Tax
Broking break: Risky Business
Our cartoon uncovers what's really going through the taxman's head
Market dismayed by further IPT increase
Brokers describe tax rise to 10% as a “slap in the face” but support increased funding for flood defences
IPT increase to come into effect in October this year
Tax rises earmarked to help with flood defences despite government pledging last year that there were no plans for a further rate rise.
Una survey finds upcoming IPT hike already hitting buying patterns
Research also reveals almost half of consumers remain unaware of November’s tax rise.
Surprise hike in IPT sparks concern
Industry reacts to George Osborne’s Budget announcement to increase Insurance Premium Tax
Where will the cost of the IPT rate hike really end up?
David Coupe, partner at EC3\Legal, counts the cost of the insurance premium tax rise.
Brokers face tax on lead generation
Taxman’s decision to impose VAT on online and marketing services by IARs could cost industry
Flood levy could add 10% to home insurance premiums
The environment secretary, Caroline Spelman, has proposed adding a levy to all home insurance policies in order to raise enough money to cover damage in the aftermath of severe flooding.
Insurers' tax contribution greater than entire Home Office budget
The insurance industry made a total contribution of £10.4bn to the Exchequer a report from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and PWC has revealed.
Swinglehurst's accounts in lockdown
Lloyd’s insurer Swinglehurst has reportedly had its company accounts frozen after running into tax diffculties.
Review: Cover your legal expenses
This product has been reviewed by brokers and rated from one to five stars, based on the policy’s key benefits.
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.
Few early surprises in Chancellor’s 2011 Budget
Chancellor George Osborne has delivered his ‘Budget for growth’ which at first glance appeared to hold no nasty surprises for brokers.
'Ghost brokers' charged with motor insurance fraud
Three individuals - a man and woman from Kent and a man from west London - have been charged with motor insurance fraud, tax fraud and money laundering with offences totalling £500,000.
2010 review: A year of living cautiously
The economy grew, rival political parties unexpectedly started working together and personal lines rates even hardened, although plenty of surprises and setbacks meant that 2010 was far from plain sailing, writes Andrew Tjaardstra.
News Analysis - Ireland bailout: Ireland on the brink as UK exposures rocket
The bond markets continued to punish Ireland as fears of contagion spread in the Eurozone, writes Andrew Tjaardstra.
News Analysis - Conferences: Prime Minister announces £200m university and enterprise link
This year's Chartered Management Institute and Confederations of Business Industry conferences pulled in the big hitters as business leaders attended to work out how best to plan for the period of austerity ahead.
News Analysis - Spending Review: Coalition cuts deep to stimulate recovery
Emmanuel Kenning finds that brokers are determined to be optimistic in the wake of the Chancellor's £81bn of public sector cuts announced in the Spending Review.
Slow insurer processing could mean a backlog of IPT charges
Brokers could be left to foot the bill if insurers choose to apply the Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) increase from the date it hits their books, according to the British Insurance Brokers' Association (Biba).
Westfield absorbs tax increase and holds rates firm
Westfield Health has announced it will not immediately pass on the 1% rise in insurance premium tax (IPT) to policyholders - a decision set to cost the not-for-profit health insurance provider an estimated £530,000 per year.
Focus - Start-ups: Making your own space
Edward Murray investigates the key considerations involved in establishing a new broker
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.
MSL policy gets makeover
MSL Legal Expenses has revamped its legal expenses policy for businesses, which provides up to £50,000 financial protection for legal costs per claim.
HMRC stipulates VAT exemption conditions for online intermediaries
Online insurance intermediaries must look closely at their business models in order to qualify for VAT exemption following a briefing by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).