United Kingdom (UK)
Headline Makers: October 2022
The key stories from the past month all in one place.
Aston Lark reveals growth in final year before sale to Howden
Aston Lark has posted a 72% rise in revenue at group level to £157.6m in 2021 with organic growth in commission and fees coming in at 11%.
Lloyd’s cyber probe ‘advanced’ but online systems remain in shutdown
Lloyd’s external connectivity remains in shutdown as it continues to investigate the cyber threat that emerged last week.
BMS offsets backdated greenhouse gas emissions
BMS Group has moved to offset backdated greenhouse gas emissions arising from energy consumption in its offices, by its employees working from home, and through business travel and hotel stays for the past four years.
Beazley teams up with fintech provider to expand broker schemes
Beazley plans to expand its schemes business with brokers using a fintech platform.
Ecclesiastical survey finds stress is still major issue for brokers
According to Ecclesiastical’s latest Broker Wellbeing Survey, attitudes towards mental health are improving but stress continues to be a major issue for brokers.
Seventeen Group returns to profit in 2021
Seventeen Group has posted a 27.2% increase in turnover for 2021 to £31.2m.
Focus joins forces with NIG to launch contractors liability facility
Specialist construction managing general agent Focus has teamed up with NIG to launch a contractors liability facility designed especially for smaller contractors.
People Moves: 3-7 October 2022
Follow the latest personnel changes in the insurance industry.
Backpage: October 2022
The lighter side of the world of insurance.
Lloyd’s cuts off online delegated authority platforms amid cyber threat
Lloyd’s took swift action yesterday to safeguard its online security by resetting its systems and switching off all external connectivity after discovering “unusual activity” on its network.
HDI streamlines specialty lines single risk underwriting
HDI Global Specialty UK has introduced a new structure in underwriting with six divisions or ‘pillars’ within its single risk business.
FCA data shows 19% of BI insurance claimants still waiting for full payment
Figures from the Financial Conduct Authority have confirmed that 34,506 business interruption insurance claimants have received their full payment out of 42,586 accepted by insurers.
Former vice presidents vow to monitor CII after motion not debated at AGM
A move to bring an independent probe into ongoings at the Chartered Insurance Institute has fallen short at the first hurdle.
Stubben Edge buys finance platform Finpoint
UK-based insurtech Stubben Edge has acquired credit broker Finpoint for an undisclosed sum.
CII elects Swiss Re’s Russell Higginbotham as president
Russell Higginbotham, CEO of Swiss Re Solutions, has been elected president of the Chartered Insurance Institute for 2023 moving up from deputy president and succeeding Peter Blanc.
Verlingue achieves ESG bronze accreditation
Verlingue has gained bronze accreditation for its ESG approach from independent assessor EcoVadis.
FOI reveals FCA insurance investigations running into thousands of days for firms and individuals
The Financial Conduct Authority closed five investigations into firms and individuals in its insurance portfolio in 2021 with each lasting over 1000 days, a Freedom of Information request by Insurance Age has revealed.
FCA mixes praise for insurers on BI claims handling with concerns and lessons to be learned
The Financial Conduct Authority has welcomed insurers quickly making interim payments, reallocating resources swiftly and proactively communicating with policyholders in its review of business interruption claims handling.
Insurance veteran teams up with iRevolution bosses for M&A vehicle
The sales and marketing director at Tradewise Insurance Services, Wayne Bradshaw, has launched a self-named company Wayne Bradshaw Acquisitions.
SJL Insurance Services launches new academy
SJL Insurance Services has ambitions to widen its talent pool with the launch of SJL Academy and has given jobs to 10 people living in or near Worcester.
Commercial Express rolls out PL excess of loss cover
Commercial Express has launched public and product liability excess of loss cover aimed at SMEs with turnover of less than £15m, and separately revealed a new partnership with Brit.
Aviva still has fizz in broker personal lines friendships after Lemonade deal, says Hemming
Aviva is “absolutely open for personal lines business”, according to Gareth Hemming, managing director of UKGI distribution & SME.
Ex First Central UK CEO Andy James launches motor provider Zixty
Andy James, previously UK CEO at First Central, has launched app-based motor insurance provider Zixty.