capacity
Meet the MGA: Optio Underwriting
With an aim to be the most admired global specialty MGA, Optio Underwriting group CEO Deepak Soni outlines how it attracts top talent, plans to mix organic growth with M&A and discusses the importance of having a PE backer that understands the subtle…
Iprism grows again with a 21% boost in 2024
Managing general agent Iprism Underwriting Agency grew 21% in the year to 30 June 2024, building on the 16% achieved the year before, and is eyeing up further expansion in 2025.
Broker confidence in non-standard market waning, says Prestige
Managing general agents remain pivotal in non-standard but there are “mixed signals” in broker confidence, according to a survey by Prestige Underwriting.
Interview: Mike Bottle, managing director of the Arch Insurance UK regional division
After a decade of transformation, multi-award-winning Arch is very much open for business with brokers and ready for more profitable growth across its regional network, hub and digital offerings, boss Mike Bottle tells Insurance Age.
Zurich targets £250m of GWP after extending relationship with MGA
Zurich UK has extended its capacity agreement with Plum Underwriting for a further five years, with ambitions to reach £250m GWP over the term.
Meet the MGA: Elmlake Underwriting
A seasoned professional indemnity underwriter, Darren Galloway, managing director of new MGA Elmlake Underwriting, explains how it plans to fuse both traditional and modern approaches to offer a one-stop shop for brokers and their clients.
In Depth: How can brokers future-proof their placement strategies?
Aligning risks properly with the appetite of insurers and MGAs is key to maximising the effort and time brokers spend with their placement strategies. Edward Murray explores how this can also mitigate issues should an agency be withdrawn.
Insurers launch dual Lloyd’s/company market stamp capacity for brokers
Lloyd’s insurer MS Amlin and its sister company Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company (Europe) (MSIG UK), have announced plans to expand their London Market footprint with the launch of a new dual-stamp underwriting capability.
In Depth: How can brokers access capacity for specialist and non-standard risks?
Brokers continue to face challenges placing non-standard specialist risks that sit outside the core appetite of many mainstream insurers. Edward Murray explores how MGAs might be able to help these intermediaries grow their books by giving them capacity…
Bolt-on deal sealed by Bspoke, with more to come, says Smyth
Bspoke has completed a bolt-on deal and has a “fair bit” of ongoing activity, group CEO Tim Smyth told Insurance Age.
Meet the MGA: Carrow Insurance
Looking to mend the disconnect between MGAs and carriers to get back to the ‘win-win situation’ where consistency and partnerships are a focus, Carrow Insurance will only write in product areas it has deep-seated expertise, CEO Ronan Conboy tells…
Ex-England manager Gareth Southgate among Biba conference speakers
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has confirmed former England men’s football team manager Gareth Southgate as one of its 2025 conference keynote speakers.
Prestige becomes preferred non-standard household partner for Ardonagh Advisory
Specialist managing general agent Prestige Underwriting has entered a strategic partnership with Ardonagh Advisory.
Broking Success: Personable service
David Walton, senior director of commercial specialist broker Bromwall, is aiming to double turnover in five years, as the business looks to remain independent offering personable service.
Mosaic launches combined general and environmental liability cover
Mosaic Insurance has launched a combined environmental product that merges primary commercial general liability with a suite of added pollution and professional coverages, available to retail and wholesale brokers.
Market Movement Index: Brokers cutting agencies to focus on fewer insurers
Analysis from Broker Insights shows brokers are consolidating agency numbers and ending relationships with smaller, less useful, insurers. Rachel Gordon breaks down the data.
MGA Aspect expands in property with more products promised for brokers
High-hazards mid-market specialist managing general agent Aspect has rolled out a broader range of product capabilities and a brand refresh.
Howden and Aviva join up on renewable energy
Howden’s power and renewable energy team has launched a UK quote and bind platform.
Ex-Aviva boss Mark Wilson joins Policy Expert as chair
Former Abacai and Aviva leader Mark Wilson will join Policy Expert as chair next month with current chair and CEO Steve Hardy focusing on his CEO role.
Hedgehog Risk seeks new markets after securing US investment
SIG Insurance has acquired a substantial stake in specialist sports and prize insurance provider, Hedgehog Risk.
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.
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.
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.
Iprism broadens capacity deal with Zurich
Managing general agent Iprism has signed a multi-year deal with Zurich bringing in capacity for its property owners and commercial combined products.