Legal
Reportage - SME: SMEs under the regulatory spotlight
The risks that the SME sector faces on a daily basis have increased significantly over the past 10 years. Rising regulation and an increasingly litigious society mean that such businesses are facing an ever-growing rate of claims often not covered by the…
News analysis - regulation: brokers warned off overseas insurers
Brokers have been warned to take heed of current legal restrictions when they consider working with offshore providers.
Video: The Bribery Act 2010 delay - part 2 advice for brokers
After Justice Secretary Ken Clarke made clear the delay did not mean Government had any intention of "watering down" the Act, partner at Browne Jacobson, Matthew Woodford, advises brokers on how to prepare for the new rules.
Bent case could force drivers to shop around for credit hire
A case involving footballer Darren Bent could impact UK car drivers who accept a replacement vehicle following a crash, Allianz has warned.
Reportage - engineering: Keeping things ticking over
With news of cutbacks to the HSE budget, there are fears the engineering inspection sector will suffer. Neil Clutterbuck advises how brokers can ensure their clients' equipment meets UK standards and help reduce risk.
Reportage - Risk management: The commercial menu
Risk management is often touted as a way in which brokers can differentiate themselves from their competitors. Edward Murray asks why it is not offered to commercial clients as standard.
E-commerce: Simply Business reveals ambitious GWP growth plans
Simply Business, has unveiled a gross written premium target of £100m by the end of 2012, up from £41m last year.
Government awaits LSB report ahead of referral fee decision
The uncertainty around the future of referral fees has persisted despite recent legal judgements indicating that Lord Justice Jackson's recommendations will be adopted.
Director's and Officer's: A D&O deluge
Emmanuel Kenning takes an overview of the D&O sector and asks where the market will go next after a host of developments in 2010.
News review: January 2011
Groupama announced its plans to transfer the Liverpool and Glasgow-based commercial motor accounts of broker Choice Quote to its sister business Bollington, as part of a restructure of its GUK Broking Services arm.
Majority of firms ill-equipped to cope with new Bribery Act
Nearly two thirds of insurance firms are still not prepared for new anti-bribery legislation set to be enforced in April this year.
Insurance Age blog: The Bribery Act = end of corporate jollies?
Every man has his price, according to Sir Richard Walpole and maybe I'm cynical but I tend to agree with him. Most people like to believe that, if pushed, they would not take an option which benefited them more than the client they should be serving.
Insurance law firms Parabis and Everatt join forces
Parabis Law has merged with Everatt & Company, creating what they claim to be a £100m plus turnover business with more than 60 partners.
The British Insurance Awards 2011: a call for nominations
The British Insurance Awards 2011 are now officially open for entries. These prestigious awards, for the entire UK general insurance industry, will be presented at the Royal Albert Hall on the evening of the 6th July.
Simply Business targets £100m GWP
Simply Business, the online broker for small to medium sized enterprise business, has unveiled a gross written premium target of £100m by the end of 2012, up from £41m last year.
Start-up brokers: New Year, new start-up?
What's on your New Year's resolutions for 2011? Get fit, give up the fags, start a new broking business? Malcolm Lee sets out what you need to consider to be a successful start-up broker.
FSA regulatory approach under threat as BBA launches review
The Financial Services Authority's (FSA) principles-based approach to regulation has come under threat from a legal challenge brought by the British Bankers' Association (BBA).
Biba to issue brand guidance after old name is hijacked online
The British Insurance Brokers Association (Biba) has warned members of the threat of online brand hijacking after taking legal action to protect its own name.
Solicitor watchdog's PI plans will create an 'uneven playing field'
A new proposal from the Solicitors' Regulation Authority (SRA) to shake up the rules around professional indemnity (PI) requirements could create an "uneven playing field" within the insurance broking community, experts have warned.
SRA consults on bringing sole practitioners in line with sector
The Solicitors' Regulation Authority (SRA) has announced it is consulting on a proposal to bring the process for authorising sole practitioner law firms (firms with only one principal, who can be a solicitor or a registered European lawyer) in line with…
SRA consultation could scrap single renewal date for solicitors' PII
The Solicitors' Regulation Authority (SRA) has proposed the removal of the single renewal date for professional indemnity insurance (PII) for firms from October 2011, so that they can renew cover at any time of the year.
Brokers urged to push law firms to flag up ABS intentions to insurers
Brokers must push clients to alert their insurers if they are planning to become an Alternative Business Structure (ABS) or risk being drawn into claims for non-disclosure, according to legal experts.
News review: November 2010
IAG UK-owned broker Barnett & Barnett almost doubled its size to £50m gross written premium, with a move for a controlling stake in Bromley-based commercial and personal lines specialist NBJ.
Power hour: Calling in the experts?
This month's debate, with live interaction from Twitter, ascertains what value MGAs bring to brokers' businesses and the wider market. Are they simply another mouth to feed or the specialists that insurers and brokers need to service a diverse client…