Articles by Ida Axling
The stats: Q3 2024 – Return to growth across the board
Growth in average commercial lines premiums has picked up again in the third quarter of 2024, following a slow-down in the first half of the year, according to the latest Acturis Commercial Broking Index. Ida Axling reports.
Experts say industry is improving on fair value despite FCA criticism
The Financial Conduct Authority’s findings that brokers are still struggling to provide evidence that their remuneration is consistent with fair value rules has sparked mixed reactions among people working in the sector. Ida Axling explores the fallout…
The stats: Q2 2024 – Commercial combined and combined liability premiums fall for first time in three years
The smallest index movement since Q2 2021 suggests the commercial lines market is starting to become more competitive again, as Ida Axling reports.
News analysis: Employee ownership – how does it work for brokers?
Towards the end of 2023, Thomas Carroll became the latest broker to become employee-owned. Ida Axling looks at the benefits of the model for intermediaries and how the sale of Ten to Acrisure busted one myth that they cannot be sold.
The American consolidators are not done yet
Recent years have been notable for the amount of consolidation led by US-based insurance brokers. Ida Axling looks at whether these players are likely to continue doing deals at the same rate and what is driving these buying sprees.
What does it take to be a broker NED?
Broker non-executive directors need to have excellent communication skills, bucket loads of experience, and be mindful of conflicts of interest, experts tell Ida Axling.
Optimism among brokers as Birmingham diversifies from manufacturing into booming new industries
The insurance sector in Birmingham is full of activity and has a bright future, according to experts who work in the area, as Ida Axling discovers.
Pen Underwriting secures £100m capacity deal
Pen Underwriting has signed a capacity agreement that will allow it to write £100m worth of solicitors’ professional indemnity business over three years.
Insurance scams totalling £1.1bn detected in 2022
The value of the average insurance fraud case rose by 20% to £15,000 in 2022, according to the Association of British Insurers.
Zurich UK hires head of mid-market
The provider has promoted Morgan Lyons to head up its mid-market business division.
Clive Buesnel exits Tysers following sale to AUB Group
Tysers has announced that Buesnel, who became CEO of the business in June 2020, is set to leave at the end of August.
Convex-backed Skyrisks partners with Quotech for air mobility product launch
Managing general agent Skyrisks has teamed up with technology platform developer Quotech to launch insurance cover for the advanced air mobility sector.
Gareth Hemming to join Hiscox UK
Insurer has named Gareth Hemming as its new chief distribution officer for Hiscox UK.
Motor broker Verex Insurance Services enters into administration
Car Care Plan has bought the assets of both Verex Insurance Services and its appointed representative Verex Assistance.
Partners& expands into Kent with broker buy
Partners& has bought East Malling-based broker NexGen Insurance Solutions for an undisclosed sum.
Experts call on brokers to take action as climate change drives shift in flood risk
Flood insurance specialists have urged brokers to stay on top of how they can help clients as the number of natural catastrophe weather events in the UK continues to increase due to climate change. Ida Axling investigates.
The benefits and potential pitfalls of broker clubs
As Zurich becomes the latest major insurer to introduce a club for brokers, Ida Axling investigates the evolution of these offerings, and whether they remain as attractive to intermediaries as they were in the past.
News analysis: What impact has the rising cost of borrowing had on broking M&A?
The broking sector has continued to see significant activity when it comes to mergers and acquisitions despite potential barriers such as Covid-19 and a dwindling number of larger targets. Ida Axling asks whether inflation and rising interest rates might…
Axa UK in broker push as it commits to becoming more accessible
Distribution and trading director, Sarah Mallaby, tells Insurance Age about her move from Allianz to Axa and discusses the provider's plans going forward as she highlights the importance of re-establishing relationships with brokers.
Markel UK hires broker divisional director
Provider promotes Nic Brown to the newly created role in push to develop broker relationships.
Brokers urged to engage with Lords' Committee's insurance market regulation inquiry
Biba confirms it will be will be putting in a response to the consultation which closes on 11 February as compliance experts discuss whether the inquiry could have an effect on the regional broker market.
Ofsted finds Davies' apprenticeship programme "requires improvement"
Government body says "too many" insurance apprentices do not complete their end-point assessments as Davies explains it is working to redesign the standard in response to apprentices leaving as soon as they have achieved their CII qualifications.
Gallagher buys Devitt
MD William Hughes and finance director Tony Chapman will remain with the motorcycle specialist following completion.
FCA names Penny James as chair of its Practitioner Panel
The Direct Line boss succeeds Paul Feeney, CEO of Quilter.