Happy new year

You don't need a crystal ball to know that for many 2009 won't be easy. Jessica Pothering suggests how brokers can best protect themselves

It's winter, and at the start of this new year, aside from the usual cold, many people will be hunkering down against a frigid economy. Insurance markets are certain to continue feeling its impact, as most in the industry view the economic downturn as a canvas for the year.

The general perception is that with the economy deteriorating across the board, businesses will operate with increasing difficulty. Failure rates are expected to go up, especially within the small business community and aside