United Kingdom (UK)
Strong solvency means insurers have capacity for M&A, says Fitch
There is surplus capital available for UK insurers to take advantage of any mergers and acquisitions opportunities, according to Graham Coutts, senior director for EMEA Insurance at Fitch Ratings.
Home insurance premiums drop 2.2%
The average quoted price of home insurance fell by 2.2% in the last three months of 2024, according to the latest research from Consumer Intelligence.
Allianz names Phuong Ly as UK commercial lead after Côté departure
Allianz Commercial has appointed Phuong Ly from Allianz Australia as managing director for the UK, starting in the post on 3 April succeeding Nadia Côté who left for RSA last year.
People Moves: 20 – 24 January 2025
Keep up to date with the latest insurance industry personnel moves.
Allianz UK names Cox as chief claims officer in team merger
Allianz UK has appointed Matt Cox to the newly created role of chief claims officer as it brings together the commercial and personal claims teams.
Rawlinson promoted as Donaldson exits Markerstudy for Ardonagh
Markerstudy Distribution CEO Ian Donaldson has left to rejoin Ardonagh with Emma Rawlinson promoted as his successor, eight months after the £1.2bn personal lines acquisition completed.
Biba service tops 40,000 at five-year signposting anniversary
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association’s signposting service has received 41,330 enquiries from people with pre-existing medical conditions and disabilities seeking protection insurance, the trade body has confirmed.
Ardonagh Advisory to be renamed Everywhen with Towergate brand set to exit
Ardonagh Advisory will change its name to Everywhen this year, Insurance Age can reveal, with client facing brands including Towergate set to switch in a second phase moving into 2026.
Pen boosts capacity with QBE in £420m deal package
Pen Underwriting has extended its partnership with QBE in the UK and Ireland, renewing capacity for public authority risks as well as the hazardous goods and environmental industries.
New Ripe CEO eyes up deals and four product launches in 2025
“The challenge that I’ve taken on, and I’ve mapped out, is both organic growth maintained in double digits and a healthy amount of growth coming through new products,” Ripe CEO Alan Thomas has told Insurance Age.
Broking Success: Growing regional presence
Financial Affairs CEO Laurence O’Connor looks to grow the business ten fold three years ahead of schedule, after making four acquisitions in 18 months.
ARMD secures five-year Accelerant capacity
ARMD, a managing general agent for tradespeople, has entered a five-year capacity agreement with Accelerant’s Risk Exchange.
Hiscox HNW head Holmes exiting for new broker role
Nicola Holmes, the head of broker in Hiscox’s art and private clients division, is to depart the business to pursue a new opportunity at an as yet unnamed intermediary, Insurance Age can reveal.
Pollen Street backed Pivotal Growth buys Northern Irish broker
Pivotal Growth, which is backed by Markerstudy investor Pollen Street Capital, has bought Business Protection Solutions (UK) in Northern Ireland.
FCA targets 400 headcount as it continues Leeds office expansion
The Financial Conduct Authority has expanded its Leeds regional office, with 100 more people expected to join this year.
People Moves: 13 – 17 January 2025
Stay in the loop with the latest personnel moves in insurance.
Half of brokers struggle to recruit those aged under 30
Two thirds of brokers (64%) claim recruiting young talent is a strategic challenge for their business, according to research by Ecclesiastical, Insurance Age can reveal.
Biba makes manifesto commitments on tackling evolving risk of flood
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has made specific commitments on the “significant and growing risk” for both personal and commercial customers from flooding, as it unveiled its 2025 manifesto.
Analysis: Fortune favours the bold – Is 2025 a ‘golden opportunity’ to join the M&A bandwagon?
With deals at an all-time high – but shrinking in size – and with the established consolidators becoming more picky, could 2025 be the perfect time for smaller brokers to start buying? Jonathan Swift mulls the hypothesis.
Ex-Ageas boss Boisseau joins Howden as NED
Former Ageas leader Francois-Xavier Boisseau has been appointed as chair of Howden’s UK and Ireland retail board, taking up the post this month.
CFC launches new solution for small media production houses
Specialist insurer CFC has launched a multi-year insurance solution specifically designed for smaller media production companies.
Economic Secretary Emma Reynolds supports calls for proportionate regulation
At the British Insurance Brokers’ Association manifesto launch Economic Secretary to the Treasury Emma Reynolds stated regulation “must be proportionate”.
Manifesto 2025: A ‘golden opportunity’, says Biba
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has unveiled its 2025 Manifesto, titled ‘Partnering to deliver value’, labelling the year as a golden opportunity on regulation.
Broker optimism on the up in fleet
Direct Commercial’s latest broker barometer has found 56% of brokers experienced difficulties in securing coverage for smaller fleets in the last quarter, a slight improvement from 60% earlier in the year.