Broker
In Depth: How can brokers access capacity for specialist and non-standard risks?
Brokers continue to face challenges placing non-standard specialist risks that sit outside the core appetite of many mainstream insurers. Edward Murray explores how MGAs might be able to help these intermediaries grow their books by giving them capacity…
McCarron Coates appoints first AR
Leeds-based McCarron Coates has added its first appointed representative with start-up broker Kentaro but flagged it has no plans to build an AR network.
The last question – is the end of UK M&A consolidation nigh?
With brokers of scale being acquired faster than new start-ups are appearing, Lee Anderson, group deputy CEO, Specialist Risk Group, asks if it is inevitable that UK M&A will grind to a halt?
Hazelton Mountford targets hitting £20m GWP milestone in two years
Established in 2008, Hazelton Mountford is aiming to hit £20m gross written premium in the next two years through organic growth, Gordon Hazelton, group managing director, told Insurance Age.
SRG starts 2025 buys with schemes broker
Specialist Risk Group has bought schemes specialist Brentacre Insurance in its first UK broker deal of the year.
Aviva gives e-trade brokers commission flex up to 35%
Aviva has written to brokers that use its own e-trading platform Fast Trade – as well as Acturis E-Trade – telling them they can set their own commission rates within set parameters, Insurance Age has learned.
FCA bans broker whose fraud caused client to fail and go into liquidation
The Financial Conduct Authority has banned David Robert Cooke, previously a director at Professional Construction Risks Limited, from working in all regulated activity after he received a police conditional caution for an insurance fraud that led to the…
Insurers and brokers must develop services to help customers understand risks – Neil Galjaard
A panel at the Association of British Insurers annual conference explained SMEs and mid-corporate businesses need education on risk management, with insurers and brokers playing a key role.
People Moves: 24 – 28 February 2025
Stay in the loop with the latest personnel moves in insurance.
Hiscox UK reports best growth since 2018 on back of “reinvigorated” distribution strategy
Hiscox has recorded its strongest growth in its UK retail business since in 2018 as the group reported a record pre-tax profit of $685.4m (£540.6m) in its 2024 full year results on written premiums of $4.77bn.
Marshberry: US consolidators bypassing UK for Euro deals as targets dry up
Acquisitive US brokers might favour deals in territories outside the UK to enter and grow in Europe as the number of targets here shrinks.
In Depth: Risk-first broking – unlocking better terms through risk insights
To win out in the future brokers need to evolve from being insurance policy facilitators to proactive risk managers. Alan Sumner, risk management director, general insurance broking at Ardonagh Advisory, explains.
The Yorkshire Broker looks to build on base as inquiries grow
Launched in 2023, The Yorkshire Broker has seen inquiries kicking up in the past six months, according to managing director Martin Weaver-Parker, after “a bit of a slow start”, as he targets doubling gross written premiums in 18 months.
AUB reports Momentum and Movo deal costs
Sydney-headquartered AUB Group has revealed the costs of snapping up 40% of appointed representatives network Momentum Broker Solutions and 80% of fellow AR offering Movo Group last year, and promised more deals to come.
US parametric specialist buys Floodflash
Insurtech Floodflash has agreed terms to be bought by US parametric insurance specialist NormanMax Insurance Holdings.
Top 100 brokers adapt as AI and smarter data shape success in 2025
The insurance industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by advancements in technology, evolving customer expectations, and a shifting regulatory landscape. Brokers and insurers alike are being forced to adapt to a world where data and…
Polaris eyeing up £500m GWP milestone for imarket in 2025, confirms Banga
“I don’t want to tempt fate, but on current trajectory, we should be getting close [to £500m GWP] by the end of 2025,” Polaris managing director Vivek Banga told Insurance Age.
Four more S166s into insurance firms
The Financial Conduct Authority commissioned four skilled person reports into insurance businesses between October and December 2024, taking the running total for the financial year into double digits.
FSCS opens to claims after Scottish broker stopped from trading by FCA
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme has opened for claims from customers of Arthur Temlett, who traded as Abacus Insurance Consultants and was forced to stop carrying out any regulated activities by the Financial Conduct Authority at the start of…
Ex-England manager Gareth Southgate among Biba conference speakers
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has confirmed former England men’s football team manager Gareth Southgate as one of its 2025 conference keynote speakers.
CII New Gen group targets building confidence in insurance profession
A report published by the Chartered Insurance Institute New Generation Programme 2023/24 London Market Group has looked into how the insurance profession can help to build public confidence.
Gallagher names ex-Giles boss Lyons specialty CEO as Turner departs
Gallagher has appointed Sarah Lyons, currently CEO of its Australia and Asia business, as CEO of the London-based specialty division, succeeding Jonathan Turner.
Broker buys firm with Airbnb, Sainsbury’s and John Lewis partnerships
Tedaisy, the pet insurance broker, has acquired dog health and activity app Perro, aiming to combine the latest technology with insurance solutions.
People Moves: 17 – 21 February 2025
Follow the latest personnel moves in insurance.