Broker
TH March switches to employee ownership trust
TH March, a jewellery and allied trades specialist broker, is transitioning to an employee ownership trust, in a strategic move it said secures the company’s long-term independence.
The FCA’s new five-year plan – what does it actually mean for brokers?
Following the recent publication of its new five-year plan, Insurance Age canvassed opinion from regulatory experts and market commentators on what brokers might expect from the the Financial Conduct Authority between now and 2030.
Biba 2025 Countdown: Applied Systems’ Tom Needs
Tom Needs, CEO of Applied Systems, is looking forward to a New Era of more efficient, responsive, and customer-centric broking; reckons Arsène Wenger would make a good insurance leader; and expects to end the event with a hoarse throat.
TBIG secures third deal of 2025
The Broker Investment Group has increased its shareholding in Mayfair Insurance to 100%, representing the final stage of a two-step succession plan.
FCA ends Scottish broker’s trading permissions after dual pricing attestation and response failures
The Financial Conduct Authority has cancelled L R Kennedy Insurance Services’ permission to carry out regulated activities with immediate effect.
Biba 2025 Countdown: Beazley’s Sam Franks
Sam Franks, country manager and head of partner engagement for the UK & Ireland at Beazley, promises plenty of pink and underwriters on its stand; offers advice about how brokers can differentiate themselves from their peers in the market; and looks…
SRG to add credit and political risk team from Tysers
Specialist Risk Group has signed up for Tysers’ credit and political risk (re)insurance team to join the business.
The generational wealth gap and investment risks – a looming risk for brokers
Financial constraints have led to a greater reliance among younger generations on alternative investments that pose higher risks for investors and their financial advisors. As a result Kate Albert, CEO and co-founder at Kova Professions, warns brokers…
UK commercial rates falling faster – Marsh
The pace of UK commercial insurance rates dropping quickened in the first quarter of the year, outstripping the global fall.
Biba 2025 Countdown: BluNiche UK’s Ed Mitchell
Ed Mitchell, head of BluNiche UK points to some exciting new product developments; suggests Manchester Art Gallery for a meeting with a difference; and hopes that they leave with fewer giveaways than they came with.
Biba 2025 countdown: Arch Insurance UK’s Janine Starkie
Janine Starkie, regional manager for the North and Scotland at Arch Insurance UK teases a special guest for its event at the Exhibition Bar; reveals she has snagged Oasis tickets; and looks forward to promoting its ‘hub-and-spoke’ model that ensures…
JMG strikes first deals of 2025 with triple swoop
JMG Group has made a trio of acquisitions in its first deals of 2025, having been the most active consolidator last year with 16 buys.
Biba 2025 Countdown: Bridgehaven’s Paul Jewell
Paul Jewell, CEO of Bridgehaven hails Mike Keating’s ability to not park the bus; looks forward to discussing the exciting opportunities presented by alternative capacity providers; and recommends delegates visit Manchester’s answer to Hogwarts.
Brokers see growth opportunities in non-standard property
Brokers have ranked unoccupied homes as top of the key growth areas list in a Prestige Underwriting survey on the non-standard market.
UIB responds to SFO court case decision
United Insurance Brokers Limited has responded to the Serious Fraud Office’s decision to bring a case of failing to prevent international bribery with the charges to be heard at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 7 May.
Alan Boswell buys Suffolk broker
Alan Boswell Group has bought commercial insurance broker Andrew Thompson and Associates in its first deal of the year after two purchases in 2024.
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…
Howden partners with the Lawn Tennis Association
Howden has served up a three-year partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association.
SFO accuses United Insurance Brokers of failing to prevent international bribery
The Serious Fraud Office has accused United Insurance Brokers Limited of failing to prevent international bribery and representatives of the company will appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 7 May to face the charges.
Axa warns brokers on criminal gangs targeting vacant commercial properties
Axa UK has urged brokers to make sure customers are vigilant about criminal gangs targeting empty commercial properties as the insurer has seen a steep rise in the problem in recent months.
A-Plan details £3.6m rebrand spend as turnover ticks up but profits dip in 2024
A-Plan, now rebranded as Howden, grew turnover by 2.1% to £167.3m in the year ended 30 September 2024 as investments in staff, rebrand costs and IT spend hit the bottom line.