United Kingdom (UK)
JMG Group’s Astute makes first buy with property specialist
Astute Insurance Solutions has bought property specialist Sandhouse Insurance in its first deal since becoming part of JMG Group in 2022.
Broker Diversity Push: Broking gender diversity in leadership stuck at 16%
The latest update to Insurance Age’s Broker Diversity Push benchmark has revealed women still only hold 16.61% of six key leadership roles in broking.
RSA launches resource hub for broker profin clients
RSA Insurance has launched a bespoke online resource hub to help broker clients protect and manage their business.
Aviva boosts group accident and travel products with wellbeing package
Aviva has added mental health support to its group personal accident and business travel products in a move it labelled “a first for the industry”.
Gracechurch awards regional claims Service Quality Marque to insurer trio
Independent insurance research consultancy Gracechurch has awarded its Service Quality Marque to Allianz, Chubb and Ecclesiastical for UK regional claims.
Ardonagh strikes deal to sell Robus to Strategic Risk Solutions
Ardonagh has agreed to sell captive and insurance management group Robus to insurance company manager Strategic Risk Solutions.
Interview: Kevin Morton, Zurich Private Clients
Kevin Morton, head of Zurich Private Clients, scrutinises the issues that affected the high net worth market in 2023 and shares what is coming next from the specialist provider in 2024.
Howden buys AHR Consultants
Howden has bought Rugby-based AHR Consultants, bolstering its risk management capabilities in the UK.
NBS launches excess of loss liability insurance
NBS Underwriting has launched excess of loss liability insurance in a move it flagged enables brokers to offer an additional £5m of public liability cover beyond primary level limits.
Administrators appointed at insurtech Humn after sale fail
Commercial motor insurtech Humn has appointed administrators after a failed Series B fund raise and aborted efforts to sell its assets.
Benefact Group adds Access Insurance
Specialist charity broker Access Insurance has joined the Benefact Group as the latest addition to the growing broking and advisory division.
Howden claims “first of its kind” with carbon capture and storage insurance facility launch
Howden has launched a product that it claimed will “unlock vital investment to support the global transition to net zero”.
Fitch: Improving outlook for insurers but no room for complacency
The effect of “baked in” pricing improvements and easing economic headwinds gives an improving outlook for insurers this year, but will only make it less bad than 2023, according to Fitch.
Gallagher hails 8% Q4 organic growth in retail
Gallagher grew UK and Ireland retail business by 8% organically in the final quarter of 2023, while the specialty division achieved a 16% organic uplift, the broker has confirmed.
People Moves: 22 – 26 January 2024
Follow the latest insurance personnel moves.
Nick Harris to leave Marsh
Nick Harris is no longer taking up the role as CEO of UK retail and will be leaving the broker.
Brown & Brown opens retail office in Newcastle
Brown & Brown has opened a retail insurance broking office in Newcastle, the first branded business in the sector under its new identity.
Travelers steps back from Biba partner status
Travelers did not renew its partnership status with the British Insurance Brokers’ Association on 31 December 2023, but will be exhibiting at the trade body’s conference in Manchester this May.
Interview: Carolyn Callan, Brown & Brown
Three months into the role at her “forever” home of Brown & Brown, Carolyn Callan explains her plans and priorities to Emmanuel Kenning.
NFP boosts London presence with Advanced Insurance Consultants buy
US-headquartered broking firm NFP has purchased London-based Advanced Insurance Consultants to develop its client base in the London and the wider South East areas.
Amazon to shut Insurance Store after just over a year
Amazon is closing its UK Insurance Store, which was launched with great fanfare in October 2022.
OneAdvent launches MGA Criterion
Specialist managing general agent and broker services platform OneAdvent has launched Criterion, an MGA that underwrites niche classes of business.
Brown & Brown rolls out on Acturis
Brown & Brown is moving its retail platform to Acturis, Insurance Age can reveal.
Howden buys Scottish broker Laurie Ross
Howden has bought Glasgow-headquartered personal and commercial lines broker Laurie Ross.