News
Zurich sees signs of rating improvement across Europe
Zurich has reported a 10% increase in gross written premiums globally for the first three months of 2008 to $1.2bn (2007: $1.02bn). Its business operating profit improved 5% to £1189m, although its combined ratio fell 1.3% to 94.6% (2007: 93.3%).
EIS Insurance Solutions sets out growth initiative
With its long-term future secure following the recent sale of EIS Insurance Solutions, the broker’s Property and Commercial (P&C) division is set to implement a series of exciting initiatives designed to achieve further growth and profit. As well as a…
ABI welcomes government plans for a floods and water bill
The news that the Government plans to consult on a draft floods and water bill, following publication of the Pitt Review into last summer’s floods, shows that the Government is recognising the scale of what needs to be done says the ABI (Association of…
BGL builds on partnership arm
BGL Group has appointed James de Rose to the role of director responsible for insurer partnerships.
Businesses must face up to liability challenge warns Lloyd's
Businesses could be facing a future liability crisis if they do not face up to growing litigation issues Lloyd's warned today.
Swinton launches two new brands as it reports record profit
Swinton has reported a seventh consecutive year of profit growth with £48.3m (a 27% increase) on increasing gross premiums of £665.8m (up 39%) for the 12 months ended 31 December 2007.
Oval adds to Scottish presence with further acquisition.
Oval Limited has acquired Independent Insurance Brokers based in Aberdeen, further building Oval’s presence in the north of Scotland and increasing its headcount in Scotland as a whole to almost 100.
Heath Lambert continues its expansion in Sheffield
Heath Lambert Group has moved to new premises in Sheffield to make room for further expansion. The Group has been trading in Sheffield for around twenty years and has a client base including over 300 local companies. Following double digit growth last…
New independent insurance consultancy launched
Insight First Limited (IFL), an independent insurance consultancy, has launched to provide a range of consultancy services for the insurance industry.
CII backs OECD financial capability proposals
The CII Group has endorsed the call by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) for governments and industry to invest more in financial capability for insurance.
Crawford and Company launch 'You-Tube' style internet service
Loss adjusters Crawford and Company have signed up to a “YouTube”-style internet service which allows insurers to view drainage claims on-line.
FSA fines Land of Leather and its chief executive for PPI failings
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has fined furniture retailer Land of Leather Limited (the firm) £210,000 for allowing its sales force to sell Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) on loans without effective monitoring or training in place to ensure…
Hiscox chair hails discipline as GWP dips in first quarter
Hiscox has announced it had had "a good start to the year", acclaiming that its strategy of growing specialist regional businesses to balance the more volatile international business is working.
Lane Clark and Peacock establishes office in Ireland
Consulting actuaries firm, Lane Clark and Peacock LLP (LCP) has developed its international expansion following the merger with HLD Actuarial Consultants (HLD) to create Lane Clark and Peacock Ireland.
Insurance Age weekly on-air news review
Last week, Biba hosted its conference in Glasgow - Insurance Age news editor Sarah Hills provides a run down of the major news stories from the event - watch it now
Confused .com warning as FSA issues aggregator recommendations
In response to the Financial Services Authority's recommmendations into the regulation of the aggregator market, Jennifer Rose, PR manager at Confused.com, said: "We welcome any regulation to the aggregator market -our only concern is with the…
ABI calls on Government to go farther with young driver proposals
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has welcomed the Government’s proposals to improve the training and testing of young drivers but claims that this is simply a first step and the proposals need to go further.
DAS makes Law Assist acquisition
DAS UK Group has acquired the after the event legal expenses insurance business of Litigation Protection, trading as Law Assist.
Ceta recommends brokers sell ID insurance
General insurance network CETA urges brokers to sell identity theft insurance to consumers who need protection against the growing risk of ID fraud.
Heath Lambert Group launches new division
Heath Lambert Group has announced the formation of a new specialist division, Heath Lambert commercial affinity and select business. The division will focus the group’s activity in the area of commercial affinities and small business.
Somerville acquires CH Facilities
Voyager, the specialist travel broker owned by independent underwriting and broking group Somerville Underwriting Holdings, has acquired its long term strategic partner CH Facilities (CHF) to boost its travel, accident and sickness and health…
Doodson Broking Group acquires
Doodson Broking Group has announced the acquisition of Cardwell & Drew and J E Mottram Insurance Brokers.