Insurer
Biba 2025 Countdown: Markel’s Jo Sykes
Jo Sykes, divisional director, broker & ATE UK at Markel, promises a partnership with an Olympic champion; expects to see another uptick in attendance at its annual hospitality event; and looks forward to putting her sore feet up and checking the iPad for action points at the end of it all.
Ageas CEO Middle reassures brokers after Esure deal
Ageas will keep its focus on growing with brokers, CEO Ant Middle committed, as the Esure takeover creates a “balanced” portfolio with 50% of business still through the broking channel.
Biba 2025 Countdown: QBE’s Stacey Flannery
With only one month to go until the Biba 2025 conference, Stacey Flannery, head of trading (Manchester) at QBE, kicks off Insurance Age’s countdown series.
RSA confirms rebrand to Intact
RSA will rebrand and change its trading name to Intact Insurance by the end of 2025.
Ripe completes GJW Direct buy
Ripe has bought boat insurance specialist GJW Direct from Munich Re Specialty.
Ageas claims ‘number three’ UK personal lines position with £1.3bn Esure deal
Ageas has reached an agreement with Bain Capital to acquire Esure to create what it claims is the third largest UK personal lines player.
Allianz launches solar inspection service
Allianz Engineering has launched an inspection service for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, aimed at businesses and industrial sites.
Axa committed to regional PL market – intermediary director Matt Field
Matt Field, director of intermediary at Axa retail, has told Insurance Age the insurer is “committed” to the regional intermediary market, and is focusing on sustainable growth.
Covea returns to profit as GWP drops
Covea Insurance has reported profit after tax of £32.9m, swinging out of the red, for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Saga unveils broking and underwriting results ahead of Ageas deal completion
Saga’s insurance broking arm reported a total earned underlying profit before tax of £14.4m in 2024 (2023: £39.8m) in its final full year results before it completes a new distribution partnership with Ageas.
Addept enters legal expenses market with double launch
Addept Insurance Services has today announced the launch of the first of a new suite of legal expenses insurance products.
People Moves: 31 March – 4 April 2025
Follow the latest personnel moves in insurance.
CII responds to FCA’s proposal to scrap minimum insurance training hours
The Chartered Insurance Institute has no plans to alter its Continuous Professional Development expectations for members in light of the Financial Conduct Authority’s proposal to end the specified minimum hours of training and development required for…
Ex-Hiscox HNW boss Holmes’ new broker employer revealed
Specialist Risk Group has recruited Hiscox’s former high net worth broker boss Nicola Holmes.
Aviva partners with Towergate on caravan cover
Ardonagh-owned Towergate has teamed up with Aviva on caravan, park and leisure homes.
Two specialty MGAs set to merge
Managing general agents Nirvana and Pulse have announced plans to merge their businesses.
News analysis: What does Aviva’s commission flex move mean for brokers and their customers?
In February, Aviva told brokers using e-trading platforms Fast Trade and Acturis E-Trade that they could set their own commission rates within set parameters of between 0% and 35%. Saxon East explores what this move means for brokers, their customers and…
Meet the MGA: MX Underwriting
Ian Cook, managing director at MX Underwriting, explains why he believes MGAs are not suffering a capacity crunch, and outlines plans to write in excess of £200m GWP in 2025 and add to MX’s product range and capability.
Matt Williams named UK and Ireland CEO at Allianz Trade
Matt Williams, currently regional credit director for Allianz Trade in Northern Europe, is moving to be CEO in the UK and Ireland succeeding Sarah Murrow.
Deal-linked Esure swings back to profit
Motor and home insurer Esure, previously touted as takeover target for Ageas, Allianz and Aviva, moved back into the black in 2024 with a £57.7m post tax profit reversing a loss of £60.1m the year before.
HDI takes Breese from Arch as cyber leader
HDI Global UK and Ireland has recruited Marcus Breese as head of cyber underwriting, joining from Arch Insurance International.