Articles by Callum Brodie
Commercial offering could spark future acquisition interest, says One Answer Network boss
An increase in personal lines members alongside an added emphasis on establishing a commercial offering over the next 18 months could result in the One Answer Network becoming big enough to attract interest from potential buyers.
Arab Spring uprisings remain a 'key concern' for CEOs
Social tensions and public protests in counties affected by the Arab Spring remains a “key concern” for businesses operating within the nations impacted by the popular uprising, according to Aon’s 2012 political risk map.
Aspen blames 'challenging year' for operating loss
Aspen Insurance Holdings chief executive Chris O’Kane has bemoaned a near record year for catastrophes for an operating loss of $1.26 (80p) per share in 2011, however, he was eager to point more positive results from the company’s casualty and specialty…
ABS applications to the SRA at 96 and counting
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has today revealed that the number of firms which have officially requested to be licensed as alternative business structures has almost reached the 100 mark.
Frontline makes eCommerce appointment for in-house brands
BGL Group’s Frontline division has confirmed the appointment of former Bauer Media employee Steve Maile as ecommerce manager for all in-house brands.
Irwin Mitchell boosts ABS plans with NED appointment
Irwin Mitchell has stepped up its preparations to become an alternative business structure with the appointment of former KPMG partner Mel Egglenton as a non-executive director and chair of the law firm’s audit committee.
JLT Specialty launches risk practice division
Bosses at JLT Specialty have revealed that a heavier emphasis on specialisms combined with increased investment in both the London and regional markets will form the basis of the firm’s newly launched risk practice division.
Duke Street snaps up 'significant stake' in Parabis
Duke Street bosses have credited an “opportunity to invest in a fast growing, dynamic and fragmented sector” as reason behind its purchase of a “significant stake” in legal and claims management firm Parabis Group.
NIG appoints ex-Axa regional boss to round off recruitment drive
NIG has concluded its nationwide area business development manager recruitment drive with the capture of former Axa regional director Warren Bainbridge.
Broker Network and Countywide name five new managers in sales push
Broker Network and Countrywide have announced a sales division recruitment drive following the appointments of five new sales managers.
LV Broker confirms tech tie-up with Acturis
LV Broker has confirmed a technology tie-up with Acturis which has been billed as enabling brokers to share risk data, access real-time quotes, share client documents and refer complex cases at the touch of a button.
Williams in Towergate u-turn as firm appoints two underwriting managers
Towergate bosses have welcomed back Alyson Williams who returns to her former position of household development director, just four months after departing for the Gallagher Group.
Helphire cancelled agreement due to low level of hires, claims WNS
Bosses at WNS Assistance have said the termination of a partnership agreement with Helphire was sparked by the accident management firm following concerns that WNS was failing to provide enough credit hires through its repairer network.
Commercial insurers to benefit from 'negative declarations' judgment
The position of commercial insurers defending claims has been strengthened after the Court of Appeal confirmed the power of arbitrators to make ‘negative declarations’.
Van insurance premiums drop for young drivers
Research by Autonet Insurance has found that van insurance premiums for young drivers dropped by up to 20% over the past year.
Axa prepares to screen £20m marketing campaign
Axa is preparing to launch a £20m TV marketing campaign across all of its UK business.
Towergate 'financially rock solid' despite IDR downgrade warning
Towergate chief financial officer Ian Patrick has described his firm as being “comfortably within the expected range” after Fitch Ratings reaffirmed the broker’s issuer default rating at ‘B’, but changed the outlook from stable to negative.
WNS to ditch Helphire in favour of Accidents Happen brand
The commercial relationship between WNS Assistance and Helphire will come to an end in April - one year after Helphire was appointed third party provider for credit services following concerns expressed by the WNS Approved Repairer Network.
Chubb announces tie-up with National Windscreens
Chubb has today confirmed the appointment of National Windscreens as the high net worth firm’s preferred supplier of vehicle glass repair and replacement services.
ABI director general hails finance bill as 'important milestone'
Association of British Insurers director general Otto Thoresen has described today’s publication of the Financial Services Bill as “an important milestone” in the bid to achieve twin peaks regulation.
Brightside board claims 'record year' in progress update
Brightside bosses are preparing to announce figures for a “record year” in which the acquisitions of E-Systems and eDevelopment have helped contribute to a significant increase in reported earnings per share.
Fraudulent insurance claims buck trend in overall rise
Reported cases of false insurance claims were down by more than 26% last year, despite general levels of fraud in 2011 rising by almost 9% on the previous year.
FSA boss promises fairer deal for consumers with new regulatory approach
Financial Services Authority managing director Martin Wheatley has outlined an “orthodoxy and regulatory” approach for the future of conduct regulation – geared towards getting a fair deal for consumers.
VRS Vericlaim snaps up ex-Cunningham Lindsey director Burnett
Loss adjuster VRS Vericlaim has made what is expected to be the first of several 2012 recruitment coups with the appointment of former Cunningham Lindsey regional director Michael Burnett.