News
H.W. Wood rebrands to HWS Specialty after sale to Steadfast
London-headquartered specialist wholesale broker H.W. Wood has rebranded to HWS Specialty after being snapped up by Steadfast Group.
Broker confidence in non-standard market waning, says Prestige
Managing general agents remain pivotal in non-standard but there are “mixed signals” in broker confidence, according to a survey by Prestige Underwriting.
Ecclesiastical delivers major COR improvement with sub 80% in UK and Ireland
Ecclesiastical Insurance improved its combined operating significantly in the UK and Ireland last year as underwriting profits more than doubled.
People Moves: 17 – 21 March 2025
Stay in the loop with the latest insurance personnel moves.
Holt to succeed Haynes as director of underwriting at Arag
Nathan Holt will take over as director of underwriting at legal expenses insurer Arag when David Haynes becomes CEO at the start of April.
Gallagher promotes Smith to broking and placement MD
Gallagher has promoted Stephen Smith to managing director of broking and placement for its UK & Ireland retail division.
Alps boosts add-ons product suite
Managing general agent Alps has launched commercial excess protection.
Matcham retires as IUA CEO after 20 years with Jones stepping up
Chris Jones has been appointed as International Underwriting Association CEO succeeding Dave Matcham, who is retiring after 20 years in the role.
Howden buys Scottish broker
Howden Scotland has bought Edinburgh-based SKB Independent Insurance Brokers.
Lloyd’s CEO hails “outstanding financial performance” in 2024
Lloyd’s has confirmed gross written premium of £55.5bn in its 2024 results, up 6.5% from the year before.
Biba announces Anthony Joshua keynote session at conference
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has announced a keynote session with former heavyweight boxing world champion Anthony Joshua on the second day of its upcoming conference.
Which? calls out ongoing “hefty” premium finance charges
Consumer champions Which? have branded premium finance rates currently being charged by many insurers as “difficult to justify”, especially with car insurance where it found a third of rates are above 25%.
Bspoke buys insurtech Arma Karma
Bspoke Group has bought Colchester-based monthly insurance subscription insurtech Arma Karma.
Sabre in first share buy-back as profits soar in 24
Sabre has posted a 5% rise in gross written premiums as profit after tax nearly doubled in 2024.
Zurich targets £250m of GWP after extending relationship with MGA
Zurich UK has extended its capacity agreement with Plum Underwriting for a further five years, with ambitions to reach £250m GWP over the term.
Jensten launches new network
Jensten Group has launched a new broker network.
Clear recruits ex-Willis international CEO as COO
The Clear Group has appointed Simon Smith as group chief operating officer.
MGAA boss Keating weighs in as broker survey backs dedicated MGA regulation
A recent survey of insurance brokers has shown backing for the establishment of a dedicated regulatory framework for MGAs, with 68% agreeing that the Financial Conduct Authority should regulate MGAs separately from insurers and brokers.
Peach and Alan Boswell partner on complementary therapy scheme
Peach and Alan Boswell Group have struck their second partnership as the Top 100 Broker aims to grow its bespoke scheme for complementary therapists.
Aviva Broker Community Fund shares £235,000 with 28 good causes
Aviva has announced the 28 winners of the 2024 Aviva Broker Community Fund sharing a pot of £235,000.
People Moves: 10 – 14 March 2025
Follow the latest personnel moves in insurance.
Zurich fraud detection rises to £94m
Zurich UK uncovered £94.79m of fraudulent claims in 2024, around £260,000 per day.
Ardonagh Advisory opens 2025 M&A account with Anderson & Co
Ardonagh Advisory has snapped up Blackpool-based Anderson & Co (Insurance Brokers), kicking off its buying for 2025.
Private equity firm takes minority stake in Seventeen Group
European mid-market private equity firm IK Partners has signed up to take a minority stake in Seventeen Group, marking its entry into the UK insurance market.