SME
MBP strikes first deal of 2026 with RAW investment
Minority Broker Partnerships has acquired a minority stake in RAW Insurance Brokers, a Carlisle-based commercial insurance brokerage specialising in construction, agricultural and SME business insurance.
Storah promises brokers more to come as Aviva reaches sub 94% ‘North Star’ COR
Aviva grew gross written premium and policy numbers in a “challenging” SME market, Jason Storah, CEO for UK and Ireland general insurance at Aviva, confirmed to Insurance Age, as he promised further broker focus after its 2025 results.
Partners& buys West Midlands-based Movo AR
Partners& has purchased Dudley-based Holmes Insurance Brokers, a Movo Partnerships appointed representative.
Superscript to open new Glasgow office and promotes trio
Superscript has announced plans to open a third office in Scotland and unveiled a series of promotions as part of what it has described as “next phase of growth”.
News analysis: Why are more brokers competing for brand and affinity partnerships?
A number of brokers have recently announced tie-ups with household brands to distribute insurance. Ida Axling explores the benefits these affinity deals bring for intermediaries and their partners, and the prospects for future growth in the brand…
Commercial Express’ Pritchard on opportunities with brokers in MGU model move
Managing director of Commercial Express, Duncan Pritchard, shares its broker agency, digital platform and product expansion plans as the business moves to a managing general underwriter model after teaming up with Fortegra.
Swansea broker Compare buys £1.5m GWP book of clients
Swansea-based Compare Insurance has acquired the book of clients from Insure My Business, adding £1.5m gross written premiums to the business.
Interview: Allianz’s chief distribution officer Nick Hobbs
Nick Hobbs, chief distribution officer at Allianz UK, tells Insurance Age about the importance of the provider’s regional footprint now including broker hubs, the challenges of the soft market and its MGA appetite as well as the ongoing investment in…
Markel boss Mooney warns SMEs are 'consciously' choosing to underinsure
Experts have called on greater education around renewals and the true value of insurance as underinsurance has started to become a conscious decision for SMEs.
SME MGA outlines mission to ‘empower’ brokers as it opens for business
Kovrilo, an MGA incubated by Mission that provides bespoke, modular commercial cover for UK SMEs, has formally launched.
Broadway targeting 50% growth in 2026 on way to £50m GWP within 5 years
Broadway CEO Daniel Lloyd-John is keen to avoid complacency as it seeks to become the optimal size and shape for a ‘boutique broker’, and highlights the opportunities in its ‘one client’ cross-selling approach.
Survey: Rebuilding trust in commercial combined
Commercial combined etrade was meant to simplify placement. Instead, brokers say rigid systems, slow referrals and automated declines are making one of the market’s most important products harder to trade. Martin Friel reports
Cullum and McCaffrey on Minority Broker Partnerships’ aim to hit £100m GWP by end of 2026
Launched without much fanfare, Minority Broker Partnerships reunites Peter Cullum and James McCaffrey into the intermediary investment space. However, as the pair tell Jonathan Swift the market has changed since their last attempt - with younger brokers…
Broking Success: Cass Stephens MD James Cass
Cass Stephens managing director James Cass explains how the broker is targeting the specialist care and park home sectors for growth as the business celebrates its 60th anniversary, and highlights the importance of cyber insurance for SMEs.
Biba to launch cyber insurance broker directory
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association is working on the launch of a directory of accredited cyber insurance brokers, as the trade body highlights growing cyber-attack risk.
Manifesto 2026: Biba calls for new Financial Services Bill
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has launched its 2026 Manifesto titled ‘Economic Resilience’, calling on the government to introduce a new Financial Services Bill in early 2026.
Markel launches life science combined
Markel has launched life science combined created specifically for SMEs operating in the sector.
Alps launches commercial property emergency insurance
Alps has launched a commercial property emergency policy designed to provide rapid assistance and financial protection for SME businesses facing unexpected property emergencies.
MGA Uris Group seals first acquisition post-Ardonagh split
Specialist personal lines MGA Uris Group has acquired Lutine Assurance Services from Ardonagh Group as it looks to diversify its offering for brokers.
More than a third of SMEs cut cover – Premium Credit
Around one in four SMEs are believed to have been underinsured for the past 12 months, according to research by Premium Credit.
End of Year Review 2025: Zurich Insurance’s Nikki Lidster
Nikki Lidster, head of SME at Zurich Insurance, reminisces about connecting with broker partners at the Biba Conference and promises if they want to get in touch with the business, they will get through to a skilled Zurich employee – never a bot.