PB Week: Football can save us from the economy
As we hear about gloomy news from our nation’s economists and layoffs galore in the insurance sector courtesy of Norwich Union and Zurich , we are probably all glad we have the distraction of the European Championships, or maybe not, as our home nations are no-where to be seen, blogs Andrew Tjaardstra, editor, Professional Broking .
Holland
Luckily, with my name, I can get away with supporting Holland who demonstrated some total football against the World Champions Italy on Monday; quality football on a Monday night, it beats my Setanta subscription any day. If you haven’t seen it, the second goal by man of the match Sneijder was one of the all time Dutch greats and sits up there with Bergkamp against Argentina in 1998 and Van Basten against Russia in 1988. Meanwhile my fantasy football team has had a sluggish start but a goal from Ronaldo has helped it come off the bottom of the league. If you want to see some opinions about who is going to win from the industry’s budding Alan Hansens then click here
Chester
On Friday, I visited Chester and was invited to the restaurant overlooking Chester racecourse courtesy of the management team at Daulby Read. It is a superb venue and we came across our very own insurance claim after a businessman’s suit jacket caught fire. We think a lit cigar was to blame and we kindly stubbed out the fire before the potential claim caused any more damage. Steve Daulby is a big Everton fan and told me about attending last season’s UEFA cup game in Fiorentina for only £7.50. Now if our Premiership teams could see the light - that really would save us some economic hardship! For more on Daulby Read, see July’s Broking Success.
Yesterday I was invited to go clay pigeon shooting on the Thames by Norwich Union, but work commitments meant that this plan had to be cancelled. However, our spies say that Jonathon Swift, editor of Post, won the competition – although the real competition was back at the office. Clay pigeon shooting on the Thames? Hopefully this was not a cynical ploy to make us journalists forget about the 1800 layoffs happening at the company.
Comment
If you would like to comment on this blog, please post a comment below. Let us know who are you supporting or backing for the European Championships. Alternatively e-mail pbeditorial@incisivemedia.com
Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.
To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@insuranceage.co.uk or view our subscription options here: https://subscriptions.insuranceage.co.uk/subscribe
You are currently unable to print this content. Please contact info@insuranceage.co.uk to find out more.
You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@insuranceage.co.uk to find out more.
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (point 2.4), printing is limited to a single copy.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@insuranceage.co.uk
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
You may share this content using our article tools. As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (clause 2.4), an Authorised User may only make one copy of the materials for their own personal use. You must also comply with the restrictions in clause 2.5.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@insuranceage.co.uk
More on Regulation
FCA’s home and travel super-complaint response triggers praise and warnings from experts
Industry specialists have praised the clarity and transparency of the Financial Conduct Authority’s response to the Which? super-complaint about the ‘broken’ home and travel insurance markets but warned the actions may not “get to grips” with “growing problems”.
End of Year Review 2025: UKGI’s Jill Hambley
Jill Hambley, MD of the consultancy division at UKGI reflects on the shake-up at the FCA, the potential non-financial misconduct debacle at Lloyd’s, and shows an aptitude for using Gen Z terms.
FCA commits to expanded work in response to Which? super-complaint
The Financial Conduct Authority has promised to do more work on improving claims handling and consumer understanding of cover in light of Which? hitting the watchdog with a super-complaint about the ‘broken’ home and travel insurance markets.
Experts underwhelmed by FCA insurance rules simplification
Market specialists have given a lukewarm welcome to the Financial Conduct Authority’s changes to the insurance rule book, flagging missed opportunities, disappointments and branding the outcome as unlikely to get pulses racing.
FCA confirms insurance rules simplification
The Financial Conduct Authority has confirmed changes to simplify its rules for brokers and insurers including ongoing training and product reviews and revealed further plans for next year.
With Brewis and Mills gone, what can brokers expect from the FCA in 2026?
Compliance experts are hoping for a slowdown and simplification of rules from the Financial Conduct Authority throughout 2026 following Matt Brewis and Sheldon Mills exit from the regulator. Rosie Simms reports.
What does the 2025 Budget mean for insurance brokers?
On Wednesday afternoon, after weeks of speculation (and an unprecedented early leak by the Office for Budget Responsibility), the Chancellor finally revealed her second Budget. Tom Golding, PKF Littlejohn partner considers some of the main tax changes and what these may mean for insurance brokers.
FOS plans to hike levies to £86m
The Financial Ombudsman Service has opened a consultation on raising its compulsory levy from £70m to £86m in 2026/27 having kept it flat for two years.