News
Biba pushes for fast-track changes to electronic motor certificates
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba) has welcomed the Department for Transport’s (DfT) announcement that motor insurance certificates will now be permitted to be delivered electronically as it is a win-win situation for customers and the…
Firms to feel the squeeze in 2008
Escalating economic worries, higher prices and tighter spending will combine to make 2008 a much tougher year in the Insurance Brokers market, according to business analysts Plimsoll Publishing.
ProAktive take equity interest in TIB Insurance Brokers
Yorkshire-based ProAktive Risk Group has agreed a deal to take an equity interest in TIB Insurance Brokers.
Allianz announce 2007 Third Quarter Results
Allianz Insurance has revealed a £63m drop in its profit before tax in the first nine months of 2007 compared with the prior year reporting period.
Citybond buys Aon UK’s wholesale travel insurance book
Citybond Suretravel, a division of Citybond Holdings, has acquired Aon's wholesale travel insurance book of business.
Jelf Group launches combined healthcare business
Jelf Group has integrated Jelf Corporate Healthcare, SPS Wellbeing and Healthwise into one trading business, Jelf Wellbeing.
Poultry farmers could lose £30m if avian flu spreads
UK poultry farmers could lose as much as £30m if the latest outbreak of avian flu spreads throughout the UK, according to insurance broker and risk management consultant Aon.
Renters are risking £50bn worth of belongings
Over two million British renters are putting an average of £23,195 worth of possessions at risk because they fail to take out home contents insurance, according to new research.
Primary General chairman Jonathan Davey quits
In a statement posted on its website Primary General said: "The Board of PBS Holdings Limited and Jonathan Davey wish to jointly announce that with immediate effect Jonathan has stepped down from the board and those of its subsidiary companies."
ABI's proposals for foreign car collisions
Increased driving between countries is leading to more collisions throughout Europe, according to a report by the Association of British Insurers (ABI).
Equity acquires Lincs broker
Representing its 15th regional purchase so far this year, Equity Insurance Group has acquired Cleethorpes broker, Martin Anderson Insurance Consultants.
Homeowners 'can't be bothered' shopping around for cover
Homeowners could be missing out on great deals by neglecting to shop around for their home contents or buildings policies according to a survey conducted by Sainsbury’s Home Insurance.
Venture Preference boosts GWP by £25m
Venture Preference (VP) has acquired two brokers through its Smart & Cook business and one via its Stuart Alexander business boosting the broker’s gross written premium (GWP) by £25m.
Allianz creates new retail division
Allianz Insurance has restructured its operation to create a new trading division focusing exclusively on the insurance needs of individual customers.
Fortis reports 12% GWP growth in first nine months
Fortis Insurance UK has reported a 12% increase in gross written premium £581.5m for first nine months 2007. The insurer said in a statement its growth has been driven by 20% year on year increase in GWP for private car and a 9% year on year increase in…
NU’s full small package business now on imarket.
The launch of residential property owners and pub & restaurant via the Acturis software house system takes Norwich Union’s (NU) integrated imarket products to five, along with tradesmen, shop, office and surgery.
Open and Towergate Unveil Future Plans
The chief executives of Towergate and Open International (Andy Homer and Phillip Bell) attended the Open User Group AGM last week to outline their plans for the business following the recent acquisition.
Equity maintains its Northern Ireland expansion plans
In line with its stated growth strategy, Equity Insurance Brokers has acquired County Antrim broker, Diamond Insurance.
Oval announces Allianz investment
Allianz Insurance has acquired a minority 10% equity share of broker, The Oval Group. The purchase will boost Oval’s ability to complete more of the growing number of acquisitions in their pipeline and allow some existing shareholders to take minor…
Jelf launches network partnership
Corporate consultancy Jelf Group has launched a collaboration between the Group and network professional, Bob Parkins - called ‘The Purple Partnership Ltd’.
Pierre Lefèvre leaves Groupama Insurances for Italy
Pierre Lefèvre has been appointed as CEO of Groupama’s Italian subsidiary companies: Groupama Assicurazioni, Groupama Vita and the newly acquired Nuova Tirrena. Initially, Mr Lefèvre will be leading the project to merge the two operations to form what…
Arrow Syndicate 1910 to enter Lloyd’s market
Arrow Syndicate 1910 (Arrow Syndicate) is to enter the Lloyd’s insurance market in January 2008. Arrow Syndicate, which is a Goldman Sachs business, has obtained approval in principle from the Lloyd’s Franchise Board to begin writing for the 2008 year of…
Norwich Union Insurance announces operational changes
Norwich Union (NU) Insurance has announced strategic changes to its operating model, designed to drive growth and improve service by making the most of its brands, distribution network and underwriting expertise.
James Hallam acquires London-based broker
James Hallam has acquired First Light Insurance Brokers. First Light are based in Docklands and employ a staff of 10 people focusing on business in the small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector.