Recruitment
Interview: Superscript CEO Chris Barclay
Newly appointed Superscript CEO Chris Barclay tells Jonathan Swift about its plans to enter motor, reduce the number of insurers it works with and treble in size to over £100m GWP after shaking off its insurtech tag to become a truly digital insurance…
Cowens looks for growth in challenging market
Mark Wilson, managing director of Cowens, has targeted 15% growth in the next year but highlighted the soft market and wider economy challenges, with acquisitions not ruled out.
Birmingham regional review: Highly competitive market
Birmingham’s central location in the country creates opportunities for investment and growth, according to experts in the highly competitive broker market, with recruitment flagged as the main challenge.
Brokers drawn to MGAs with ‘next-gen’ culture and emerging talent – Corin
Brokers are increasingly drawn to managing general agents with a strong commitment to innovation, community engagement, and talent development, according to research by Corin Underwriting.
Hiscox creates new HNW trading director role
Hiscox UK has appointed Matt Perkin to the new role of trading director for high net worth, art and collections.
Broking Success: One team
James Godsall, managing director of generalist broker Jukes Insurance, on bringing teams together and maintaining a high street-type presence while moving the broker to 50/50 commercial and personal lines.
SRG names ex-Lockton and Marsh boss Nimmo as first UK CEO
Specialist Risk Group has recruited Neil Nimmo as its first CEO – UK, effective immediately.
Ex rugby and NFL star to lead MGA’s UK and EU growth
Former NY Jets and Saracens player Hayden Smith has been promoted to regional CEO of MGA United Risk to oversee the expansion of its EU, UK and British Commonwealth business.
Blog: Young talent now will fix future recruitment challenges
With an ageing industry and recruitment being cited as one of the main challenges faced by insurance firms, bringing in younger talent into insurance is vital, but is the industry doing enough? Rosie Simms surveys the landscape.
CII calls for 2025 New Generation Programme applications
The Chartered Insurance Institute 2025 New Generation Programme has opened for entries, with brokers having until 18 August to apply.
RSA unveils new commercial MD as Bryson departs
RSA has appointed Tovah Grosscurth as commercial lines managing director with immediate effect, subject to regulatory approval.
Downey on getting Pen to £1.75bn by 2030
Having hit its goal of £1bn gross written premium a year early in 2024, Pen Underwriting has set its sights on £1.75bn by 2030. CEO Tom Downey tells Insurance Age about the strategy of organic growth, product development and acquisitions now in place to…
Broking Success: Pipeline of talent
CJ Insurance, specialists in close protection, security and defence has a pipeline of talent through the business, according to managing director James Clarke, as he targets doubling its size over the next five years.
Broker recruitment market stabilises but retirements continue to rise
Aviva’s annual Broker Barometer has found 74% of brokers are recruiting, down from 94% in 2024, suggesting the market is stabilising and many brokers have successfully filled their staffing needs.
Ex-Acromas CEO among senior Pikl hires
Pikl, the vacation rental specialist, has recruited former Acromas Insurance CEO Steve McGuinness as its chief operating officer and Canopius veteran James Everett as its chief underwriting officer.
Ex-Zurich/RSA CEO Lewis appointed MGA chair
Managing general agent Arkel has appointed former Zurich and RSA CEO Steve Lewis as chairman, effective immediately.
Fairchild: broker deal slowdown highlights need for “fresh approach” to M&A
The mooted decline in broker merger and acquisition activity in the UK means it is the right time to introduce a new approach to deal-making.
Momentum increases revenue 21% in 2024 as it grows financial support for members
Appointed representative network Momentum hit £97m gross written premiums last year growing 21%, as founder and managing director Howard Pepper looks to continue financial support for its ARs following AUB investment.
FUW launches account executive academy
Specialist agricultural insurance broker FUW Insurance Services has launched an internal account executive academy with six participants from its offices across Wales.
Hazelton Mountford targets hitting £20m GWP milestone in two years
Established in 2008, Hazelton Mountford is aiming to hit £20m gross written premium in the next two years through organic growth, Gordon Hazelton, group managing director, told Insurance Age.
Pen Underwriting extends cover for recruitment agencies
Pen Underwriting has expanded and enhanced its specialist insurance proposition for recruitment agencies, to support clients’ international growth strategies.
The Yorkshire Broker looks to build on base as inquiries grow
Launched in 2023, The Yorkshire Broker has seen inquiries kicking up in the past six months, according to managing director Martin Weaver-Parker, after “a bit of a slow start”, as he targets doubling gross written premiums in 18 months.
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.
MGA takes another Axa leader with CUO hire
Optio Group has appointed the former Axa director of schemes and delegated authorities Gary Head as chief underwriting officer, effective immediately.