Professional Broking - 2010-06-03
Articles in this issue
News Analysis: First cuts unlikely to be the deepest
Chancellor George Osborne wasted little time in announcing £6.2bn of public sector cuts, yet in the uncertain global context it is hard to judge what their impact will be on the UK economy, writes Andrew Tjaardstra.
News Analysis: Employee stress costing UK plc
With businesses losing billions of pounds in productivity, Emmanuel Kenning reports on effective steps that broker managers can take to combat the problem of mental ill health in the workplace.
News Analysis: Brokers swarm ExCeL at Biba 2010
Emmanuel Kenning reviews a successful Biba conference at which brokers networked with insurance leaders and debated what the future holds under the new Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government.
Technology: Commercial e-trading starts to come of age at Biba 2010
Emmanuel Kenning reports on the excitement at this year's industry conference at London ExCeL, where brokers beat a path to access the cost-saving, revenue generating technology on offer from software exhibitors.
Viewpoint: Can there be a claims coalition?
With the UK seeing its first coalition government for half a century, are there lessons to be learned for the insurance industry when it comes to collaboration for the collective good?
Editor's Comment: Brace yourself for the Budget
Gross domestic product figures were revised upwards to 0.3% growth for the first quarter, suggesting that the UK is on its way back to steady growth. Yet, despite politicians sorting out a coalition government in fast-forward compared to many of our…
Legal: Protection for rainy days
Limitation-of-liability clauses are tricky and carry great risk if not handled carefully but, drafted correctly, can provide significantly improved risk management, writes Emma Bate.
Management Clinic: Illness on leave
An employee recently returned after a two-week holiday complained of sickness for a period of three days during their leave. Are they able to claim the holiday entitlement back due to the sickness?
Management Clinic: Securing the stamp of approval
We have the opportunity to expand into Europe but, after all the bad publicity about passporting surrounding an Irish insurer recently, is it a good idea?
Broking Success: In the face of adversity
Emmanuel Kenning meets the founders of Baker Jayne, who set up their brokerage in the teeth of the worst recession since World War II and managed to make a profit in its inaugural 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.
The PB Interview: New model broker
Andrew Tjaardstra meets Stuart Williams, a director at Nottinghamshire-based broker Cowens Survival Capability, who is passionate about brokers promoting their professionalism to clients and wants to charge his clients fees for his services.
Market Watch: Sporting chance
With the 2012 Olympics looming large on the horizon, Emmanuel Kenning delves into the many and varied risks surrounding the insurance of sports clubs.
World Cup 2010: Looking for extra time
Without doubt, many employees will want to watch this year's World Cup. Andrew Tjaardstra examines how different businesses are reacting and what to think about when setting a staff policy for the tournament in South Africa.
Interview - Xavier Denecker: Trading ahead
Emmanuel Kenning questions Xavier Denecker, managing director of Coface UK and Ireland, about what the future holds for the multi-billion pound trade credit insurance industry.
Client's Q&A: Hot on property
Property owner Marlene Ellicombe had to make a claim on the first day of taking cover, though Wells-based broker Higos took helping her out in its stride. PB asks her about the experience.