Politics
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.
Reportage - Commercial property: Businesses under the weather
Louise Phillips examines the risks facing commercial property when it comes to weather and how brokers should advise their clients to prepare for the worst and put in place measures to limit damage.
Power hour: A flood defence drought
The coalition has already announced that flood defence spending is to be cut. With the Statement of Principles due to run out in 2013 this month's discussion focuses on the possible impact for insurance. Emmanuel Kenning reports from Manchester.
Delay to Bribery Act should not distract businesses, says PWC
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has confirmed that the Bribery Act, due to come into force in April, will be delayed until it has issued further guidance to businesses.
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.
Quantative easing now back on the cards as UK economy shrinks by 0.5%
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed that UK GDP contracted by 0.5% in the fourth quarter of 2010.
FSA to debate new interventionist strategies for the CPMA
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has published a discussion paper to open a public debate about how it, and in future the proposed Consumer Protection and Markets Authority (CPMA), should best protect the consumer with a specific focus on product…
SSP responds to OFT investigation
Software house SSP has responded to the Office of Fair Trading's (OFT) investigation of competition concerns surrounding Experian’s Whatif? Private Motor product.
Biba launches 2011 manifesto
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba) has launched its 2011 manifesto outlining its priority lobbying issues for the year ahead.
LMA speaks out in car insurance investigation
The Lloyd’s Market Association (LMA) has warned MPs that a reduction in the price of motor insurance can only be achieved if the risks and costs borne by insurers are reduced.
Government to crack down on uninsured drivers
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba) has welcomed the news from Transport Minister, Mike Penning MP, that new powers to tackle uninsured driving will come into force within months.
Biba renews call for Government action on spiralling motor insurance costs
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba) has again called on the Government to implement an eight point plan to reduce the spiralling cost of motor insurance.
CBI calls for greater female presence in boardrooms
All UK listed companies should have to set targets for the number of women in their boardrooms, according to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).
Polly C - the hottest insurance gossip
The Swinton Christmas shindig at the Waldorf saw the industry's great and good flock to quaff champagne and discuss the highs and lows of 2010.
Power hour: Feeling the benefit?
It is hoped that a change in the Government's position regarding benefits may open up opportunities for PMI. This month's discussion covers the expansion of cash plans, the role of trade bodies and the normally taboo subject of claims data sharing. Liz…
Roger Carr appointed president of CBI
Roger Carr is to succeed Incisive Media’s non-executive chairman, Helen Alexander, as president of the Confederation of British Industry. Mrs Alexander has been in the role since 2009 and Mr Carr will take up the post at the end of her term of office in…
Referral fee income to stay
Legal experts have predicted that referral fees in personal injury cases will continue to exist in some form even if the Government decides to implement an outright ban on their use.
Agenda: Insurance and the state
The insurance industry and the state are inextricably entwined with a large number of common interests but competing in a number of areas in looking after the wellbeing of citizens and businesses. On a macro basis, the need for insurance in a communist…
E-commerce: Brokers criticised for not carrying out adequate sanction checks
Brokers are grossly underestimating the implications of government guidelines for client screening, according to Open GI.
2010 review: A year of living cautiously
The economy grew, rival political parties unexpectedly started working together and personal lines rates even hardened, although plenty of surprises and setbacks meant that 2010 was far from plain sailing, writes Andrew Tjaardstra.
Broker regulation - Viewpoint: Securing the future
John Greenway on how, after 23 years as an MP, he is now turning his attention to helping brokers with the new regulatory regime.
Viewpoint: Justice for all will disappear
It is all too easy to point at the manner of Lord Young's recent departure from government as the Prime Minister's enterprise adviser to suggest that he was out of touch with the real world. Some commentators had already made the observation back in…
Focus - Broker funding: Finding your way through
With the major banks still cautious about lending, brokers are finding it tough to access funding for growth. Rachel Gordon looks at the options.