Recruitment
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.
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.
Northern Ireland tops table for account exec pay rises
Insurance account executives in Northern Ireland had the highest percentage pay rises in the UK last year, with London-based employees still having the top wage but getting the smallest rate increase, according to a survey by Reed.
CII reports 15% increase in insurance qualifications
The Chartered Insurance Institute has reported a 15% annual increase in the number of its insurance qualifications completed in 2024.
Clear hires ex-JLT and Miller exec to lead on M&A
The Clear Group has appointed Oscar Holloway as its first managing director, M&A.
Broking Success: Growing regional presence
Financial Affairs CEO Laurence O’Connor looks to grow the business ten fold three years ahead of schedule, after making four acquisitions in 18 months.
Hiscox HNW head Holmes exiting for new broker role
Nicola Holmes, the head of broker in Hiscox’s art and private clients division, is to depart the business to pursue a new opportunity at an as yet unnamed intermediary, Insurance Age can reveal.
FCA targets 400 headcount as it continues Leeds office expansion
The Financial Conduct Authority has expanded its Leeds regional office, with 100 more people expected to join this year.
Half of brokers struggle to recruit those aged under 30
Two thirds of brokers (64%) claim recruiting young talent is a strategic challenge for their business, according to research by Ecclesiastical, Insurance Age can reveal.
Lloyd’s CEO Neal to leave for new role at Aon
Lloyd’s has announced that CEO John Neal will be leaving in 2025 to join Aon as its global CEO of reinsurance and global chairman of climate solutions.
Business confidence up at start of 2025 but regulatory pressure concerns rise
Financial services leaders are more confident about business growth and profitability in the first quarter than at the same point last year, according to research by KPMG UK as it also found regulatory pressures becoming a top three concern of bosses.
MGA appoints new MD
MGA Alps has appointed Michelle O’Reilly as managing director, replacing Ian Micklewright.
Ex-Das UK boss Coram departs for UK insurer CEO role
The ex-boss of Das UK, Tony Coram, has returned to former parent company Munich Re as CEO of its primary insurance business, Great Lakes (UK).
Broking Success: Bletchley’s Angela Irvine
Angela Irvine, sales director of Bletchley, outlines how the Birmingham-based broker is looking to build on its solid foundations whilst its independent status is unlikely to change anytime soon.