SME
SMEs prefer to deal direct for risk management
Over a third of UK small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) would rather buy their insurance direct and less than a quarter would go to a broker for advice on risk management, according to QBE research
Towergate HNW focus saves John Charcol from collapse
Towergate has snapped up troubled mortgage advisory business John Charcol from administration in a bid to boost its high-net-worth (HNW) and small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) proposition.
Groupama creates tailored SME service for brokers
Groupama Insurances has launched a variable commission option across the whole of its commercial product range
E-trading leads 2010 technology agenda
Four industry information technology experts give Emmanuel Kenning their views on which developments will affect the profession in the coming year
Bollington buys Romero's SME motor book
Bollington Insurance Brokers has purchased Romero Insurance Brokers' book of small to medium motor trade business
QBE report is a wake up for brokers
One third of SMEs interested in buying insurance direct; not many seeking advice.
Interview: The Personal Touch - Paul Muir, managing director, 1 Answer Network
Having founded his own successful brokerage, Paul Muir talks from experience when he advocates the benefits of brokers belonging to his personal lines network. Louise Meeson meets the 1 Answer managing director
MMA strengthens SME risk management
Insurer has joined together with Risk Stop to provide services to commercial customers
First Assist launch white-label SME product
Business claims proposition makes it easy for affinity partners and brokers to sell insurance online
Firm offers brokers cut-price cloud computing
New product could "level playing field"
Playing rough
With insurers bolstering profitability through substantial reserve releases that have, in turn, caught the eyes of investors, brokers may be waiting in vain for the return of a hard market, writes Edward Murray
Aon chief "disappointed" at trade credit "failure"
Government announces it is closing its trade credit top-up scheme to new applications at the end of the year
SME bosses risk legal action over 'office antics', warns Hiscox
According to research, 70% of SME bosses are 'unconcerned' about the threat of legal action
Personal and commercial networks should work more closely, says network boss
Paul Muir, MD of 1 Answer Network, said tough market conditions will lead to closer working relationships between both sides
Brokers surprised by Allianz small business move
Dave Smith says consolidating small business operation makes sense
APC launch aims to bridge the gap to SMEs
D&O product available to 1,000 APC brokers
Soundbytes
New offering from Allianz aims to make SME trading simpler
Allianz launches SME trading platform
Allianz Commercial has launched a new online trading platform for its small business products.
Small businesses still struggling for funding
Survey reveals funding more difficult to secure over the last year
NIG appoints broker relationship chief
Insurer has also hired seven area business managers
AA Insurance advances into commercial lines
In a deal with Moorhouse, the insurer targets SMEs, tradesmen and the construction industry
Soundbytes
Simon Hughes, sales and marketing director, Open GI, speaks about Open Trader
In the wake of the storm
With Neil Utley at the bow, he explains to Louise Meeson how he plans to guide Insurance Australia Group UK into calmer waters following the sale of its mass-market assets
Belfast staff feel brunt of Zurich's latest redundancies
The redundancies were a result of the insurer's decision to relocate its small to medium-sized enterprise package business