Articles by Callum Brodie
Insurers failing to deliver multi-channel customer service, study finds
UK insurers are failing to deliver multi-channel customer service and are answering just 40% of routine questions asked via the web, email and Twitter, according to the 2015 Eptica multichannel customer experience study.
Scheme of arrangement for XL's takeover of Catlin becomes effective
The scheme of arrangement under section 99 of the Companies Act 1981 pursuant to which XL Group has acquired the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Catlin Group has become effective.
Stackhouse Poland surpasses £100m GWP with Cheam purchase
Independent broker Stackhouse Poland has edged over the £100m gross written premium marker with the acquisition of high-net-worth specialist Cheam Insurance Brokers.
Changing face of terrorism sparks launch of Hiscox threat policy
Hiscox claims it is responding to “the changing nature of terrorism” with the launch of a product designed to protect businesses against the loss of revenue suffered as a result of a threat or hoax.
Applied Systems to support Relay's push into Northern Irish market
US-based technology firm Applied Systems has struck a partnership deal designed to support Irish intermediary software provider Relay’s expansion into the Northern Irish market.
CMA gives green light to Xchanging's purchase of Agencyport
Xchanging’s acquisition of Agencyport Europe has been cleared by the Competition and Markets Authority following an in-depth investigation by the regulator.
Willis predicts M&A momentum as group profits dip by 14.6%
Willis Group CEO Dominic Casserley has heralded a “solid start to the year” despite seeing his firm record a 14.6% fall in net income to $210m (£136.6m) for the opening quarter (Q1 2014: $246m).
Parabis names Powell as Oliver's eventual successor as CEO
Parabis Group has appointed chief operating officer Jason Powell to the role of CEO amid a wider boardroom reshuffle at the legal services group.
Lansdown acquisition bolsters SEIB's 2014 pre-tax profit
SEIB’s acquisition of Lansdown Insurance Brokers last April contributed £638,000 towards the firm’s full year increase in profits before tax profits of £3.03m in 2014 (FY 2013: £2.46m).
Polish ECJ referral reignites possible UK liability to EU VAT on outsourcing
A case referred by Poland to the European Court of Justice is expected to reignite the UK insurance market’s potential liability to EU VAT on its back-office administration, which could cost the industry millions.
GI firms join call for Tories to 'finish what they have started'
Insurance industry bosses are listed among more than 5000 SME signatories backing the Conservative party ahead of next week’s general election.
BGL founder Steyn ahead of Engelhardt and Wood in rich list
BGL founder Douw Steyn is the richest individual in the world of insurance after accumulating a fortune of £700m, according to the 2015 Sunday Times rich list.
Regulatory 'interference' seen as key risk as Jefferies issues downgrades
The decline in investment yields and erosion of future earnings potential has led to the unravelling of the re-rating of the insurance sector, according to the global investment banking firm Jefferies.
Apil president calls for compulsory PL cover
Association of Personal Injury Lawyers president Jonathan Wheeler has set his sights on securing compulsory public liability insurance in the UK in a bid to “drive up safety standards among public-facing businesses”.
AIG reappoints Cunningham Lindsey as Tutoki fallout subsides
AIG has reinstated Cunningham Lindsey as a claims partner after dropping the loss adjuster last year over the latter’s appointment of Jane Tutoki as global CEO, Post understands.
Gallagher hires ex-NIG underwriting boss Hall as CUO
Former NIG underwriting and pricing director Martin Hall is to resurface at Arthur J Gallagher where he will take on the chief underwriting officer role vacated by Sian Fisher.
Ingenie COO McKee to become CEO as King departs
Ingenie co-founder and CEO Richard King will step down in June following a transition process that will see chief operating officer Chris McKee take over the controls at the telematics firm.
Regional Review: Belfast
For a community that has been forced to overcome more than its fair share of troubles in the last century, members of Belfast’s general insurance market may be forgiven for being cautious with their optimism regarding the future prosperity of the sector…
JLT vows to 'vigorously defend' business interests in face of Willis law suit
JLT has vowed to “defend its legitimate business interests vigorously” after broking rival Willis commenced legal proceedings against the firm in relation to the appointment of staff from the Willis fine art, jewellery and specie division.
News Editor's Comment: Countdown to the election
With just three weeks until a general election where the only certainty looks set to be the absence of an overall majority, business leaders across the UK are clamouring for a combination of progress and stability.
Quinn administrators' 'negligence' suit progressing against PWC
Legal pleadings in litigation involving Quinn Insurance’s administrators and the defunct insurer’s accountancy firm PWC are expected to be finalised this summer, with a potential full hearing likely to conclude in 2017.
GRP hires former Bluefin CEO Bruce to lead retail business
Former Bluefin CEO Mike Bruce has been appointed as head of retail insurance broking at David Margrett’s Global Risk Partners.
Ex-Bluefin boss Reid appointed UK retail CEO at Gallagher
Arthur J Gallagher has confirmed the appointment of former Bluefin executive chairman Stuart Reid to the position of UK retail CEO.
Exor bid raises doubts over £7.3bn Partner Re and Axis merger
The planned merger between Partner Re and Axis Capital could be dashed following a $6.4bn (£4.3bn) bid by Italian operation Exor to acquire the reinsurer.