Oliver, has said the business was fighting back and had reclaimed a majority of the business it lost in its lettings and commercial property business as Erinaceous Insurance Services.
Broker's balatant misuse of client money leads to FSA lifetime ban
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) slapped a lifetime ban on broker David Marriott after he used clients' funds to support his businesses and to finance bonuses, salary increases and new cars.
Product launch: Global water cover launched
Marsh has launched a contamination insurance product for water utility firms.
Jelf creates national business focused on community broking
Jelf's insurance chief executive, Phil Barton, has spoken of the company's future plans after creating a "significant new player" in the market.