United Kingdom (UK)
FOI confirms broker S166s including one financial crime review
A Freedom of Information request by Insurance Age to the Financial Conduct Authority has confirmed four broker S166s, indicated they were most likely smaller-sized firms, and revealed one of the reviews fell into the category of financial crime.
Broking Success: Investing in customer relationships
Ex-Swinton boss Gilles Normand, CEO of Academy, sees investing in customer relationships will help the broker grow through recommendations as it moves towards mostly commercial lines.
My Insurance Downtime: James Brooks, Clear Group
James Brooks, employee benefits team manager at Clear Group, offers us a window into his life outside insurance, including smoking meats, discovering golf and watching cartoons because he is still a kid at heart – just don’t talk to him about the ending…
People Moves: 27 – 31 May 2024
Follow for the latest personnel moves in insurance.
Sompo targets mid-market tech with modular offering
Sompo has launched a modular product for mid-market UK clients aimed at technology and telecoms service providers, plus electronic product manufacturers and assemblers.
Brown & Brown promotes Callan to retail CEO
Brown & Brown Europe has appointed Carolyn Callan as CEO for UK retail, just over a week after Insurance Age revealed the departure of Duncan Carter.
Marginal improvement but still only one-third of brokers have net zero plan
Only 35% of brokers have a plan to achieve net zero emissions, and/or are already implementing one, according to research by Aviva.
Reminder – The 2024 UK Broker Awards deadline is 7 June
With a deadline of 7 June you have just over a week left to get your entries in for the 2024 UK Broker Awards.
NSM to buy AllClear owner
NSM Insurance has signed up to buy InsurEvo Group, including AllClear Insurance, InsureandGo and JustCover, from Synova.
Aviva confirms Karen Dayal as commercial lines CUO
Aviva has named Karen Dayal as chief underwriting officer for commercial lines, reporting to UK and Ireland GI CEO, Jason Storah.
Ansvar launches care and welfare insurance policy
Ansvar Insurance has launched a care and welfare insurance policy with customisable cover options.
SRG drives into motorsport with Allianz hire
Specialist Risk Group’s managing general agent, MX, is on the starting grid for the launch of a specialist motorsport underwriting offering, and has added a new leader.
Beaven promoted to group MD at Academy, Mountifield joins as COO
Academy Insurance has promoted Richard Beaven to the newly created role of group managing director with Nick Mountifield joining from PIB as group chief operating officer to succeed him.
Ripe targets three new products this year – CEO Williams
Insurtech broker Ripe is looking to launch another three products this year, possibly four if one can “squeeze it through the door” at the end, according to CEO Paul Williams.
Only one in 10 consumers aware of ‘ghost broking’ threat
Ninety percent of people who have heard of online insurance fraud are unaware of the term ‘ghost broking’, according to the Association of British Insurers.
Ex-broker Bartleet seeking election as MP wants industry recognised for its value
The former CEO and owner of Erskine Murray Insurance Brokers, Tom Bartleet, see similarities between politics and broking, as he runs for the Liberal Democrats in the upcoming election.
Ecclesiastical aims to help brokers with Independent Schools Risk Barometer
Ecclesiastical has launched The Independent Schools Risk Barometer 2024 to help brokers talk to clients in the sector about the biggest risks they face.
Uncorking the Great British wine market – the insurance of vineyards
David Harrison, viticulture specialist at NFU Mutual, shares his thoughts on meeting the insurance challenges facing the booming winery and vineyards sector.
Simply Business boosts profit 42% in 2023
Xbridge, which trades as Simply Business, achieved double-digit profit and revenue growth in 2023.
Sporting Sponsor: Verlingue
Insurance Age caught up with Neal Lumb, executive director of sales and marketing at Verlingue, to hear about the how the business sponsors a range of clubs and sports.
Four insurers able to restart selling GAP insurance – FCA
The Financial Conduct Authority has confirmed that four insurers can restart selling guaranteed asset protection insurance after it took action in February and March to halt sales across the market.
Biba 2024: Aviva’s Rebecca Gambrell on evolving the digital future
Aviva is listening to brokers’ feedback on what they want to etrade and responding appropriately, according to SME portfolio director Rebecca Gambrell.
Broker Insights unveils new CEO as founder Edmond becomes president
Data analysis specialist Broker Insights has changed its leadership team, in a move it hopes will help accelerate UK growth and expansion in the US.
People Moves: 13 – 24 May 2024
Keep up to date on the latest personnel changes in insurance.