Spring leaves insurance employees all touchy-feely
The weather may have been awful over the Easter weekend, but that’s not stopped the PR machines at various insurance companies from rolling out some emotional, fluffy press releases this week, writes Charlie Thomas, reporter, Professional Broking.
Groupama announced the launch of a self discovery programme for its managers, created by HR specialists the Hay Group. The ‘emotional competence’ questionnaires focus on self awareness, self management, social awareness and relationship management, while the ‘leadership questionnaire’ assesses a range of leadership styles and works to identify both the participant’s most prominent management style as well as working on other ways of operating in the work place.
HR director at Groupama Insurances Caroline Alexander said the programme reflected the insurer’s desire to “develop the talent we already have to evolve and build our business and to create a further competitive advantage”. Sounds like a good excuse for a day off to us.
Broker WLTM charity?
If all this inspires you to become more emotionally in touch with your soul and you are feeling a bit guilty about your capitalist sins, why not take advantage of the City of London Corporation’s offer to match-make your business with a suitable charity.
By visiting www.city-action.org managers can use the virtual matchmaking/dating site for private/third sector relationships, providing online opportunities for community organisations and charities to advertise and provide information on the specific skills and services they require from corporate partners.
What?! No insurer discount?!
On 26 March, Allianz proudly announced it had won the right to provide inspection and insurance services for the Harvey Nichols chain. Allianz already covers Wembley Stadium, the Tower of London, the Museum of London and the Old Bailey with a similar service, but the prestige of having these great names on its books apparently isn’t enough for some of Allianz’s PRs.
After talking through the press release with me, the PR (who shall remain nameless) professed she was upset that there was to be no discount for Allianz employees. One wonders if her surprise at Harvey Nick’s lack of discount means that the PRs all receive a discount for Wembley tickets, museum entries and high-priced barristers.
If you would like to comment on this blog, please email 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 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.
FCA insurance skilled person investigations tick up again
The Financial Conduct Authority commissioned two skilled person reports in the insurance sector during the second quarter of 2025/26, following on from one in Q1 and a recent record total in 2024/25.
Sheldon Mills exiting FCA – report
Sheldon Mills, executive director for consumers and competition at the Financial Conduct Authority, is leaving the regulator.