SME
Verlingue boosts employee benefits division with Brunsdon buy
Verlingue has snapped up Gloucester-based Brunsdon Employee Benefits, extending its sector capabilities in the SME and mid-corporate market.
MGA bolsters team following resignations amid Ardonagh staff interest
Managing general agent Mercia Underwriting says it has bolstered the team after a number of staff resigned from positions.
Only 32% of SME brokers understand ESG aims – CII research
Fewer than a third of staff at small brokers understand the environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals of their firm, according to the research from the Chartered Insurance Institute.
Broking Success: Targeting the 100-year milestone
WH&R McCartney is believed to be the oldest independent broker in Scotland. With only a handful of years left to go until its centenary, directors Graeme Robb and Alan Kirkwood are confident of further growth and success for the Motherwell-based firm.
In Depth: Legal expenses cover… needed more than ever?
Clients may want brokers to advise on how to reduce premiums, but this is the one add-on to hang onto according to providers as Rachel Gordon discovers.
Q&A: Nadia Côté, managing director UK, Allianz Commercial
In her first interview since being announced in April as managing director UK at Allianz Commercial Nadia Côté tackles simplifying trade with brokers. She also assesses how the new Allianz Commercial structure will improve knowledge sharing and…
JMG strikes 10th deal of 2023
JMG Group has bought Cheshire-based Blackfriars Group, taking its deal total for 2023 to 10.
Are you the community/small broker of the year?
As part of the UK Broker Awards 2023, Insurance Age is looking to find the best FCA registered broker with less than £5m GWP.
Commercial Express teams up with Brit and Ascot for shop scheme
Managing general agent Commercial Express has unveiled a new shop scheme.
Simply Business parent Xbridge posts revenue rise but profits slip
Online broker Xbridge, which trades under the name Simply Business, saw a slight fall in profits in 2022 as revenue grew by 13%.
Brokers waiting on insurers and tech vendors to demonstrate value of AI and ChatGPT
Brokers are unlikely to actively embrace artificial intelligence and explore the potential of ChatGPT until insurers and technology vendors have demonstrated their value, and none need fear that they will replace them in giving advice.
Meet the MGA: Burns & Wilcox UK
Stuart Kilpatrick, managing director, Burns & Wilcox UK explains how creating an empowering environment and building long-term relationships with partners have been key to its success
In Depth: How broker networks are embracing data and new technology
There have been a glut of recent data and technology solutions launched into the network space. Martin Friel explores how important these developments are when it comes to attracting new members.
Clegg Gifford launches digital platform to give brokers access to Lloyd’s capacity
Clegg Gifford has partnered with digital agency MagiClick UK with the ambition of giving UK high street brokers “improved accessibility [to] Lloyd's capacity” through new e-trading platform Six.
Cobra CEO Tedstone aims to hit £1bn by 2025
The boss of broking network Cobra has said that it has identified a pipeline of 700 potential ‘unicorns’ as it seeks new members to meet its target of £1bn of premium by the end of 2025.
CEO Hardie anticipating Jensten sale within 18 months
“At some point in the next 12-18 months I think we will have a different investor in the business with or without Livingbridge remaining,” Jensten Group CEO Alistair Hardie has told Insurance Age.
Allianz Commercial boss Simon McGinn to leave
Allianz Commercial CEO Simon McGinn is to leave the business on 1 July, the insurer announced today.
Aviva posts 13% GWP hike in Q1
Aviva grew general insurance premiums in the UK by 13% in the first quarter of 2023 as its combined operating ratio also improved.
Aviva boss David Martin on empowering branches for brokers and delivering growth
Aviva delivered 200 authority and licence changes for underwriters dealing with brokers in just the first quarter of 2023, as it pushed ahead on empowering branches, managing director of UKGI distribution & SME David Martin has told Insurance Age.
Profile: A new lens – and an eye for opportunity
With a laser-like focus on growth, Zurich retail boss David Nichols is keen to bring a new lens to the insurer’s offering and deliver for brokers.
Manchester, Liverpool and the buoyant North West are under the spotlight
As we put Covid-19 behind us, Sophie Locke-Cooper discovers brokers in the North West are positive about the prospects of the local market despite worldwide economic challenges such as inflation and UK-wide issues such as recruitment and talent retention.
Allianz to help brokers with underinsurance concerns
Brokers are requesting additional insurer support on valuations of businesses including SMEs according to director of digital trading at Allianz UK, Helen Bryant.
Nearly half of SMEs expect 2023 revenue rise – Premium Credit
New research by Premium Credit revealed that nearly five times more SMEs expect their businesses to grow than shrink in the year ahead.
Cowbell enters UK cyber market targeting SME brokers
US cyber specialist Cowbell has entered the UK market with plans to sell its products exclusively through brokers.