United Kingdom (UK)
Insurance sector facing FCA ‘big bombshell’ on commission model – Michael Sicsic
Insurance is facing a ‘big, big bombshell’ on commissions, as the shockwaves reverberate from the Financial Conduct Authority’s property buildings’ investigation, according to regulatory consultant Michael Sicsic.
Allianz appoints Henry Topham to retail MD role as Smith exits for Axa Health
Allianz has appointed Henry Topham as managing director of its UK retail business succeeding Heather Smith who is moving to Axa Health as CEO.
Heather Smith leaves Allianz to head Axa Health
Axa Health has named Allianz’s managing director for retail, Heather Smith, as its new CEO. Smith will take up the role in mid-January 2024.
Clear buys Heath Crawford & Foster as MVP exits
Clear Group has bought 100% of Heath Crawford & Foster, adding £18m of gross written premium to the growing consolidator.
FOS slams insurer payout delays as motor and buildings complaints hit five-year high
The Financial Ombudsman Service has criticised insurers delaying claims payouts as complaints about buildings, car and motorcycle insurance hit a five-year high.
Profile – Stephanie Ogden, HDI Global: Making a difference
Having progressed from a graduate trainee in Guildford to Allianz branch manager in Scotland, and via Lloyd’s in London to UK & Ireland managing director for HDI Global, Stephanie Ogden is ready to take brokers on the next step of the German-owned…
Broking Success: Celebrating 50 years of independence
Having celebrated its 50th anniversary as an independent broker, R A Cowen & Partners, which is part of Cowens Group, has no plans to sell up any time soon. CEO Paul Chaplin sets out the philosophy behind the business and shares his route into broking.
Aviva delivers digital tool to help brokers with Net Zero sustainability journey
Aviva has launched Sustainable Business Coach, a free-to-use digital tool designed to help brokers discover the impact their business has on the environment and wider society.
Biba launches latent defects scheme
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has teamed up with specialist broker GBW to launch a latent defects scheme, consisting of building warranty cover tailored for the property development and construction industry.
We must embrace diversity if we expect consumers to embrace insurance
To better anticipate and respond to the needs of a rapidly changing world, the insurance sector’s workforce must reflect the world in which it operates argues Dan Cicchetti, senior director, client engagement UK and Ireland, LexisNexis Risk Solutions…
GRP rebranded to Brown & Brown (Europe)
Global Risk Partners Limited has been rebranded to Brown & Brown (Europe) Limited, a filing at Companies House has confirmed.
Editor’s letter: CEO Storah continues Aviva’s ‘entente cordiale’ with Canada
When Aviva needs a new UK and Ireland boss, Canada has become something of a go-to market.
Jensten strikes biggest deal to date as its snaps up One Broker
Jensten has made its largest acquisition to date, acquiring East Anglian-based One Broker Group for an undisclosed amount, subject to regulatory approval.
Lucida Group adds Jon Sutton as CFO succeeding Mark Mugge
Lucida Group, which includes Right Choice Insurance Brokers, Bennetts and Moorhouse, has appointed Jon Sutton as chief financial officer succeeding Mark Mugge.
News analysis: How to boost organic customer acquisition through lead generation
From specialist commercial players to mass market personal lines, lead generation has been part of the broker sales armoury for years. But with a greater focus on digital channels and data, Sian Barton explores how the practice is evolving.
Ex-Covéa UK CEO Adrian Furness joins Activate Group
Former Covéa boss Adrian Furness has joined accident management group Activate as managing director of its motor repair network business, taking up the post on 2 October.
Abacai transfers claims team to law firm
The owner of broker Complete Cover, Abacai, has entered into a strategic partnership with HF, which will see members of its volume claims teams transfer to the law firm.
My Perfect Broker Week: Movo Partnership’s Lea Cheesbrough
To tie in with the first-ever UK Broker Week, we asked our speakers to outline what their perfect working week would look like. Movo Partnership managing director Lea Cheesbrough shares her thoughts.
Long time coming: Why the RSA deal for NIG is ‘win-win’ for Intact, DLG and brokers
‘Not In Group’ has been seen as an accurate reading of the acronym NIG for a while now. Jonathan Swift looks at why the long-mooted acquisition target might finally become the ‘Nicely Integrated Gang’ within its new home RSA.
Home insurance premium hikes hit new high, according to Consumer Intelligence
The average quoted price of home insurance rose by 25.7% in the past year – the highest annual increase on record, according to the latest Consumer Intelligence Home Insurance Price Index.
Turnover and profit drop at Ageas Retail in 2022
Turnover at broker Ageas Retail, which includes the Ageas Direct and Rias brands, fell in 2022 to £73.27m from £76.44m the year before.
RSA boss Norgrove in broker service promise after NIG deal
RSA CEO Ken Norgrove has vowed to maintain NIG’s high standards of broker service following the acquisition of the SME-specialist provider.
Acrisure adds Modus to MGA portfolio
Acrisure has bought Modus Underwriting, its first MGA acquisition of the year.
People Moves: 4 – 8 September 2023
Keep up to date with the latest insurance personnel moves.