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 issues another Close Brothers clone warning
The Financial Conduct Authority has warned that fraudsters have been impersonating Close Brothers trying to scam people with a clone of the authorised firm.
Closing the UK’s access-to-justice gap
Sponsored blog: David Haynes, ARAG CEO, explains why access to justice matters, the role the insurance industry plays in extending it, and why 2026 could prove a critical year.
FCA proposes 1.4% fee rise for broker block
The Financial Conduct Authority is consulting on raising levies from brokers by 1.4% in 2026/27 – double its annual budget increase – as it also laid out its work programme going into the second year of its five-year strategy.
FOS and FCA reveal next steps for system reform
The Financial Ombudsman Service and Financial Conduct Authority have outlined the next steps on their joint work to modernise the redress system.
ManyPets confirms social media clone
Pet insurance managing general agent ManyPets has confirmed a customer was contacted by an X account impersonating its brand and has issued a warning on how increasingly convincing scammers can appear.
Aviva responds to Direct Line’s £10.6m fine
Aviva has confirmed it was fully aware of the ‘historical’ accounting errors that have led to the Prudent Regulation Authority hitting Direct Line Group with a £10.6m fine and stated there will be no impact on the integration or the financial benefits it expects from the takeover.
PRA fines Direct Line underwriter £10.6m
The Prudential Regulation Authority has fined UK Insurance Limited, a subsidiary and principal underwriter of Direct Line Group and now part of Aviva, £10.625m for a miscalculation of its Solvency II balance sheet during 2023 and 2024.
Chris Knight succeeds Brewis as FCA insurance director
The Financial Conduct Authority has recruited Chris Knight to take on the director of insurance role within its supervision, policy and competition division starting July 2026.