United Kingdom (UK)
IFB warns of increasing danger as ghost broking rises 6%
UK insurers reported a 6% rise in ghost broking activity on social media last year, according to the Insurance Fraud Bureau as it warned the threat of people being duped would continue to increase with the growth of financial strain.
Clear buys book and assets of Maynard Milton Insurance Services
Clear Group has bought the book and assets of £4.9m gross written premium Southend-on-Sea based broker Maynard Milton Insurance Services.
Whistleblowing to FCA slips back
The Financial Conduct Authority received 253 reports from whistleblowers between April and June, down on the same period of last year and the first quarter of 2024.
SRG adds second acquisition to its MGA this year
Specialist Risk Group has agreed to buy Trilogy Underwriting, a specialist property and casualty managing general agent, to add to its MX underwriting pillar.
Acturis continues personal lines push with Covéa
Acturis has partnered with Covéa to make the insurer’s Home IHP product available on its platform, adding to the previously rolled out motor offering.
OneAdvent partners with Bridgehaven in capacity deal
OneAdvent has struck a deal with Bridghaven Specialty UK that will see the hybrid fronting insurer provide A-rated capacity to managing general agent Criterion to underwrite waste management and recycling risks.
Voyager Insurance Services sold to Caledon Group
Recently-formed investment group Caledon has bought travel and wedding insurance broker Voyager Insurance Services for an undisclosed sum.
Interview: Tim Smyth, Bspoke
Bspoke Group CEO Tim Smyth tells Insurance Age about reaching profitability and expanding with brokers through organic growth, hires and new products as well as acquisitions.
Clarke starts at WTW as president of risk and broking
WTW has confirmed the arrival of Lucy Clarke as president of risk and broking, with Adam Garrard taking on the new role of chairman of risk and broking.
Bexhill UK partners with Acturis on premium finance
Bexhill UK and Acturis have partnered in a full API integration of Bexhill’s premium finance system and Acturis’s insurance broking system.
Next deal on the horizon for Bspoke
Bspoke Group has “signed heads” on its next deal, with an announcement to come ‘in weeks’, CEO Tim Smyth has told Insurance Age.
CII adds SEIB CEO Middleton to board
The Chartered Insurance Institute has appointed Suzy Middleton, CEO of SEIB Insurance Brokers, to engagement board member of personal finance, along with two other selections.
Ex-APPG chair and MP Craig Tracey looking forward to new challenge
Former insurance broker and MP Craig Tracey told Insurance Age he was not looking to make a “snap decision” on his future after losing his seat in the general election.
Allianz’s Hobbs, Arch’s Peters, Aviva’s Martin and Zurich’s Nichols to join panel at Broker Expo 2024
Insurance Age is delighted to reveal the first panel at the Broker Expo 2024 and it has a lot of insurer star power.
Broking Success: Fiercely independent
Paul Wadsworth, managing director of FR Ball, is looking to grow the business to £24m gross written premiums as it aims to offer soft landings for acquisitions.
People Moves: 15 – 19 July 2024
Keep up to date with the latest insurance industry personnel moves.
Partners& snaps up two in employee wellbeing and healthcare push
Partners& has bought Nottingham-based Halo Consulting and Chester-based Personal Healthcare Management.
JMG expands presence in Kent
The JMG Group has acquired the general business insurance division of the Howe Maxted Group, its eight deal of the year.
Flood Re sees record claims of £241.6m
Flood Re’s gross claims jumped to £241.6m in the past financial year from £45.9m in 2023.
Ecclesiastical urges insurer climate credentials be part of broker-client conversation
The majority of brokers are not talking to clients about insurers’ climate credentials, according to research from Ecclesiastical, Insurance Age can reveal.
Ageas here for brokers Beckett promises as connected personal lines flourishes
“We are here for the broker today, and we will very much be here for them tomorrow. There’ll be no change in that strategy,” Ageas chief distribution officer Adam Beckett tells Insurance Age.
Former broker brand Kwik Fit resurfaces
UK automotive servicing and repair company Kwik Fit has launched insurance for car owners on its website.
Interview: Addept Group managing director Richard Finan
Addept MD Richard Finan gives Insurance Age the lowdown on his return to the market; his thoughts on changes to the MGA market in the wake of Consumer Duty; and the challenges of creating ancillary products in a post-FCA GAP intervention world.
Car premiums drop for second quarter in a row
Comprehensive car insurance premiums fell by 6% (£59) between April and June 2024, the second quarter of decreases according to the latest research by Confused/WTW.