SME
News Analysis - Council parking charges: Nottingham Council's private parking charges pile pressure on businesses
The profession has reacted with horror to newspaper reports that car parking charges could be levied by councils on private spaces.
SMEs and Government: A cure for the economy
Small business is the backbone of the UK economy, says Stephen Archer, and the Government needs to encourage, rather than hinder, its growth.
Accurate risk pricing: On the nose
Insurers are increasingly turning to technology to help them underwrite their risks more accurately. Liz McMahon uncovers the key to getting the pricing right.
Reportage - D&O: Scare tactics
Louise Meeson asks if the recession has highlighted the true benefits of D&O or whether providers and distributors are just using it to frighten business leaders into taking out unnecessary cover
Interview: The almost great and the good
Martin Friel talks to Theo Duchen and David McDonald about how Acturis is over-delivering in professionalism and efficiency in a bid to achieve greatness
PIA head urges insurers to embrace global risks
Insurers' conservative attitudes towards risks outside the UK is holding back ambitious plans to establish multi quote-and-buy systems worldwide, according to liability broker Professional Insurance Agents (PIA).
Brokers urged to highlight risks of credit card fraud
The Forum of Private Business has called on brokers to ensure clients protect themselves when processing payments online.
The Policy Shop creates property division
Coventry-based broker The Policy Shop has launched a new property division which will lead to the creation of up to 40 new jobs over the next 12 months.
Arista boosts Bristol team with hires from Chartis, NIG and Axa
Commercial lines underwriting specialist Arista Insurance has made three appointments to further strengthen its Bristol office.
Climate science: Too hot for comfort
Global warming is one of the most contested and emotive issues in the world. Regardless of whether the experts are right or wrong, the industry has to face the challenge, writes Danny Bradbury.
Brit loses distribution head Tim Grant
Brit Insurance's head of distribution Tim Grant is leaving to join Dual Corporate Risks, Insurance Age can reveal.
Axa launches SME product on Acturis
Axa has released a commercial combined e-trade product to brokers on the Acturis platform on an open market basis.
QBE reveals only one in six SMEs will hire staff this year
QBE's Investment in Staff survey of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has shown that only one in six (15%) of those questioned are looking to hire more staff in 2010.
E-commerce: Towergate Affiliate offers brokers financial incentive
Towergate is offering a commission incentive to brokers that use its new affiliate website.
E-commerce: Groupama pilots ‘first stand-alone PI cover for SMEs’
Groupama Insurances has expanded its Optima online product range with the pilot launch of what it claims is the first stand-alone professional indemnity (PI) cover for small to medium- sized enterprises (SMEs).
E-commerce: RSA launches e-trading service for brokers
RSA has launched a new e-trading service for brokers as part of its bid to become a top three player in the small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) arena.
Product review: Tradesman product wins on price
The products reviewed here are rated from one to five by brokers, based on the policy's key benefits.
Reportage - specialist products: How practical is it to sell specialist cover on the web?
Making commercial insurance products available online can create efficiencies for customers, brokers and insurers and has proved particularly successful in the standard SME market. Ian Wainwright asks if it is practical to sell specialist cover over the…
Reportage: Transactional websites - what are the benefits for brokers?
By automating personal lines underwriting and providing clients with more than just a place to go window shopping, Kevin Child explains how brokers can benefit from creating fully transactional websites.
Reportage - online security: Storing online data securely
As the world of e-trading moves on apace, the legal obligations of companies that receive, store and disseminate client information can often be forgotten. Liz McMahon examines the responsibilities brokers have in regards to data
Power hour: A cooperative coalition?
This month's power hour assesses the impact the Con-Dem Government has already had on insurance and debates how it will continue to influence the industry in the future. Liz McMahon reports.
Quinn impact: solicitors' professional indemnity problems affecting all firms
Professional indemnity (PI) premiums for small firms are set to soar by up to 30% following Quinn Insurance's withdrawal from the market.
Brit cuts UK private motor book by 60%
Brit Insurance revealed it has cut its UK private motor book by 60% as it reported a 10.8% drop in UK gross written premium to £210.1m for the first six months of 2010 (H1 2009: £235m), a 11.4% decrease at constant exchange rates.
Management clinic- anti-bribery: Don’t slip up
The FSA has published an anti-bribery and corruption in commercial insurance report. It seems to relate to overseas markets, so does it apply to my firm?