SME
Cyber provider Cowbell hires director of claims in the UK
Cowbell, a provider of cyber insurance for SMEs and middle-market business, has recruited Kirsten Maley from CFC for the newly created role of director of claims UK.
CEO calls for SMEs to be at ‘heart’ of growth plans ahead of Spending Review
The Chancellor’s Spending Review this afternoon will be a “defining moment” for Britain’s 5.5m small businesses, according to the boss of a top 20 insurance broker.
Interview: Keith Hector, Covéa
Keith Hector, commercial lines director at Covéa, looks to make e-trade limits more flexible, highlights “buoyant” schemes business, and teases new products as he targets £200m GWP in 2025.
The stats: Q1 2025 sees commercial rates flattening, as experts predict market softening
Property owners and fleet premiums continue to rise but at a slower pace, while combined liability rates dip into negative figures in Q1 2025, according to the Acturis Commercial Broking Index. Ida Axling reports.
Superscript partners with Toolstation
Digital insurance broker Superscript has teamed up with Toolstation, one of the UK’s largest suppliers of tools, accessories and building supplies, to deliver the retailer’s customers access to a new insurance offering.
Axa bosses Walker and Zweibrucker on growing with brokers in commercial and retail
The commercial and retail divisions of Axa Insurance in the UK are growing, the respective CEOs have confirmed, outlining plans to expand with brokers over the rest of the year and beyond.
QBE’s Fitzgerald on doubling in the regions, and what comes next
In the past three years, QBE has doubled its gross written premium in the regions and is not taking its “foot off the growth”, UK regions director Andy Fitzgerald tells Insurance Age, promising consistency for brokers.
33% of startup and scaleup businesses hit by cyber-attacks – Superscript
Some 54% of firms, ranging from those in seed stage to those IPO-ready, have worries about cyber-security and data risks, according to research by Superscript.
Accelerant boss Radke on 30% MGA growth and enabling brokers to ‘monetise every opportunity’
Risk exchange platform and capacity provider Accelerant is aiming to support managing general agent members with 30% growth over the next 12 months, CEO Jeff Radke told Insurance Age.
Newbie News: CastleBridge Risk Solutions
CastleBridge Risk Solutions founders, Tim Grant and James Dunsby, tell Insurance Age how the business will focus on service, the importance of relationships, and all about its partnership with Cornerstone Finance Group and Imperial Chartered.
Interview: Duncan Pritchard, CEO of Commercial Express
Last year Commercial Express garnered extensive attention from the broker community with its slew of eye-catching product launches, CEO Duncan Pritchard tells Insurance Age about the growth of the business and what is coming next.
Commercial Express to add Axa and Carbon capacity as it unveils MGU plan
Managing general agent Commercial Express has signed capacity deals with Axa and Carbon Underwriting, Insurance Age can reveal, as it progresses to become a managing general underwriter and targets doubling in size.
Zurich to launch network trading branch for mid-market in Q3
Zurich is building a mid-market business servicing centre for network members to go live in the third quarter, Insurance Age can reveal.
Interview: Mike Crane, SME & Specialty director at Axa Commercial
In his first interview since starting at Axa Commercial as SME and specialty director this January, Mike Crane tells Insurance Age about his key message to brokers at the upcoming Biba Conference, what he has found at his new home and his plans for the…
The FCA’s new five-year plan – what does it actually mean for brokers?
Following the recent publication of its new five-year plan, Insurance Age canvassed opinion from regulatory experts and market commentators on what brokers might expect from the the Financial Conduct Authority between now and 2030.
Biba 2025 Countdown: Beazley’s Sam Franks
Sam Franks, country manager and head of partner engagement for the UK & Ireland at Beazley, promises plenty of pink and underwriters on its stand; offers advice about how brokers can differentiate themselves from their peers in the market; and looks…
Cowbell makes first move beyond standalone cyber insurance in UK with PI launch
Cowbell, provider of cyber insurance for SMEs and middle-market businesses, has launched professional indemnity and cyber cover for technology companies with up to £1bn in annual turnover.
Biba 2025 Countdown: Markel’s Jo Sykes
Jo Sykes, divisional director, broker & ATE UK at Markel, promises a partnership with an Olympic champion; expects to see another uptick in attendance at its annual hospitality event; and looks forward to putting her sore feet up and checking the iPad…
Brown & Brown buys SME broker
Brown & Brown (Europe) has bought Irvine Commercial Insurance Brokers in its third deal of the year.
MGA expands appetite for contractors to include builders, plant and skip hirers
Speciality insurance managing general agent Fiducia has expanded its risk appetite for combined liabilities insurance to include a range of new broker contractor clients.
MGA appoints Stuart Reid as chair
Specialist business health insurance MGA Equipsme has appointed Stuart Reid as chair of its board.
News analysis: What does Aviva’s commission flex move mean for brokers and their customers?
In February, Aviva told brokers using e-trading platforms Fast Trade and Acturis E-Trade that they could set their own commission rates within set parameters of between 0% and 35%. Saxon East explores what this move means for brokers, their customers and…
Meet the MGA: MX Underwriting
Ian Cook, managing director at MX Underwriting, explains why he believes MGAs are not suffering a capacity crunch, and outlines plans to write in excess of £200m GWP in 2025 and add to MX’s product range and capability.
Iprism grows again with a 21% boost in 2024
Managing general agent Iprism Underwriting Agency grew 21% in the year to 30 June 2024, building on the 16% achieved the year before, and is eyeing up further expansion in 2025.