Opinion
Profile: Travelling forwards
After many years working abroad, Zurich’s Steve Lewis returned to a very different UK market but, he tells Caitlin Morrison, he is prepared to meet any challenge
Grasping the nettle
The soft market has seen insurers strike up relationships with MGAs but, with prices in some sectors increasing, MGAs could offer even more benefits, says Paul Upton
Standards to the fore
Brokers, unlike bankers, may not be in the reputational headlights, but the industry must remain vigilant, says David Thomson
Editor’s letter - April 2013
“Steve’s standing in the market is such that brokers have fallen over themselves to congratulate him and praise his grasp of regulatory matters”
Profile: You’re hired
After a long search and a series of demanding tasks, Allianz’s Chris Hanks has found his Broker Apprentice. Emmanuel Kenning reports
The rise of passporting insurers
Does anyone care about the ease with which overseas insurers from jurisdictions with less stringent regulation can set up shop in the UK? Stuart Reid asks
Editor’s letter - March 2013
“Every voice deserves to be heard. The debate is too important for an unhinged or skewed diatribe”
Profile: Simply stated
Simply Business CEO Jason Stockwood tells Andrew Pearce why he is so confident in the broker’s technology and market offering
The problems with money
Brokers need to be prepared for the forthcoming changes to insurance money rules. David Roberts outlines four areas the industry should be focusing on
The state we’re in
If the UK is to avoid another economic crisis in the near future, insurers and the government need to join forces to tackle flood insurance, says Tony Cornell
Editor’s letter - February 2013
“Though it was not their stated intention this time, the aggressive stance was one Biba could adopt more often – and not just because it is fun to write about”
Time to Act
A seismic change to the way brokers operate is due in April, but the industry doesn’t appear to be ready, says Stephen Netherway
On the increase
If insurers’ results reveal poor COR performance in commercial, will it prompt rating increases? Peter Hubbard asks
Should Aviva be broken up?
Tony Cornell looks at the case for a totally separate general insurance business
Editor’s letter - January 2013
“Brokers need to be shouting louder about their role in the economy and the essential service they provide”
New year, new start
The last 12 months have been difficult for the commercial insurance market, but there are signs that 2013 could see an upturn, says Paul Upton
Stuck in the middle
Broking is neither a profession nor a financial service, argues James Sharp
A year to forget
There may not be a Jubilee or Olympics to look forward to in 2013, but it should be a better year for the industry than the last 12 months, says Tony Cornell
Profile: The headline maker
Hiscox’s outspoken chairman may be stepping down in February, but he still has strong opinions on everything from regulation to brokers’ self-confidence. Caitlin Morrison reports
Building a better broker
BJP Insurance Brokers’ managing director Barry McGoun tells Andrew Pearce why the company first targeted the construction sector and why he values training so highly
Editor’s letter - December 2012
“Innovation, professionalism and sheer determination are just some of the qualities that have helped brokers turn the threats in 2012 into opportunities”
The fight goes on
While the industry has tightened its grip on fraud, there is still a lot left to do, explains Phil Bird
Banking on brokers
The withdrawal of a major lender to the broking industry is bad news for brokers and could lead to a sharp drop in M&A activity, says Tony Cornell
Regulation worries
One year on since the merger of Biba and the IIB, Barbara Bradshaw details her travels to the regions and the concerns over regulation