Politics
Big Society could offer brokers ray of light
The Government's sweeping public spending cuts could be a double-edged sword for regional brokers.
Agenda: Commission disclosure
The European Union (EU) is now putting together its consultation paper on a revised Insurance Mediation Directive and this will include their views on commission disclosure.
Biba health group gets ex Amii chairman on board as it tackles IPT
The former chairman of the Association of Medical Insurance Intermediaries (Amii) Mike Izzard has joined the Healthcare Focus Group of the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba) along with Wayne Pointin, from Jelf Employee Benefits.
GDP rises 0.8% in Q3
The UK’s gross domestic product increased by 0.8% in the third quarter of 2010, according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics.
Insurance Age blog: Disgruntled from Barnet
While our traditional British reserve, or some might say apathy, means that we haven't followed our French neighbours in taking to the streets, setting a few cars alight and literally running riot, I don't think it will be long before the full impact of…
Spending Review 2010: AA disappointed at drop in flood defence spending
AA Insurance has voiced its concern that spending on flood defence will not be maintained at current levels.
Spending Review 2010: Forum of Private Business voices job creation worries
The Forum of Private Business has reacted to the “tough choices” faced by the coalition goverment in implementing “painful public spending cuts for many small businesses as well as the public.”
Spending Review 2010: ABI and Biba disappointed over flood defence cuts
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has seen its budget cut from £2.9bn this financial year to £2.2bn in 2014-15. The settlement provides for £2bn to be spent on flood and coastal defences over the Spending Review period,…
News Analysis - Gender equality: Ensuring equality
Emmanuel Kenning asks if the insurance industry should be congratulating or chastising itself over its equal pay record between the sexes.
Westfield absorbs tax increase and holds rates firm
Westfield Health has announced it will not immediately pass on the 1% rise in insurance premium tax (IPT) to policyholders - a decision set to cost the not-for-profit health insurance provider an estimated £530,000 per year.
Government urged to cut red tape for SMEs ahead of spending review
The Forum of Private Business is calling on the Government to reform tax and red tape for small business ahead of the Comprehensive Spending Review.
Former MP John Greenway joins Claim Experts' board
Claim Experts has appointed former MP and president of the Institute of Insurance Brokers John Greenway as a non-executive director.
AA warns flood defence cuts could make hundreds of thousands of homes uninsurable
AA Insurance is urging the Government not to cut spending on flood defences in its autumn comprehensive spending review.
SMEs and Government: A cure for the economy
Small business is the backbone of the UK economy, says Stephen Archer, and the Government needs to encourage, rather than hinder, its growth.
Regional power hour - Newcastle: Talent scouting
This month's power hour, held in Newcastle upon Tyne and sponsored by Ecclesiastical, discusses the level of talent in the industry and how new recruits of a high calibre can be attracted. Louise Meeson reports
Broker Expo 2010: Interacting ideas
With a range of workshops, the introduction of one-to-one clinics and, of course, nearly 100 exhibition stands, Martin Friel explains why the Expo is the broker networking event of the year.
Digital extension programme to encourage regional broking
Government plans to transform the country's digital infrastructure could empower regional brokers and make the industry less London-centric, according to IT experts.
RBSI puts operating loss down to bodily injury claims injection
The chief executive of Royal Bank of Scotland Insurance said its results were heavily impacted by the need to boost its reserves for bodily injury claims after reporting a £253m operating loss for H1 2010 (H1 2009: £217m profit).
Individual responsibility required to reduce NHS strain
More people will be required to take out health insurance over the next decade as their access to free healthcare becomes increasingly limited, according to a new report by Friends Provident.
Employee risk costs could soar under retirement proposals
The Government's decision to scrap the default retirement age from October 2011 could lead to key benefits becoming uninsurable for older employees, Mercer has warned.
Margaret Cole appointed to FSA Board
Margaret Cole has joined the Financial Services Authority Board as managing director of enforcement and financial crime, effective from today, 7 September 2010.
Legal - Retirement regulations: Retirement age heading for the horizon
Changes to the age of compulsory retirement will have an impact on brokers and their clients. Alex Lock looks at potential financial implications and risks to consider.
Flooding: Raising the barriers
The spate of high-profile floods over the last five years has given insurers, brokers and clients much food for thought about rates and whether or not some risks can be covered at all. Andrew Tjaardstra finds out what precautions the industry is taking.