SSP
Keychoice Underwriting launches to broker members
SSP-owned commercial underwriting agency, Keychoice Underwriting, has officially launched its commercial combined, package and property owners products to Keychoice Network members, with additional commercial lines products to follow later in the year.
Reportage: Transactional websites - what are the benefits for brokers?
By automating personal lines underwriting and providing clients with more than just a place to go window shopping, Kevin Child explains how brokers can benefit from creating fully transactional websites.
Focus - technology: Taming the tide of systems improvement
The technology ocean requires time, flexibility and planning to navigate safely and, as the aggregator model shows, there is great danger in being left behind a business ship bound for new, exciting and profitable lands, writes Ed Murray.
Reportage - SME aggregators: See you later, aggregator?
As issues of trading SME business through the aggregator channel are brought to light, Edward Murray asks whether it is too complex a sector to ever be successfully sold in bulk.
E-commerce: LFC Shield plans to double broker base with online quote system
Underwriting agency LFC Shield has launched a new online commercial business quote system, which it hopes will help double its broker base to 400 over the coming year.
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.
E-commerce: MMA products made available on SSP platform
Broker insurer MMA Insurance has made its Master Tradesman and offices and surgeries products available online to brokers via the SSP platform.
Aviva to restore broker faith with price review and restructure
Aviva has taken steps to try to win back independent intermediaries by shuffling its regional management structure and vowing to improve its personal lines pricing model.
PB Events: Horses and courses make a great day
Kempton Park saw plenty of action on and off the course at this year's Insurance Race Day.
Regional power hour – Glasgow : The e-factor
This month's regional power hour, sponsored by Ecclesiastical, asks what impact e-trading has had on the market and what concerns exist regarding its future. Liz McMahon reports.
Technology: All aboard the IT express
Emmanuel Kenning looks at PowerPlace's efforts to move the broker market towards a growing technological presence in commercial lines
News review: March
MMA outlined 'phase two' of its commercial roll out with the establishment of three new regional trading centres.
Market Moves
A monthly look at who is moving where.
Insurance Race Day: more than just horsing around
The third annual Insurance Race Day is proving a hit with industry movers and shakers keen to mix high-level networking with a spot of racing fun.
Brokers cautioned to take note of fixed-premium IPT exception
Despite the Chancellor's u-turn on the imposition of IPT on intermediary fees, brokers have been warned that they may still apply to add on policies such as legal expenses and breakdown cover.
Merger talk unfounded
Market rumours that SSP had opened talks with Broker Direct with a view to a possible takeover have been denied by both firms
Aviva joins forces with SSP
Aviva has teamed up with global IT company SSP to give 600 extra brokers access to personal lines products.
SSP adds to insurer division
Technology firm SSP has appointed Martin Houston to the role of business development director for its insurer division.
E-trading leads 2010 technology agenda
Four industry information technology experts give Emmanuel Kenning their views on which developments will affect the profession in the coming year
Aviva broker boss reaffirms focus following Mayer exit
Brigid Murphy says Aviva will "put its money where its mouth is"
Seico Insurance selects Open GI
Sussex-based Seico Insurance Services has chosen Open GI to provide back-office and e-commerce solutions.
SSP's broking division achieves 20% growth
Operating profit for the group is £16.4m on revenues of £76.7m, up 7.3% and 19.1% compared to 2008
Bridging the customer relationship void
Rachel Gordon investigates how brokers can use technology to stay closer to clients and to spread knowledge across the business.
Broker EXPO 2009 hits record figures
Demand from delegates and exhibitors leads to new venue decision for 2010