SME
Clear snaps up IFM Insurance Brokers
Clear Group has acquired Sheffield-based broker IFM Insurance Brokers.
CFC targets start-ups and SMEs with intellectual property policy
CFC has launched a product specifically designed to protect start-ups and small businesses from threats to their intellectual property.
Amb Insurance Services doubles with Mercer Jones & Company buy
Newcastle-under-Lyme-based Amb Insurance Services has snapped up Stoke on Trent-based Mercer Jones & Company taking its gross written premium up to £6m.
In depth: The importance of cyber crime education for both brokers and SMEs
The potential seriousness of cyber attacks and their increasing frequency are big concerns to both brokers and their clients. Martin Friel investigates how important education around this risk can be.
In depth: Are SMEs behind the times with cyber insurance?
Despite the majority of SMEs not holding any cyber insurance, these attacks are increasing. And despite their size, Martin Friel finds that many smaller businesses are more at risk than larger companies.
Meet the MGA: Fusion Specialty UK
As Fusion Specialty UK begins trading, managing partner Josh Cowen and partner Sam Shirley discuss why technology is key to their plans for the SME-focused mergers and acquisitions MGA.
Interview: Warren Dickson, Aston Lark
Aston Lark UK retail managing director Warren Dickson says the broker is a different period of expansion with office openings ahead. Navigating the struggling UK economy is also a challenge, but one he is up for.
Killer of insurance broker jailed for life with a minimum term of 12 years
A man who stabbed an insurance broker to death has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 12 years.
Aston Lark eyes widespread regional expansion in next phase of growth
Aston Lark will look at opening branch offices as it seeks to expand its regional footprint across the UK, according to UK retail managing director Warren Dickson.
Start-up The Yorkshire Broker targets SME
A new commercial insurance broker, The Yorkshire Broker, which is set to launch officially in the SME market in February has shared its frustration over the Financial Conduct Authority’s lengthy application process.
Atec leader sets out doubling target
Atec, parent company for Ceta Insurance and Arkel, has plans to more than double its business through organic growth in niche insurance lines over the next five years and will continue to pursue strategic acquisitions.
David Howden hails double digit UK organic growth and promises more buys
Howden Group CEO, David Howden, has praised the “very strong” and “across the board” organic growth in the business’ UK “pillars” as he revealed the progress at Aston Lark and A Plan.
Biba eschews stuffing manifesto with simple, low hanging fruit, says White
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association’s manifesto is not a “bellyache” document but one full of solutions, CEO Steve White told Insurance Age.
Biba flags concern on businesses cutting cyber cover
Some 40% of members involved in research by the British Insurance Brokers' Association told the trade body they had clients who were no longer insuring their cyber risks due to the cost of living crisis.
Zurich to expand claims concierge service to commercial and SME mid-market customers from Q1
Zurich UK has launched a bespoke concierge service for its personal lines customers in a move it claimed was an industry-first.
Only 14% of smaller SMEs have business continuity plans: Aviva
Aviva has urged brokers to keep having the conversations needed with clients on business continuity plans as the insurer revealed only 28% of firms have one in place.
Start-up broker Prosura targets £10m GWP in five years
Jon Newall’s start-up broker, Prosura, is targeting £10m of gross written premium within five years.
Amazon partner Superscript raises £45m in Series B round
UK-based insurtech Superscript has completed a £45m Series B funding round led by existing investor BHL UK, owner of Comparethemarket.
Sutton Group profit and turnover soar in run-up to Acrisure sale
Sutton Group has reported ‘best ever’ figures as turnover and profit leapt by 15% and 50% respectively ahead of being snapped up by Acrisure.
Jensten posts £21.5m loss as it reveals £35.1m Tasker price
Jensten has revealed that the deal for Tasker Insurance Group cost £35.1m with the majority of the bill – £33.6m – paid in cash.
Certua: Rise of the embedded insurance specialist
Certua is helping insurers get products to brokers quickly through its advanced digital capabilities. Co-founder Luke Bewley explains how Certua will make its mark on the UK broking and insurance space.
Review of the Year 2022: Steve Wright and Bryan Banbury, Russell Scanlan
In the latest part of Insurance Age's review of the year Russell Scanlan's managing director Bryan Banbury, and claims director Steve Wright offer their reflections on 2022 and predictions for the next 12 months.
Brokers urged to tighten safeguards amid threat of client underinsurance backlash
Brokers are being urged to tighten safeguards amid the threat of businesses, suffering problems from underinsurance, taking legal action.
Ex-Lockyers boss Newall in comeback broker
Former Lockyers chairman Jon Newall is to launch a comeback broker focused on SME business.