Construction
Newbie News: Merlin Insurance Brokers
Richard O’Brian, founder and CEO of Merlin Insurance Brokers, has targeted growing the property and construction specialist broker by 80% in 2026 and already has an application in to the FCA to be fully authorised.
Kelliher reveals profit jump in 2024 as turnover rose
Top 100 UK Broker Kelliher Insurance Group grew turnover by 4.3% last year with post-tax profit surging 49.8%.
US consolidator buys London-based £100m GWP MGA
US-based managing general agent consolidator Bishop Street Underwriters has acquired Avid Insurance, the niche multi-disciplined MGA.
Allianz mid-market boss Graham Stait’s ‘challenge us’ message to brokers
One year into the role of mid-market leader at Allianz, Graham Stait tells Insurance Age about growing the offering and his keenness for brokers to challenge the firm as it seeks to be “the easiest insurer to do business with”.
Market Movement Index: All change
New analysis from Broker Insights reveals a shifting picture as higher premium risks move more, softer rates take hold and brokers shift to use smaller, dynamic providers over traditional markets. Rachel Gordon reports.
NBS launches enhanced contractors combined product
NBS Underwriting has launched a contractors combined product to provide brokers with a “comprehensive solution that brings essential construction-related covers together in one streamlined policy”.
Acrisure continues brand rollout with two more brokers adopting name
Acrisure has announced that two of its specialist brokers, FinCred and Building & Land Guarantees (BLG), have adopted the Acrisure brand and will operate under its name as of today (1st September).
Sompo boosts UK and international business with £2.6bn acquisition
Sompo has entered into an agreement to acquire Aspen Insurance Holdings for an aggregate consideration of approximately $3.5bn (£2.6bn).
Iprism adds excess of loss product to Acturis
Iprism, the specialist construction, property and private clients MGA, has expanded its excess of loss via the Acturis trading platform.
SRG signs up to buy City Quarter Brokers
Specialist Risk Group has revealed an agreement to buy City Quarter Brokers.
MGU teams up with HSB for construction launch
Victor Insurance UK has launched a contractors all risks insurance product targeting contractors and subcontractors with up to £20m in annual revenue.
Axa bosses Walker and Zweibrucker on growing with brokers in commercial and retail
The commercial and retail divisions of Axa Insurance in the UK are growing, the respective CEOs have confirmed, outlining plans to expand with brokers over the rest of the year and beyond.
QBE’s Fitzgerald on doubling in the regions, and what comes next
In the past three years, QBE has doubled its gross written premium in the regions and is not taking its “foot off the growth”, UK regions director Andy Fitzgerald tells Insurance Age, promising consistency for brokers.
FUW targets A55 corridor with new commercial venture
Aberystwyth-headquartered agricultural specialist broker FUW Insurance Services is rolling out a business-targeted venture, FUW Commercial.
MGA expands appetite for contractors to include builders, plant and skip hirers
Speciality insurance managing general agent Fiducia has expanded its risk appetite for combined liabilities insurance to include a range of new broker contractor clients.
PwC highlights pressure on motor, home and specialty insurance from Trump’s tariffs
PwC has warned of higher claims costs, particularly in motor and home, leading to pressure on premium rates due to the US placing new tariffs on its global trading partners.
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.
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.
Brown & Brown buys Edinburgh-based MGA
Brown & Brown Europe has bought niche construction sector property and complex liability programmes specialist Premier Commercial.
Bristol regional review: Strong outlook with ‘vibrant economy’
Insurance experts in Bristol have a strong outlook about growth in the city as they highlight its “vibrant economy”, with investments to provide both insurers and brokers opportunities, Rosie Simms explores.