Politics
SMEs give wary approval to new Government
The Forum of Private Business has given a cautious welcome to the new Prime Minister, David Cameron, and the formation of a coalition government between his party and the Liberal Democrats.
SMEs crave post-election certainty following hung parliament
The Forum of Private Business has commented on the election result
Legal: Introducing The Equality Act (2010)
The UK's disparate laws on equality based on personal characteristics have been unified with the introduction of The Equality Act (2010). James MacNish Porter and Rachel Dineley explain the big changes that the Act heralds.
Viewpoint: Labour's regulatory record
When Labour swept into office in 1997 they arrived with a manifesto with much to say about financial services. They launched into their promised reforms of the institutions governing the sector, making the Bank of England independent for the first time…
Editor's Comment: Politics isn't about being popular
The Institute of Fiscal Studies last month gave us their verdict on the three parties' departmental spending plans over the next five years. It said that in each case over 75% of necessary cuts over the next five years were missing from their respective…
News Analysis: Is new note approach fit for purpose?
Emmanuel Kenning looks at a change in legislation designed to get people back to work as soon as possible after a period of sickness.
News Analysis: Promoting public financial knowledge
Emmanuel Kenning reviews the formation of an independent body designed to enhance the public's understanding and knowledge of financial services.
Industry professionalism: Where to now?
The rapidly changing world is presenting fresh challenges for brokers. Keith Hector discusses how they must embrace developments in order to prosper and explores what insurers can do to enhance service.
E-commerce: Concern for rural brokers as Broadband Tax plans ditched
Rural broker business could suffer after the Government scrapped Broadband Tax plans designed to enable high-speed internet to be rolled out across the country.
News: SMEs call for post-election stability
The three major parties were accused of treating the small business sector as a "political football" ahead of the general election.
Chubb warns new fit note will not create "duty of care"
The insurer said the new Government scheme could potentially raise some questions with regards to employer’s insurance liability in the event of a claim from an employee
Editor's comment
At first glance, the Budget should be a definite positive for brokers.
Hung parliament could stifle economic green shoots
Brokers have been warned that the lack of a clear winner in the UK's forthcoming general election is the biggest threat to the green shoots of economic recovery.
Brokers cautioned to take note of fixed-premium IPT exception
Despite the Chancellor's u-turn on the imposition of IPT on intermediary fees, brokers have been warned that they may still apply to add on policies such as legal expenses and breakdown cover.
SME plans fail to impress
The 2010 Budget proposals to ease the burden for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have received a lukewarm reception from the business community.
Gallagher aquires FirstCity
Arthur J Gallagher (AJG) (UK) has today signed an agreement to acquire substantially all of the (re)insurance broking business of FirstCity Partnership.
Budget 2010: IPT broker burden reduced
Biba and the IIB have both expressed satisfaction following the publication in today's Budget of the final legislation extending the scope of Insurance Premium Tax (IPT).
Government in dog insurance law u-turn
The Government has made a u-turn on plans to force all dog owners in England and Wales to insure against their pets attacking someone.
Government to introduce compulsory insurance for dog owners
All dog owners in England and Wales would have to insure against their pet attacking someone, under a consultation on amending the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act
Parliament considers MoJ reforms
Parliament is considering the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) fast-track cost regime reforms for low level road traffic accident personal injury claims.
Liquidity dangers
Emmanuel Kenning reflects on the cash flow challenges facing broker managers in 2010
ABI welcomes Government asbestos pledge
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has welcomed the announcement by the Justice Secretary Jack Straw of a package of measures to help people with asbestos-related diseases.
ABI hits back at Government employers' liability proposal
The ABI has voiced concerns about proposals to set up an Employers’ Liability Insurance Bureau (ELIB), as outlined in a Department for Work and Pensions consultation paper
Think-tank predicts economic growth but rising unemployment in the UK
A report by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) has predicted positive economic growth for the UK economy but also described a more gloomy outlook for unemployment.