Voices
Fairchild: broker deal slowdown highlights need for “fresh approach” to M&A
The mooted decline in broker merger and acquisition activity in the UK means it is the right time to introduce a new approach to deal-making.
Meet the MGA: MX Underwriting
Ian Cook, managing director at MX Underwriting, explains why he believes MGAs are not suffering a capacity crunch, and outlines plans to write in excess of £200m GWP in 2025 and add to MX’s product range and capability.
Hiscox aims to be insurer of choice on schemes as it targets double-digit growth
Hiscox has set its sights on being the insurer of choice on schemes business in its chosen sectors, and is targeting double-digit growth, according to head of schemes Natasha Pettet.
Meet the MGA: Optio Underwriting
With an aim to be the most admired global specialty MGA, Optio Underwriting group CEO Deepak Soni outlines how it attracts top talent, plans to mix organic growth with M&A and discusses the importance of having a PE backer that understands the subtle…
Interview: Mike Bottle, managing director of the Arch Insurance UK regional division
After a decade of transformation, multi-award-winning Arch is very much open for business with brokers and ready for more profitable growth across its regional network, hub and digital offerings, boss Mike Bottle tells Insurance Age.
Interview: Phil Bayles, Ardonagh Advisory CCO
Phil Bayles tackles the plans for the rebrand of Ardonagh Advisory to Everywhen, shares insights on digital trading, the rise of AI and his expectations for rate movements in 2025.
Interview: RSA commercial managing director Sonya Bryson on being the “insurer on speed dial” for brokers
RSA commercial managing director Sonya Bryson told Insurance Age the insurer has established its regional footprint as she shared insight on traded SME and servicing risks better that fall between e-trade and mid-market, but admitted it is behind…
Interview: Nick Harris – listening and helping on the Gallagher Way
Nick Harris tells Insurance Age about returning to the UK market after a 14-year stint in Australia, why a transitioning market is “when really good brokers stand out”, and shares his key questions to staff after becoming UK and Ireland retail CEO at…
Interview: Nikki Lidster, Zurich
Nikki Lidster sets out her promises to brokers having taken up the post of head of SME and trading at Zurich earlier this year.
Interview: JMG’s Nick Houghton – Painting the broking picture
JMG boss Nick Houghton prefers lists over spaghetti structures. He shares his passion for art, his approach to building the lauded Leeds-headquartered business and his route into insurance as well as the broad strokes of what comes next.
Q&A: Aviva’s Jason Storah
One year into the role, Jason Storah, UK and Ireland general insurance CEO at Aviva, tells Insurance Age about the goals he is happy to be challenged on in another 12 months’ time, what the Probitas deal means for regional brokers and reflects on recent…
Interview: Tuplin on turning up the heat with Ardonagh
Richard Tuplin, CEO of Advisory Insurance Brokers at Ardonagh, shares his insights on leading the transformational change that is garnering praise from the sector and the non-negotiable culture that is bringing success.
Broking success: Retaining independence and recruiting fresh talent
Richard Ingleby, managing director of Castlemead Insurance Brokers, highlights the importance of independent intermediaries and the need for more younger employees to infiltrate the sector.
Industry must work together to tackle recruitment challenges - Davies Group
Director of Davies Learning Solutions at Davies Group, Carolyn Blunt, has urged the insurance industry to come together to help tackle recruitment challenges.
RSA looks to add 200 more brokers in a year
RSA has set a target of adding 200 more brokers to its portfolio within the next 12 months according to sales and distribution director, Alex Hardy.
Time to “bust that lack of talent myth”, says Idex Consulting CEO
The CEO of Idex Consulting, Matt Green, has stressed that there is no lack of talent in the insurance industry, and that recruitment challenges often lie with employers.
Broking Success: Staying in a positive mindset
Operations director at amb Insurance Services, Peter Lycett, spoke with Sophie Locke-Cooper about why he has remained in insurance, and the importance of getting your culture right.
National Cyber Security Centre urges businesses not to pay ransomware demands
The CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre, Lindy Cameron, has urged businesses not to pay cyber criminals’ ransom and to instead set up reliable defence systems.
Manchester, Liverpool and the buoyant North West are under the spotlight
As we put Covid-19 behind us, Sophie Locke-Cooper discovers brokers in the North West are positive about the prospects of the local market despite worldwide economic challenges such as inflation and UK-wide issues such as recruitment and talent retention.
Allianz to help brokers with underinsurance concerns
Brokers are requesting additional insurer support on valuations of businesses including SMEs according to director of digital trading at Allianz UK, Helen Bryant.
Sicsic warns brokers leaseholder commission disclosure sets a ‘precedent’
Michael Sicsic, managing partner of Sicsic Advisory, urged brokers to review all their remuneration arrangements following the Financial Conduct Authority’s report today revealing incompetence and unjustifiable remuneration in the buildings’ insurance…
Broking Success: Spotting a gap in the market
James Noble, CEO of My First, details how he started the broker because he noticed a gap in the motor market for first time drivers who needed guidance when searching for the right cover.
Cowbell enters UK cyber market targeting SME brokers
US cyber specialist Cowbell has entered the UK market with plans to sell its products exclusively through brokers.
Markerstudy chief outlines challenges over salary expectations and broker telematics
Mike Wall, Markerstudy head of non-standard, described the challenges facing its telematics brand Smart Driver Club Insurance in a very competitive market.