Opinion
Incestuous honours system rewards its own
The public honours system is being devalued by the proliferation of honours bestowed on invividuals simply for doing their job
Putting energy into insurance
The insurance industry is still cautious about taking on renewable energy projects, despite their growing popularity in the UK as an alternative to fossil fuels. Peter Rush urges the industry to throw caution to the wind and devise a wide range of…
Tony Cornell
An issue that is increasingly being brought to my attention is the lack of experienced insurance sta...
pollyc@incisivemedia.com - The hottest insurance gossip
Polly's driving skills, bravery and steely determination were put to the test when she was invited b...
All part of the grand design
Q. With the regulation watershed, and consequent merger and acquisition activity, many brokers are looking at refreshing their firm's corporate identity. What are the main points for consideration?
The great escape
Q. I am now in my mid 60s and a younger employee wishes to buy my business, but I have also had a cash offer from a local firm. I would like to give my employee the opportunity but am not convinced that he has the funds
BIBA Annual Conference
High-rolling brokers pitched up in Glasgow last month for the British Insurance Brokers' Association...
Barking up the wrong palm tree
I have read the Overheard column (PB, May 2004) and am sorry to say that it is facetious and inaccur...
Secondary sector takes centre stage
As the deadline to apply for regulation at the discounted rate ended recently, debate over the true ...
Better lobbying leads to government action
Insurance has gradually climbed higher on the present government's agenda than at any other time during its term of office
The challenge of adding value
Developments in the industry should be seen as providing opportunities to brokers rather being regarded as threats
Insurers wield unfair influence with the FSA
I write with regard to the Financial Services Authority rules on broker payments to third parties, i...
Regulation is a needless waste
All brokers should have implanted in their brain the day in the mid 90s when Helen Liddell stood up ...
Having been a British Insurance Broker's Association (Biba) conference 'virgin' ..
Having been a British Insurance Broker's Association (Biba) conference 'virgin' I was interested to ...
Insurers should let brokers share pen
The insurer 'grip on the pen' has continued to grow tighter as the market has hardened, but Adrian Thone believes that the future of profitable growth lies in delegated authority and he believes that this argument is supported by a happy set of industry…
The hottest insurance gossip
Well readers it is true to say that Polly's feet are ready to drop off after the long days and late ...
All or nothing
Q. Can my firm's general insurance business be authorised as an appointed representative if, as an independent financial adviser, we are regulated through a network?
Recent acquisition
Overheard has learned of a recent acquisition by Camberford Law supremo, Richard Sheikh, in the form...
Brokers hold steady as myths dissolve
April was as good an example as any of the enduring value of independent intermediaries, adding cred...
Time to upgrade
Q. Given the potential upheaval involved in upgrading an IT system, is it better to do this before or after the start of regulation under the FSA?
An open letter to Gordon Brown
Rt Hon. Gordon Brown, MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, HM Treasury Dear Chancellor With regard to ...
Independence of brokers is crucial
I refer to Kean Seager's letter (PB, March 2004) and can only comment in wholehearted support on Mr ...
Tory drive for City executive support
In a bid for much-needed funding and support, the Conservative Party is focusing its efforts on City of London executives
Few opportunities with regulation
FSA regulation will create opportunities for consolidation, though many smaller players will be precluded as a result of impractical pricing