Analysis
The right tool for the job
Mediation in disputes has some concrete benefits, including significantly reducing costs, says Leigh Jackson, but forcing parties to use a one-size-fits-all protocol might lead to resentment and the process becoming meaningless.
The winds of change
With the annual Monte Carlo Rendez-Vous starting this weekend, Sarah Hills analyses what the main talking points could be.
Out in the cold
On a trip to meet reservists training in the Arctic Circle, Jonathan Thomas is struck by transferable skills and can-do attitude.
Under the influence
The Financial Services Authority has widened its approved persons regime for employees with 'significant influence'. Adrian Bristow reveals what this means in practice and the steps that should be taken to ensure compliance.
Abort, retry, fail
With online commercial activity an increasing part of everyday business, Edward Murray reports on the worrying trend for small to medium-sized enterprises to completely overlook their website disaster recovery plans.
Hand over the reins
When the financial crisis began, many predicted business process outsourcing would shine. However, as Stephanie Denton finds, although the market has seen growth, the expected surge has not materialised.
Could Corby happen again?
The remediation of the former Corby steelworks between 1983 and 1997 exposed local families to contaminants. Dr Jon Burton looks at the legislation that has been put in place since then to see if it could ever happen again.
Cards on the table
The AA has pressed ahead with its controversial 'pay-as-paid' scheme. Sarah Hills reports on how the bet appears to have paid off and what it could mean for premium finance providers.
Green footprints
Ana Paula Nacif reports on the debate about how to accommodate more sustainable building materials and techniques, without increasing property risk.
The future of modelling
Once the preserve of geeks, financial modelling is almost mainstream today, although there is still much more to achieve. Andrzej Czernusewicz concludes this three-part series with a look into the future of modelling.
Black swan theory
Unlike bankers, insurers have so far averted trouble in the recession. But, how much of this is due in part to the effective use of modelling and can this help them stay out of trouble? Rachel Gordon speaks to key market figures about modelling…
From first steps
It is a decade since Post launched its Rehabilitation First campaign. Mark Baylis charts the progress achieved over the past 10 years, and what more could be done to encourage the use of rehabilitation within the insurance industry.
Running out of time
With tough times ahead, insurers need to forget 'sexy' and go back to basics" understanding risk, pricing it correctly and looking after its investments, says Clare Ryder.
The exchange rate effect
Daniel Dunkley looks at the likely changes to UK accounting rules, as debate surfaces over the extent that exchange rate movements have impacted insurer results.
Tales of the unexpected
The courts have demonstrated the different ways insurance fraud can be dealt with. However, Gavin Rees and Paul Lowe report on how some of the findings are, on the face of it, unexpected.
Taking precautions
Many have warned workplace legislation regulation could result in a swell of employment-related claims. Louise Meeson looks at how employment practices liability insurance could help stem the tide.
How was it for you?
With a significant shift towards buying insurance online, Sam Barrett looks at the ways that consumers can come away with a more positive experience" and how clicks can transform into sales.
Weighing up the options
Even as Solvency II continues to be defined, insurers must decide now between an internal model or the standard formula" a decision that will have a long-term impact on their business, explains Karl Murphy.
Graceful on the surface
While the path to Solvency II seems to be going fairly smoothly, Rachel Gordon reports on the worries some insurers still have and the possible pitfalls that lie ahead.
Keeping schtum
With the end of the case of Wasa v Lexington, David Murphy and Leon Taylor explain that what the House of Lords did not say, rather than just what it did, seems to be far more revealing.
Redevelopment reaction
Paula Whittell reports on the Corby Group Litigation, and the implications it could have for local authorities, developers, steel producers and their insurers.
Stand by for action
Paula Jefferson and Louise Hawkyard examine the 'cottage industry' surrounding pre-action disclosure applications, steps to avoid them and when insurers should challenge the call to pay costs.