Axa
Agenda: Hopes for the New Year
Ten years have passed since the dawn of the new millennium. The predictions of economic meltdown because of the millennium bug were false but we have seen crises that have had enormous impact on the global economy: 9/11, the crash of the dot-com bubble…
Polly C - the hottest insurance gossip
The Swinton Christmas shindig at the Waldorf saw the industry's great and good flock to quaff champagne and discuss the highs and lows of 2010.
Power hour: Feeling the benefit?
It is hoped that a change in the Government's position regarding benefits may open up opportunities for PMI. This month's discussion covers the expansion of cash plans, the role of trade bodies and the normally taboo subject of claims data sharing. Liz…
Axa unveils senior personal lines team
Axa has revealed the senior management structure for its newly created personal lines operation, which now combines all its intermediated, partnerships and direct businesses, including Swiftcover.
Broking success – Wilby: To Halifax and beyond
Emmanuel Kenning meets a passionately independent broker twinning strong local service with national niche products to grow the business.
Household insurance in flood risk areas subsidised by £511 annually, says Axa
According to data from Axa, household insurance for homes in high flood risk regions is being subsidised by £511 each year. The insurer stated this means that homeowners in affected regions are only paying 42% of the true cost of insurance to protect…
Amanda Blanc leaves Towergate for Axa
Axa UK has appointed Amanda Blanc as CEO of its commercial lines business which includes its distribution arm, Bluefin.
Bluefin's Elite in run-off to allow greater Platinum focus
Bluefin has announced it is putting its Elite underwriting facility for small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) business into run-off in favour of expanding its existing Platinum product range.
News review: November 2010
IAG UK-owned broker Barnett & Barnett almost doubled its size to £50m gross written premium, with a move for a controlling stake in Bromley-based commercial and personal lines specialist NBJ.
E-commerce: Powerplace completes '3 As' with Axa addition
Powerplace has secured what it described as the "3 As" after announcing Axa's intention to join its panel of insurers.
Regional review: Way out west
An area that sometimes falls off the radar, Louise Meeson surveys brokers and insurers in Wales and the South West to discover many have been shielded from the worst of the economic crisis.
Allianz responds to calls for South-west presence
Allianz has responded to regional broker demand by launching a mobile underwriting team in the South West.
E-commerce: Insurers urged not to rush into app development
Insurers have been warned against rushing to create iPhone applications (apps) for basic insurance processes as Aviva became the latest insurer to launch an app.
PB December 2010: News round-up
Apple iPhone apps continue to be all the rage in the insurance industry. Aviva launched MyClaim, a free app enabling policyholders to file a motor insurance claim remotely from their iPhones.
News Analysis: Changing course at Aviva
Andrew Tjaardstra discusses Aviva's change in fortunes and direction since the departure of former chief executive Igal Mayer to head up the insurer's North American operations.
The PB Interview - Laurent Matras: Through the storm
Laurent Matras, managing director at Groupama Insurances, tells Andrew Tjaardstra about the state of the insurance market and how he is working closely with brokers to give his firm a competitive advantage.
Axa UK appoints Kevin Murray as chief operating officer
Axa UK has appointed Kevin Murray as group chief operating officer reporting directly to Paul Evans, group chief executive of Axa UK. He is also a member of the Axa UK executive committee.
Axa signs up to Powerplace
Powerplace has finally secured what it describes as the “3 As” after announcing Axa’s intention to join its panel.
Groupama appoints personal lines development underwriter
Groupama Insurances has appointed Julian Abson in the role of development underwriter for its personal lines motor account to develop business through its panel of intermediaries and strengthen relationships with broker partners.
Travel hikes spell trouble for schemes brokers
Following the rise in insurance premiums from Axa, Peter Hayman, director of P J Hayman, has predicted that some scheme holders will have difficulty renewing on competitive terms.
Bluefin to put SME underwriting facility Elite into run-off
Bluefin has announced that it is putting its Elite underwriting facility for small to medium sized enterprise (SME) business into run-off in favour of expanding its existing Platinum product range.
News round-up: Insurers
Brit has formally accepted an offer of £888m from Apollo Management and CVC Capital Partners. The deal if agreed by shareholders is £10.75 for each share plus a further 25p if targets are met.
Broking Success - Stonebridge Corporate: Building fast
Andrew Tjaardstra meets two young brokers aiming to make waves in their local market by growing their business fivefold.
E-commerce: Insurers urged to make MTA and renewal options available online
Brokers have called for insurers to include mid-term adjustment (MTA) and renewal facilities as part of their online small commercial offerings.