SME
Two-fifths of London businesses at risk of flash flooding
Research by Zurich has revealed that two-fifths of London businesses are at risk of being hit by flash floods as heavy rainfall is predicted to hit the capital.
Jensten flags healthy acquisition pipeline
CEO Alistair Hardie said the organisation has a series of deals in play following its buy of J. Bennett & Sons but warned that the Financial Conduct Authority can be slow to approve acquisitions.
GWP up but profit and COR deteriorate for Allianz Holdings
Allianz Holdings has posted a drop in profit of 42%, from £170m to £99m for the first half of 2022.
TL Dallas targets more branches after recent expansions
TL Dallas will open at least one more branch this year, managing director Polly Staveley has revealed to Insurance Age as she confirmed recent cost of living pay rises for all staff.
FCA warns of W.F. Fountain clone
The Financial Conduct Authority has warned of a clone using the name William Fountain Insurance Brokers.
Jensten buys MGA Origin
The Jensten Group has bought SME specialist managing general agent Origin UW for an undisclosed sum.
Spring launches SME cyber cover
Spring Insure has launched a commercial cyber offering tailored for small and medium sized enterprises.
Ripe Thinking ready to strike first buy
Ripe Thinking is gearing up to make its first acquisition having grown to more than 280,000 policyholders organically since being founded in 1997.
Beazley delivers improved COR but profits down on investment returns
Beazley has reported an improved combined operating ratio of 87% for the first half of 2022, from 94% delivered in the same period last year.
FSB flags small firms' concerns on price of insurance
Small firms are encountering widespread problems in their dealings with the insurance market and rising premium costs, a new report has found.
Analysis: The challenge to build back better – as trust in insurance drops
Consumer trust in insurance has fallen over the past 12 months, but experts can see a route to a brighter future. Emmanuel Kenning reports.
News analysis: The future for Directors’ & Officers’ cover
Martin Friel explores how this niche line is developing, and learns how factors such as Russian sanctions are driving change in the highly specialist market.
Coalition targets being core market player with broker only UK cyber insurance launch
Coalition is hopeful of becoming “one of the standard set of markets that domestic brokers approach for coverage” within 12 months after teaming up with Allianz to launch a cyber insurance product to SMEs and mid-market businesses in the UK, CEO Joshua…
Acrisure targets SME brokers in M&A drive
Acrisure is set to target SME brokers in the UK and Ireland, following its Russell Scanlan buy, as it moves forward with its M&A strategy according to president, Mark McIlquham
MGA Fusion Specialty expands in UK
SME focused M&A and financial lines specialist managing general agent Fusion Specialty has launched Fusion Specialty UK.
Covéa returns to profit in 2021
Covéa Insurance has reported post-tax profit of £7.9m in 2021 reversing the loss of £30.8m the previous year.
Profile: Adam Winslow - Winslow’s world
Adam Winslow has been UK and Ireland CEO for Aviva since May last year. He speaks to Siân Barton about his career, the insurer’s plans and shares his view on current market conditions.
FCA warns on Broker Express clone
The Financial Conduct Authority has warned of a clone of Broker Express with fraudsters using or giving out details as part of their tactics to scam people in the UK.
Hug Hub to launch broker extranet service
Insurtech Hug Hub is to rollout an extranet service this summer in a move it said would save commercial brokers up to 75% of the processing cost in placing e-traded SME risks.
Aviva grows UK GWP by 4% in Q1
Aviva has posted a 4% rise in UK gross written premiums for the first quarter of 2022 to £1.24bn but a deteriorating combined operating ratio of 99.4%.
Aviva halfway to regional underwriter recruitment target
Aviva has added a net 20 new underwriters to its underwriting team in the regions, chief distribution officer Gareth Hemming told Insurance Age.
Analysis: Network knowledge is key to opening the door to new start-ups
The network sector is in upbeat mood confident of growing with existing and new members as well as being keen to help new start-ups come into the insurance market, the leaders tell Emmanuel Kenning
Zurich UK refreshes small fleet cover for electric vehicles
Zurich UK has added new cover and wording to its small fleet policy for firms with between two and 20 vehicles.
Blog: Bona fide sub contractors – a hard sell?
Martino D’Aliesio, lead underwriter – casualty at Ensurance, on the key questions for brokers to guide their construction clients through the complex bona fide sub contractors area.