SME
In Depth: Managing cyber risk in an ever-changing security landscape
In today’s interconnected digital landscape, cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated, posing serious risks to organisations and their partners. Aviva’s cyber senior risk consultant, Oliver Osei-Ofosu, explains the importance of cyber security can…
Beazley Digital’s Fantozzi: SMEs need to be alert to cloud-based cyber exposure
Small businesses face a growing threat of cyber-attacks as they move more services to the cloud, according to Ian Fantozzi, CEO of Beazley Digital.
Ajay Mistry launches insurance broker
Ajay Mistry has launched Mode Insurance to provide flexible cover for self-employed and freelance creatives, as well as small businesses in the creative sector.
Broking Success: Embracing technology
Mark Thomas, founder of Compare Insurance, is looking to harness the power of technology even further to continue the pace of 60% growth the business achieved last year.
Axa Commercial names Paul Tombs as director of SME Intermediary
Axa Commercial has appointed ex-Zurich leader Paul Tombs as director of its SME Intermediary business, starting in the summer.
Trade Credit Insurance is again in the spotlight. How can brokers take advantage?
Described as a ‘sleeping giant’ of the insurance market, brokers should wise up to the opportunities offered by trade credit. Especially, as Martin Friel discovers, recent geo-political events mean this vital safety for businesses is edging to toward the…
Academy pivoting to commercial with five more deals in pipeline, says CEO Normand
Buying Premierline has “dramatically” shifted the balance of Academy’s book from 50% personal lines to two-thirds commercial with the broker targeting 90% in the sector through a people-first string of acquisitions, according to CEO Gilles Normand.
IWD 2024: “Always be authentic to yourself,” says Zurich’s Jacqui Kelly
For International Women’s Day, Insurance Age spoke with Jacqui Kelly, Zurich’s head of sales and distribution to see what the industry can do to help promote women up into more senior roles.
Blog: Why building safety case reports can be the gold dust for everyone
The evolution of construction techniques and material mean it is more important than ever that brokers don’t lose sight of the need for comprehensive building information. Julian Strutt, director of estate adjusting at Charles Taylor explains.
Beazley’s profit before tax soars 115%
Beazley has reported its profit before tax leapt to $1.25bn (£984m) in 2023, a 115% increase on the year before.
Momentum building with brokers into 2024, says Hiscox leader Musselle
Hiscox is adding 10 specialist regional underwriters to continue its push with brokers having grown the business last year, group chief underwriting officer Joanne Musselle told Insurance Age.
Simply Business expands partnership with Zurich
Zurich has grown its partnership with digital broker Simply Business to provide commercial combined quotes for businesses with a turnover of £750,000 or more.
Hiscox reveals UK growth in 2023 as group profits soar to record
Hiscox grew gross written premiums across its SME and personal lines books in the UK by 2.4%, stripping out the effect of currency exchange, to $793.8m (£625.7m) in 2023.
Bravo Networks’ SME e-trade platform goes live
Bravo Networks has launched Bravo Digital Trader, with Zurich writing the first policy.
Analysis: What can brokers expect from RSA’s new-look commercial senior team?
With a new-look senior commercial lines team in place, brokers must hope RSA is done with chopping and changing at the top. Jonathan Swift assesses what the future might hold now dates have been set for the NIG integration.
Holmes promises to ramp up focus on smaller brokers and across mid-market
Allianz has been growing in SME business and will push ahead further with smaller brokers this year alongside targeting growth in mid-market, according to UK CEO Colm Holmes.
Blog: UK SME cyber resilience – let’s reverse the backwards trajectory
Ian Summerfield, head of cyber at Pen Underwriting, on how brokers and providers must work together to move the dial of SME cyber insurance.
Has cyber reached a tipping point with new entrants and incumbent product pushes?
Against a backdrop where the Financial Conduct Authority has warned the cyber insurance market over its concerns on policy wordings, a recent survey has found over one-third of brokers are still not selling this product. Siân Barton mulls whether a raft…
Ex-Hiscox leader Jodi Cartwright joins Tint Financial in broking push
London-based fintech Tint Financial Services has appointed former Hiscox distribution director Jodi Cartwright as chief commercial officer as it builds a broking arm, Insurance Age can reveal.
Loadsure launches motor truck cargo insurance
Managing general agent Loadsure has launched Columbia, a motor truck cargo and logistics services insurance.
Zurich SME head Edwards: Speed and service key to maintaining double-digit growth
Zurich is seeking to improve its referral process and continue to invest in underwriters as part of its drive for double-digit new business growth across the SME space.
Aviva deal probed by CMA
The Competition & Markets Authority has opened an investigation into the anticipated acquisition by Aviva of AIG Life.
Aviva leaders on simplification for brokers at heart of changes
Aviva’s 2023 actions will see it move up the gears with brokers this year, according to leaders Ryan Birbeck and Michael Yabantu.
In Depth: Businesses falling into the justice gap
Widely seen as a personal problem, diminishing access to justice also severely impacts businesses. Tony Buss, managing director at ARAG explains how the justice gap has become a major issue for companies in the UK and what brokers can do to help.