SME
The stats: Q2 2022 - Pricey premiums pile on the commercial pressure
There have been rises across all classes, except fleet, as recent figures from the Acturis Commercial Lines Index reveal, putting pressure on companies. Rachel Gordon reports
Interview: Chris Wallace, executive director, UK, QBE Insurance
Chris Wallace, executive director, UK, QBE Insurance, speaks to Siân Barton about his career to date, a love for all things Latino and Liverpudlian and his plans for the future
TL Dallas posts 10% profit rise in 2021
TL Dallas Group has reported a 5.1% rise in turnover to £9.78m in 2021.
Survey: How can brokers grow business in challenging times?
A recent broker barometer survey conducted by Insurance Age, in association with Close Brothers Premium Finance, explored current sentiment around business growth for insurance brokers in today’s environment, exploring current challenges and the expected…
Mistry warns brokers over cost of living crisis as he launches new agency
Ajay Mistry, a board member at the Society of Insurance Broking, has told Insurance Age that brokers need to look after their staff during the cost of living crisis.
Stubben Edge secures £5.6m investment
UK-based Insurtech Stubben Edge has secured a £5.6m investment which it said will be used for further growth through new business and an “ambitious” M&A strategy.
Coalition’s broker-only cyber offering goes live
San Francisco-headquartered cyber insurance provider Coalition has begun trading in the UK.
Two-fifths of London businesses at risk of flash flooding
Research by Zurich has revealed that two-fifths of London businesses are at risk of being hit by flash floods as heavy rainfall is predicted to hit the capital.
Jensten flags healthy acquisition pipeline
CEO Alistair Hardie said the organisation has a series of deals in play following its buy of J. Bennett & Sons but warned that the Financial Conduct Authority can be slow to approve acquisitions.
GWP up but profit and COR deteriorate for Allianz Holdings
Allianz Holdings has posted a drop in profit of 42%, from £170m to £99m for the first half of 2022.
TL Dallas targets more branches after recent expansions
TL Dallas will open at least one more branch this year, managing director Polly Staveley has revealed to Insurance Age as she confirmed recent cost of living pay rises for all staff.
FCA warns of W.F. Fountain clone
The Financial Conduct Authority has warned of a clone using the name William Fountain Insurance Brokers.
Jensten buys MGA Origin
The Jensten Group has bought SME specialist managing general agent Origin UW for an undisclosed sum.
Spring launches SME cyber cover
Spring Insure has launched a commercial cyber offering tailored for small and medium sized enterprises.
Ripe Thinking ready to strike first buy
Ripe Thinking is gearing up to make its first acquisition having grown to more than 280,000 policyholders organically since being founded in 1997.
Beazley delivers improved COR but profits down on investment returns
Beazley has reported an improved combined operating ratio of 87% for the first half of 2022, from 94% delivered in the same period last year.
FSB flags small firms' concerns on price of insurance
Small firms are encountering widespread problems in their dealings with the insurance market and rising premium costs, a new report has found.
Analysis: The challenge to build back better – as trust in insurance drops
Consumer trust in insurance has fallen over the past 12 months, but experts can see a route to a brighter future. Emmanuel Kenning reports.
News analysis: The future for Directors’ & Officers’ cover
Martin Friel explores how this niche line is developing, and learns how factors such as Russian sanctions are driving change in the highly specialist market.
Coalition targets being core market player with broker only UK cyber insurance launch
Coalition is hopeful of becoming “one of the standard set of markets that domestic brokers approach for coverage” within 12 months after teaming up with Allianz to launch a cyber insurance product to SMEs and mid-market businesses in the UK, CEO Joshua…
Acrisure targets SME brokers in M&A drive
Acrisure is set to target SME brokers in the UK and Ireland, following its Russell Scanlan buy, as it moves forward with its M&A strategy according to president, Mark McIlquham
MGA Fusion Specialty expands in UK
SME focused M&A and financial lines specialist managing general agent Fusion Specialty has launched Fusion Specialty UK.
Covéa returns to profit in 2021
Covéa Insurance has reported post-tax profit of £7.9m in 2021 reversing the loss of £30.8m the previous year.
Profile: Adam Winslow - Winslow’s world
Adam Winslow has been UK and Ireland CEO for Aviva since May last year. He speaks to Siân Barton about his career, the insurer’s plans and shares his view on current market conditions.