SME
Markel goes direct but promises brokers e-trade option
Markel UK, the retail division of Markel International, has launched a direct commercial offering.
APC to double SME presence in the North
APC has revealed it aims to double its book of SME business in the North of England and Scotland over the next 18 months by hiring a dedicated business development manager (BDM) for the region.
Online PI broker opens in Ipswich
PolicyBee, an online professional indemnity broker, has launched from offices in Ipswich targeting SME business, independent consultants and small consultancies.
Norgrove confirmed as Zurich's GI CEO in Ireland
Zurich Insurance has confirmed the appointment of Ken Norgrove as chief executive officer of its general insurance (GI) business in Ireland.
MMA launches scheme team
Broker-only insurer MMA has formed a dedicated schemes team designed to build on the 20% growth of commercial schemes it experienced in 2010.
Schemes: Ecclesiastical and CBG see specialism as their future
Poor results have led both an insurer and broker to seek solace in the schemes market.
Products: RSA adds final piece to its SME jigsaw as the market hots up
A flurry of activity in the SME sector suggests an increase in competition as providers vie for market share.
Liberty Mutual's regional presence expands further
Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe is to expand its commercial mid market offering with new offices in Birmingham and London.
Reportage: Facing up to networks
With networks increasing in popularity, Emmanuel Kenning recounts their development and looks to the future of this crucial market sector.
Management - Broking success: making the connection
Liz McMahon talks to Autonet MD Glynn Keeling about the value of a strong audit process and striking a balance between online business and customer communication.
Zurich targets Europe with commercial broker hires
Zurich’s UK General Insurance business has made three senior appointments in the commercial broker team.
RSA's property product completes its SME suite
RSA has launched a new product created specifically for property owners who own and let single or multi-premise portfolios.
Stride breaks into commercial market
Stride expanded into the commercial insurance market with the immediate appointment of Sally McIntosh to head up a new dedicated commercial insurance unit.
Cullum throws weight behind new E-broking event
Towergate chief, Peter Cullum, is to make a rare public speaking appearance at Insurance Age’s new E-broking event.
Liberty pushes into UK mid corporate market
Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe (LMIE), is set to expand its presence in the mid to large UK SME sector.
Chartis launches commercial app for brokers
Chartis has launched a web app for two of its SME products to allow brokers to obtain speculative or last minute quotes on the move.
Aviva's UK GI business sees boost in premium and profit
After four quarters of consecutive growth, UK GI net written premiums increased 5% to £4bn (2009: £3.86bn) and operating profit for UK GI and health also rose 8% to £579m (2009: £535m).
News analysis - numbers: rival brands NIG's new pricing policy 'suicidal'
"We are certainly looking to grow our book of business and that means making it clear that we have an appetite"
Reportage - SME: SMEs under the regulatory spotlight
The risks that the SME sector faces on a daily basis have increased significantly over the past 10 years. Rising regulation and an increasingly litigious society mean that such businesses are facing an ever-growing rate of claims often not covered by the…
Reportage - SME: a blossoming romance
The SME love affair has been flourishing for a while, but what does the term actually mean? With nearly all UK enterprises falling into this category, Liz McMahon explores the sector's diverse needs.
Reportage - SME: Debate: Is online trading the only way forward?
Graeme Newman and James Sharp argue the pros and cons of online trading.
Market moves: Recruitment drive shows positive outlook
The actions of the insurance industry seem to indicate it is refreshingly optimistic about the prospects for UK plc. Despite the phrase 'double-dip' re-entering the popular consciousness, insurance has stormed ahead with determination to grow its way to…
APC aims to double SME book with new underwriting model
APC has implemented a new area rating underwriting strategy for the lower crime level areas throughout the UK and Northern Ireland with the aim of doubling its SME business in five years.
LV experiences rapid growth and profit hike but takes £30m hit in December
LV experienced accelerated growth in 2010, increasing premiums by 45% to £1.18bn, but recorded an underwriting loss of £43m.
