News Analysis
W Denis boosts profits in 2024
Top 100 UK broker W Denis grew post-tax profit by 53% to £1.13m in the year ended 30 June 2024.
Aviva promotes Mark Skillern to head of broker strategic accounts
Aviva has promoted Mark Skillern to head of broker strategic accounts, Insurance Age can reveal, with the provider labelling his promotion as “the final piece in the strategic accounts senior leadership team”, which is led by broker distribution director…
Aviva launches programme for rising stars of the broking world
Aviva has launched a programme targeting “rising stars” in insurance broking, to help brokers develop and retain young talent, Insurance Age can reveal.
RSA targets writing to brokers in January on commission as NIG integration progresses
RSA will have harmonised its baseline commission tables by the end of this year, according to Laura Fox, distribution development director, in the latest integration webinar after the deal for NIG.
Zurich’s Nikki Lidster on SME growth, mid-market blending and technology tie-ups
Zurich has achieved 30% SME growth in new business this year, with similar targets for 2025, UK head of SME and trading Nikki Lidster has revealed.
Analysis: Aviva’s bid for DLG – what are the pros and cons for UK insurance brokers
The industry was abuzz last week with the ramifications of Aviva’s £3.3bn bid for Direct Line Group. Jonathan Swift reflects on the weekend’s developments, and what the deal might mean for UK brokers should the possibility of a green light gain momentum…
Brokers raised concerns to Biba on initial FCA ‘name and shame’ proposals
Brokers raised concerns to the British Insurance Brokers’ Association about the Financial Conduct Authority’s original transparency proposals, the trade body has confirmed to Insurance Age.
Analysis: Placement strategies – are brokers turning the tables?
What is driving brokers’ decisions on which markets they use? While once it was insurers holding the aces, it now appears the boot is on the other foot, finds Rachel Gordon
JMG in quadruple deal swoop
JMG has snapped up four brokers, adding additional expertise in high-net-worth, commercial, motor trade, technical and specialist consultancy services to the Yorkshire-headquartered group, Insurance Age can reveal.
News analysis: Acquisitional independent brokers are on the rise, but are they any different to consolidators?
Whilst larger international and private equity backed-brokers might get the most headlines when it comes to mergers and acquisitions, they are not the only firms looking to buy. Martin Friel looks at the emergence of a host of smaller independent…
Konsileo seals £8m fundraise
Top 100 insurance broker Konsileo has completed an £8m fundraise to accelerate its expansion across the UK, Insurance Age can reveal.
Covéa promises brokers faster access with CDL home insurance tie-up
Covéa Insurance has promised brokers faster access to products and effective pricing as it launched its home insurance business on CDL’s Insurer Hosted Pricing hub, Insurance Age can reveal.
i-Wonder delivers on fast food
i-Wonder, provider of niche insurance comparison website solutions, has confirmed the adoption of its offering for the UK fast food delivery sector by “one of” the UK’s main aggregators, Insurance Age can reveal.
FCA promises reframed and revised ‘name and shame’ plans but no decision until early next year
In a House of Lords Financial Services Regulation Committee evidence session earlier today, Financial Conduct Authority CEO Nikhil Rathi said no decision will be made on its investigation transparency proposals consultation until early next year.
Loss adjusters call on brokers to educate HNW clients on valuations
A panel of loss adjusters at Insurance Age’s High Net Worth Forum today noted brokers should educate clients about the frequency of valuations and be hand holders during tough conversations.
Ex-LV broker leader Michael Lawrence joins Grove & Dean
Michael Lawrence, previously broker distribution and underwriting director at LV GI, has joined Grove & Dean taking on the same job title, Insurance Age can reveal.
News analysis: If PIB has reached an end game with Carlyle and Apax, what next?
As speculation mounts that PIB’s backers Carlyle and Apax want to cash in on their investments, content director Jonathan Swift explores how the broker’s strategy of overseas hubs and specialisms might dictate its value to new investors.
Analysis: What does Labour’s first Budget mean for insurance brokers?
In the time since Labour won the election on 4 July there has been much speculation as to what their first Budget would contain. PFK Littlejohn’s Tom Golding looks at some of the key changes announced - and what these may mean for insurance brokers.
Rise in IPT would put greater strain on brokers trying to reduce underinsurance
With the Autumn Budget set to be released tomorrow (30 October) by the UK government, the question over whether insurance premium tax will be increased lingers as industry practitioners weigh in.
Hiscox opens in Bristol
Hiscox has added to its regional presence with a satellite office in Bristol, Insurance Age can reveal.
Policy Expert owner Qmetric swings back to operating profit
Qmetric, which trades as personal lines specialist Policy Expert, returned to operating profit and pushed Ebitda into the black last financial year with turnover and customer numbers rising.