Broker
My Insurance Downtime: James Brooks, Clear Group
James Brooks, employee benefits team manager at Clear Group, offers us a window into his life outside insurance, including smoking meats, discovering golf and watching cartoons because he is still a kid at heart – just don’t talk to him about the ending…
Brown & Brown promotes Callan to retail CEO
Brown & Brown Europe has appointed Carolyn Callan as CEO for UK retail, just over a week after Insurance Age revealed the departure of Duncan Carter.
Marginal improvement but still only one-third of brokers have net zero plan
Only 35% of brokers have a plan to achieve net zero emissions, and/or are already implementing one, according to research by Aviva.
Reminder – The 2024 UK Broker Awards deadline is 7 June
With a deadline of 7 June you have just over a week left to get your entries in for the 2024 UK Broker Awards.
NSM to buy AllClear owner
NSM Insurance has signed up to buy InsurEvo Group, including AllClear Insurance, InsureandGo and JustCover, from Synova.
SRG drives into motorsport with Allianz hire
Specialist Risk Group’s managing general agent, MX, is on the starting grid for the launch of a specialist motorsport underwriting offering, and has added a new leader.
Beaven promoted to group MD at Academy, Mountifield joins as COO
Academy Insurance has promoted Richard Beaven to the newly created role of group managing director with Nick Mountifield joining from PIB as group chief operating officer to succeed him.
Ripe targets three new products this year – CEO Williams
Insurtech broker Ripe is looking to launch another three products this year, possibly four if one can “squeeze it through the door” at the end, according to CEO Paul Williams.
Only one in 10 consumers aware of ‘ghost broking’ threat
Ninety percent of people who have heard of online insurance fraud are unaware of the term ‘ghost broking’, according to the Association of British Insurers.
Ex-broker Bartleet seeking election as MP wants industry recognised for its value
The former CEO and owner of Erskine Murray Insurance Brokers, Tom Bartleet, see similarities between politics and broking, as he runs for the Liberal Democrats in the upcoming election.
Simply Business boosts profit 42% in 2023
Xbridge, which trades as Simply Business, achieved double-digit profit and revenue growth in 2023.
Sporting Sponsor: Verlingue
Insurance Age caught up with Neal Lumb, executive director of sales and marketing at Verlingue, to hear about the how the business sponsors a range of clubs and sports.
Four insurers able to restart selling GAP insurance – FCA
The Financial Conduct Authority has confirmed that four insurers can restart selling guaranteed asset protection insurance after it took action in February and March to halt sales across the market.
Biba 2024: Aviva’s Rebecca Gambrell on evolving the digital future
Aviva is listening to brokers’ feedback on what they want to etrade and responding appropriately, according to SME portfolio director Rebecca Gambrell.
People Moves: 13 – 24 May 2024
Keep up to date on the latest personnel changes in insurance.
Ex-broker CEO running to be MP
The former owner and CEO of Erskine Murray Insurance Brokers Tom Bartleet is to run as a parliamentary candidate in the 2024 general election for the Liberal Democrats in South Suffolk.
FSCS confirms zero levy for brokers in 2024/25
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme has confirmed the brokers will not have to pay a levy this financial year.
Broker scepticism on capacity in commercial motor eases but still high at 76%
A survey by Direct Commercial has found 76% of brokers expressing scepticism about the availability of specialists or insurers offering capacity for the haulage, waste disposal and courier markets, down from 83% six months ago.
Oxbow Partners forecasts motor market COR of 94% in 2024
Oxbow Partners has predicted the UK motor market will return to profit this year with a combined operating ratio of 94% versus a 102% rate in 2023.
SRG looking east for expansion with new backers
Specialist Risk Group is eyeing up buying in Europe and Asia, CEO Warren Downey has confirmed to Insurance Age.
Broker Expo registration opens as UK Broker Week 2024 launches
Today Insurance Age launches the second ever UK Broker Week, with registration for Broker Expo on the 10th October at the Birmingham NEC now open.
NFP buys human resources and health and safety business HELPGB
NFP has bought human resources and health and safety business HELPGB based in the Midlands, to strengthen its HR and safety capabilities.
Biba 2024: Pen’s Nick Wright on staying disciplined and kissing frogs
Pen Underwriting’s chief development officer Nick Wright tackles consolidation in the managing general agents market, the risk of disintermediation for brokers, and the opportunities from artificial intelligence.
PCH makes three acquisitions in three months
Premier Choice Healthcare, the health insurance intermediary owned by Brown & Brown, has completed three deals in three months.