United Kingdom (UK)
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.
Biba 2024: Arag UK leaders promise best in class for brokers as integration rolls forward
Arag and Das have exited the state of limbo and can now power forward with the integration of the two businesses, the bosses have told Insurance Age.
Ex-broker CEO running to be MP
The former owner and CEO of Erskine Murray Insurance Brokers Tom Bartleet is to run as a parliamentary candidate in the 2024 general election for the Liberal Democrats in South Suffolk.
FSCS confirms zero levy for brokers in 2024/25
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme has confirmed the brokers will not have to pay a levy this financial year.
Personal lines the stand out as Aviva UK GI GWP jumps 19% in Q1
Aviva has revealed that its UK personal lines business was up 27% in the first quarter of 2024 contributing to a 19% hike in general insurance premiums to £1.7bn.
Broker scepticism on capacity in commercial motor eases but still high at 76%
A survey by Direct Commercial has found 76% of brokers expressing scepticism about the availability of specialists or insurers offering capacity for the haulage, waste disposal and courier markets, down from 83% six months ago.
Oxbow Partners forecasts motor market COR of 94% in 2024
Oxbow Partners has predicted the UK motor market will return to profit this year with a combined operating ratio of 94% versus a 102% rate in 2023.
SRG looking east for expansion with new backers
Specialist Risk Group is eyeing up buying in Europe and Asia, CEO Warren Downey has confirmed to Insurance Age.
Allianz UK makes key changes to senior leadership
Allianz UK has appointed Hanna Kam as chief risk officer and promoted Jason Howes to the newly created role of chief transformation officer.
Biba 2024: Zurich seeks to take SME service learnings into mid-market space
Zurich’s Harriet Conway, head of retail customer proposition, and Morgan Lyons head of mid-market told Insurance Age the insurer is targeting its teams “heavily” in terms of response times to brokers.
Industry pays tribute to former colleague Geoff Kitchen, who died on Singapore Airlines flight
Theo Duchen and Lloyd Hanks have expressed their sympathies for Geoff Kitchen and his family after he died on the Singapore Airlines flight hit by turbulence yesterday.
NFP buys human resources and health and safety business HELPGB
NFP has bought human resources and health and safety business HELPGB based in the Midlands, to strengthen its HR and safety capabilities.
Biba 2024: Pen’s Nick Wright on staying disciplined and kissing frogs
Pen Underwriting’s chief development officer Nick Wright tackles consolidation in the managing general agents market, the risk of disintermediation for brokers, and the opportunities from artificial intelligence.