SME
Broking Success: Celebrating 50 years of independence
Having celebrated its 50th anniversary as an independent broker, R A Cowen & Partners, which is part of Cowens Group, has no plans to sell up any time soon. CEO Paul Chaplin sets out the philosophy behind the business and shares his route into broking.
Long time coming: Why the RSA deal for NIG is ‘win-win’ for Intact, DLG and brokers
‘Not In Group’ has been seen as an accurate reading of the acronym NIG for a while now. Jonathan Swift looks at why the long-mooted acquisition target might finally become the ‘Nicely Integrated Gang’ within its new home RSA.
RSA boss Norgrove in broker service promise after NIG deal
RSA CEO Ken Norgrove has vowed to maintain NIG’s high standards of broker service following the acquisition of the SME-specialist provider.
Brokers warn RSA not to lose NIG’s ‘sparkle’ in takeover as market diversity diminishes
Brokers have expressed their sadness at losing another market, but acknowledged the proposed takeover of NIG by RSA could be superb for both parties – provided the integration is handled properly.
RSA swoops for NIG and FarmWeb in £520m deal
Intact Financial Corporation and its subsidiary RSA have reached an agreement with Direct Line Insurance Group to acquire its brokered commercial lines operations, including NIG and FarmWeb.
Gallagher snaps up leisure and holiday broker Lifesure Group
Gallagher has gained ‘additional scale’ in the leisure sector following the purchase of a specialist broker.
Aviva swoops for Zurich PL & MGA boss Gambrell as Martin builds out team
Aviva has added two new appointments to its distribution team, including a swoop for Zurich’s personal lines and MGA boss.
Brokers offered special deal for access to an insurtech under Biba scheme
Brokers can get access to a technology that helps them understand companies better thanks to a a new British Insurance Brokers’ Association scheme.
Aviva GI CEO Winslow vows broker support amid solid 2023 results
UK general insurance CEO Adam Winslow has underlined the support of brokers following Aviva’s first-half year results.
Northern Ireland broker relocates key branch
AbbeyAutoline is celebrating its 50th anniversary by enhancing its high street presence in Northern Ireland, with the relocation of its Newtownards branch new premises in the town centre.
Broker-facing manager charged with murder
An insurance company employee has been charged with murdering a mum-of-two.
Insurers urged to help nightlife industry amid fears of a capacity crisis
With the UK nightlife insurance market dominated by one capacity provider, industry experts have called for more competition amid fears any scaling back or exit would have severe consequences on the sector.
Tradex capacity growing to £450m after Pollen Street deal
As part of the Pollen Street Capital acquisition, Tradex’s capacity is growing from around £100m of gross written premium to £450m, Markerstudy group chief underwriting officer Gary Humphreys told Insurance Age.
Hiscox grows UK commercial book as retail division COR improves
Hiscox has reported 4% growth in the UK for the first half of 2023.
Interview: Jacqui Kelly, Zurich
Jacqui Kelly was the architect behind Zurich’s new Club Blue proposition that offers a wide range of broker support. Appointed interim sales and distribution director last month, she tells Insurance Age how Zurich’s ‘winning culture’ will sway brokers.
MGA Eaton Gate targets “next stage of growth” with SiriusPoint capacity
MGA group Eaton Gate has announced a new partnership with SiriusPoint, the specialty insurer and reinsurer.
Swindle targets doubling Ardonagh UK commercial MGA in three years
Ardonagh’s UK Commercial MGA CEO Jaime Swindle is targeting doubling the size of the business in the next three years taking it into the region of £500m gross written premium.
Verlingue boosts employee benefits division with Brunsdon buy
Verlingue has snapped up Gloucester-based Brunsdon Employee Benefits, extending its sector capabilities in the SME and mid-corporate market.
MGA bolsters team following resignations amid Ardonagh staff interest
Managing general agent Mercia Underwriting says it has bolstered the team after a number of staff resigned from positions.
Only 32% of SME brokers understand ESG aims – CII research
Fewer than a third of staff at small brokers understand the environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals of their firm, according to the research from the Chartered Insurance Institute.
Broking Success: Targeting the 100-year milestone
WH&R McCartney is believed to be the oldest independent broker in Scotland. With only a handful of years left to go until its centenary, directors Graeme Robb and Alan Kirkwood are confident of further growth and success for the Motherwell-based firm.
In Depth: Legal expenses cover… needed more than ever?
Clients may want brokers to advise on how to reduce premiums, but this is the one add-on to hang onto according to providers as Rachel Gordon discovers.
Q&A: Nadia Côté, managing director UK, Allianz Commercial
In her first interview since being announced in April as managing director UK at Allianz Commercial Nadia Côté tackles simplifying trade with brokers. She also assesses how the new Allianz Commercial structure will improve knowledge sharing and…
JMG strikes 10th deal of 2023
JMG Group has bought Cheshire-based Blackfriars Group, taking its deal total for 2023 to 10.