SME
E-commerce: Commercial market struggles to meet fraud prevention demand
As the capacity for online small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) trading increases, the commercial insurance market continues to lag behind in fraud prevention, according to APC underwriting director, Ian Russell.
Director's and Officer's: A D&O deluge
Emmanuel Kenning takes an overview of the D&O sector and asks where the market will go next after a host of developments in 2010.
Simply Business targets £100m GWP
Simply Business, the online broker for small to medium sized enterprise business, has unveiled a gross written premium target of £100m by the end of 2012, up from £41m last year.
1 Answer becomes first network to sign up to Powerplace
Personal lines network, 1 Answer, has pushed into the commercial arena by joining Powerplace.
Editor's comment - January 2011
Here we go again. Another year, another set of woes. The economy has only improved slightly, premium rates still show no sign of real hardening and insurers still seem hell bent on self-sacrifice in the name of growth. I feel for you brokers, I really do…
Simply Business aims to extend SME reach with new hire
Online insurance broker Simply Business has hired Underwired Amaze to develop an electronic customer relationship marketing programme.
PMI insurers accused of broker bullying to protect claims data
Private medical insurers (PMI) have been accused of threatening to cut off brokers that “rock the boat” over the issue of claims data transparency.
Towergate: SME provision deal 'just the beginning'
Towergate Insurance has claimed its deal with Comparethemarket.com to provide insurance to small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) customers is "just the beginning" of its online SME strategy.
Power hour: Feeling the benefit?
It is hoped that a change in the Government's position regarding benefits may open up opportunities for PMI. This month's discussion covers the expansion of cash plans, the role of trade bodies and the normally taboo subject of claims data sharing. Liz…
Zurich restructures UK business
Zurich has announced changes to the organisational structure of its UK general insurance (UKGI) business in a bid to bolster its accountability to the market.
Bluefin's Elite in run-off to allow greater Platinum focus
Bluefin has announced it is putting its Elite underwriting facility for small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) business into run-off in favour of expanding its existing Platinum product range.
Product update: SMEs protected from insolvency
Trade credit insurance firm Atradius has launched a policy designed specifically to help protect small to medium-sized enterprises (SME) from unexpected insolvencies impacting their supply chain.
Power hour: Calling in the experts?
This month's debate, with live interaction from Twitter, ascertains what value MGAs bring to brokers' businesses and the wider market. Are they simply another mouth to feed or the specialists that insurers and brokers need to service a diverse client…
Insurers create London teams to develop broker relationships
Broker focused insurers Groupama Insurances and Ecclesiastical have set up new divisions in London in an effort to win new business.
2010 round-up - Professionalism: The year of the professional
This year saw the launch of PB's and Post's Investing in the Profession campaign to promote a new era of professionalism, writes Andrew Tjaardstra.
The PB Interview - Laurent Matras: Through the storm
Laurent Matras, managing director at Groupama Insurances, tells Andrew Tjaardstra about the state of the insurance market and how he is working closely with brokers to give his firm a competitive advantage.
Insurance Age blog: Brokers - out of date or keeping it real?
Broking is a rather traditional and conservative market. That's not to say it is backward - far from it.
Groupama establishes new underwriting team for London and South
Groupama Insurances has created a dedicated new business underwriting team for London and the South.
Bluefin to put SME underwriting facility Elite into run-off
Bluefin has announced that it is putting its Elite underwriting facility for small to medium sized enterprise (SME) business into run-off in favour of expanding its existing Platinum product range.
SME Aggregators: Digital commercial futures
Edward Murray outlines the difficulties being encountered in establishing a successful aggregator template for small and medium-sized enterprise trade.
Focus - Management Structures: Building a board
Without a great team in the boardroom, any broker, regardless of size, is missing a trick that can pay long-term dividends for their business, writes David Waller.
Broking Success - Stonebridge Corporate: Building fast
Andrew Tjaardstra meets two young brokers aiming to make waves in their local market by growing their business fivefold.
E-commerce: Insurers urged to make MTA and renewal options available online
Brokers have called for insurers to include mid-term adjustment (MTA) and renewal facilities as part of their online small commercial offerings.