SME
Axa trimmed UK COR as GWP and profit grew in 2025
Axa Insurance UK achieved a sub-100% combined operating ratio for 2025 with gross written premium up and profits rising, a filing at Companies House has revealed.
Cross-selling at the forefront for Covéa, say PL boss Coffey and CL leader Hector
Covéa personal lines director Sue Coffey has outlined plans to widen Covéa’s home insurance footprint and the cross-selling opportunities with the commercial business, as the insurer pinpoints profits as the lead focus going forward.
Simply Business adds Allianz to SME insurer panel
Simply Business has expanded its product provider panel with the inclusion of Allianz UK.
Axa’s Jon Walker on consistency for brokers in new role
Having been made CEO of newly created Axa Insurance UK in March, Jon Walker sets out his approach to the role and what the provider is doing for brokers.
Aviva doubling down for customers, says Martin
Aviva is committed to pushing on with an “absolute focus on customer” and will continue “doubling down”, David Martin, managing director for UK commercial and chief distribution officer, told Insurance Age as he teased a “major new proposition” pencilled…
Intact extends risk consulting service across commercial book
Intact Insurance has confirmed the roll out of ‘Risk Assist’ as a core policy offering across its entire commercial lines portfolio, detailing a series of benefits in support of brokers.
Zurich’s Kelly on the importance of local trading and the insurer’s mid-market focus
Zurich has seen a 60% uptick in new business across its mid-market portfolio this year, according to Jacqui Kelly, UK head of sales and distribution – retail, who highlighted the importance of regional trading ahead of Biba’s 2026 conference.
BDH owner reveals growing losses and turnover in 2025
Salinas Topco, the holding company for Top 100 UK broker BDH, has posted rising turnover in the last financial year and losses reaching £11m.
Pool Re seeks to boost take-up of terrorism cover by SMEs with new scheme
Pool Re has launched a new incentive scheme for its members, aimed at increasing the uptake of terrorism insurance cover among SMEs as it highlighted only around 4% of the sector has cover in place.
Aviva refreshes PI cover offering brokers flexibility
Aviva has refreshed its digitally traded professional indemnity product as it launches the proposition on Fast Trade and Acturis.
Aviva to complete commercial combined overhaul with final module launch
Aviva is poised to complete the overhaul of its digital commercial combined insurance proposition, with the launch of its final standalone module, money insurance, available from May.
Meet the MGA: Kovrilo co-founder and commercial director Sonia Habib
Kovrilo co-founder Sonia Habib speaks to Jonathan Swift about how its use of technology, adherence to claims excellence and a pick n’ mix modular approach means the start-up MGA is much more than just another commercial combined player.
The stats: Commercial rates continue to fall in Q4 2025
The latest Acturis Commercial Broking Index confirms softer market conditions, as negative movements in Q4 led to rate stabilisation for the full year and put a stop to a six-year growth period. Ida Axling reports.
Broking Success: Tip top service – Mathew Rowles, Malago Insurance Brokers
Following its 10-year anniversary, Malago Insurance Brokers’ founder Mathew Rowles has highlighted the importance of tip top service and being a “proper local broker” servicing all commercial lines needs.
Lloyd’s insurer targets SMEs with new cyber launch
Lloyd’s insurer Brit has launched C360, a new cyber product for SMEs which aims to give broker clients access to simple but broad cover.
MGA promotes four to new head office roles
Managing general agent NBS Underwriting has promoted four people to newly created head office roles, in a move designed to strengthen the leadership team and support ongoing growth.
Broker bosses outline importance of shifting the focus from price to value
Brokers could be missing valuable income and leaving clients exposed if they don’t shift the conversation from price to value.
Q&A: Pen’s Nick Wright
Nick Wright, chief business development officer at Pen Underwriting, tackles its recent M&A quietness, capacity in the market and the benefits to brokers from niche products. He updates on the goal of hitting £1.75bn GWP by 2030, streamlining its agency…
Axa updates two products
Axa UK Commercial has made enhancements to its offices and surgeries, and digital mini fleet products.
MBP strikes first deal of 2026 with RAW investment
Minority Broker Partnerships has acquired a minority stake in RAW Insurance Brokers, a Carlisle-based commercial insurance brokerage specialising in construction, agricultural and SME business insurance.
Aviva to keep Direct Line for Business
Aviva, which partially exited direct SME commercial business in 2024, is keeping Direct Line for Business and does not view it as a challenger to brokers, Jason Storah, CEO for UK and Ireland general insurance told Insurance Age.