Articles by Martin Friel
Two senior players leave Gallagher Heath for rival Bluefin
Bluefin has snapped up two senior brokers from rival firm Gallagher Heath.
Towergate warned on rating downgrade risk
Fitch Ratings has warned that Towergate Finance faces an issuer default rating (IDR) downgrade in the next two years unless the broker can deleverage further and increase its EBITDA.
New schemes dedicated event hits Manchester
Insurance Age is delighted to announce the launch of a brand new broker-only event dedicated to the schemes market.
Biba signs up Groupama broker as latest member
Carole Nash, the Groupama-owned motorcycle and classic car broker, has joined the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba).
Sants claims he was talked into taking top job
Hector Sants, chief executive of the Financial Services Authority (FSA), claims he was talked into taking the job and that he would never let the former management of RBS work in finance again.
Biba reveals keynote speakers and panelists for 2012 conference
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba) has revealed that the father of the internet and one of the UK’s leading political journalists will be the keynote speakers at this year’s Biba Conference.
Leroy completes MBO of Europe Assistance Holdings
Patrick Leroy, chief executive of Europe Assistance Holdings, has completed a management buyout of the firm.
FSCS spent nearly £400m on management expenses last year
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) spent nearly £400m on management expenses in the 2010/11 year as it took in nearly £1bn in levies and paid out over £535m in compensation.
FCA chief vows to end laid back regulation
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) needs to make better, bolder, faster decisions and will not lie back and let financial markets run themselves.
Powerplace chief executive out after only eight months
Powerplace, the Towergate online wholesale subsidiary, is to appoint its third chief executive in a year.
ULR parent reports £3m loss
Motorplus, parent company of Norwich-based ULR, has reported an operating loss of £3.4m for the year ending 31 August 2010.
Welsh broker hires in growth push
The Thomas, Carroll Group has announced 11 new appointments as it gears up to expand its headquarters.
Travelers opens Lloyd's event cancellation policy to regions
Travelers is to provide access to its Lloyd’s event cancellation policy to regional brokers.
Arrests made in Groupama motor policy scam
Three individuals have been arrested on suspicion of selling fraudulent Groupama motor policies.
Bluefin finance staff facing the axe
Bluefin has confirmed that 23 jobs at its Gravesend and West Wickham offices are under threat as part of a strategic review.
Chubb recruits again, this time from Hiscox
Chubb Insurance has hired Hiscox underwriter Karen Bathgate.
Ex-Towergate MD to open JLT office
Two former Towergate employees are to open a new JLT Speciality (JLTS) office in Nottingham.
RBSI firms fined £2.17m over complaints tampering
Direct Line and Churchill have been hit with a £2.17m fine by the Financial Services Authority (FSA).
Towergate goes for change with latest appointment
Towergate Insurance has appointed a group change director tasked with delivering the business’ key strategic priorities.
New PI cover for media sector
Travelers has introduced a new professional indemnity (PI) product to cover the publishing and general media sectors.
UK General secures new capacity
UK General has agreed a new capacity deal with Ecclesiastical vehicle, Ansvar.
Romero bags second director from rival Henderson
Leeds-based Romero Insurance Brokers has appointed former Henderson director Darron Brady as its new business sales director.
PPI complaints soar by 57%
The Financial Ombudsman Services (FOS) has revealed that the number of payment protection insurance (PPI) cases it received increased to 30,301 in the final three months of 2011.
Network player pinches second broker from Oval
Oval has lost another latent defects expert to TEn network member, Building and Land Guarantees (BLG).