Bluefin
Bluefin to put SME underwriting facility Elite into run-off
Bluefin has announced that it is putting its Elite underwriting facility for small to medium sized enterprise (SME) business into run-off in favour of expanding its existing Platinum product range.
Analysis of top 100 brokers reveals market share increase
The UK broking market has weathered the economic storm well with the top 100 brokers managing to increase their market share, according to Insurance Age's 2010 Top 100 Independent Brokers supplement.
Broker claims debate
Claims are a thorny issue at the best of times but when credit-hire organisations and accident management companies are involved, it seems everyone gets prickly.
Bluefin raids Heath Lambert for London motor director
Bluefin Insurance Services has appointed Chaz Bailey to the newly created role of executive director of motor within their London market broking team.
Broker claims debate - roundtable: A case of too many cooks?
The friction between brokers, insurers and accident management companies is well documented, but what has come under less scrutiny is the underlying reason for this tension. Martin Friel reports on this special roundtable debate.
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.
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.
Reportage - start-ups: Branching out
Starting your own business is exciting but deciding between autonomy and a helping hand can be tough. Edward Murray looks at what to consider to get what you want and make sure your venture flourishes.
Reportage - network impact: The right environment
Networks promise the earth when attempting to get brokers to sign up but do they deliver on service? Jessica Pothering explores different network cultures and asks how to get the most out of membership.
Former MP John Greenway joins Claim Experts' board
Claim Experts has appointed former MP and president of the Institute of Insurance Brokers John Greenway as a non-executive director.
Regional power hour - Newcastle: Talent scouting
This month's power hour, held in Newcastle upon Tyne and sponsored by Ecclesiastical, discusses the level of talent in the industry and how new recruits of a high calibre can be attracted. Louise Meeson reports
Agenda: That elusive crock of gold
The consolidation of the retail broking sector started in 1998 with the creation of Towergate but gathered pace in early 2000 through to 2008. In that period, some £3.6bn of commercial business was acquired, which equates to 25% of the total commercial…
Bluefin appointed as broker for Scottish Premier League
The Scottish Premier League (SPL) has appointed Bluefin as its nominated insurance broker to place its central programme for member clubs including Celtic, Rangers and Dundee United.
Axa appoints finance head
Waseem Malik has been appointed to the role of finance director at Axa Insurance.
Office efficiency: More than greenwash
Emmanuel Kenning looks at what brokers can teach each other as the profession tries to become more environmentally friendly, starting at the office.
News round-up: July/August 2010
A brief round up of news from the secto.
Bluefin confirms raid on Aon's property team
Bluefin Insurance Services has confirmed that Keith Burnham will head up its real estate team following his departure from Aon.
Bluefin opens office in Wales
Bluefin Insurance Services is opening a new office in Cardiff.
Flurry of broker buys completed before CGT hikes come into play
A raft of broker acquisitions were completed before the rise in Capital Gains Tax (CGT) came into force.
Endorphin launch backs SMEs with consolidator alternative
Layton Blackham founder, Chris Blackham, has formed a boutique investment house to offer brokers a "realistic financial alternative to the consolidator route".
Axa completes sale of UK life business
Axa UK has confirmed the sale of the majority of its life business to Resolution for £2.75bn but has stressed that it has no plans to pull out of the UK wholesale.
Emergency Budget 2010: IPT rise will not impact on rate hikes says Bluefin boss
Stuart Reid, chief executive, Bluefin Insurance Services, said the IPT standard rate increase announced by as part of the emergency Budget would be welcomed by many.
Bluefin acquires another broker
Bluefin has acquired St Albans-based Gilbert Business Insurance Brokers (GBIB), Insurance Age has learnt.
Focus: Outsourcing for profit
From IT to human resources and claims management, recession-affected margins could be improved by outsourcing - no matter what the size of your company, writes Sam Barrett.