Articles by Callum Brodie
Ex-Ifed boss Wood to lead Hastings Direct fraud investigation team
Former Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department head DCI Dave Wood has been hired to lead a specialist investigation team within Hastings Direct’s counter fraud division.
Premium rate phone ban to cost insurers £90,000 per year
The proposed ban on insurance companies using premium rate telephone numbers for customers could cost insurers as much as £90,000 a year in lost revenue, according to calculations by technology firm Callstream.
Profits rise at Aspen as COR heads south
Aspen Insurance Holdings recorded a year-on-year improvement in net income after tax to $355.8m (£232.4m) for the year ending 31 December 2014, compared to $329.3m in 2013.
Post Office insurance boss Havenhand moves to National Accident Helpline
The Post Office’s head of insurance Paul Havenhand has left the business to take up the role of commercial director at National Accident Helpline.
Lexis Nexis database contains 57% of UK no claims history
The Lexis Nexis’ no claims discount database has grown to contain 57% of the UK insurance industry’s no claims history following contributions from a range of insurers.
Number of investors seeking Quindell class action tops 500
The number of disgruntled investors seeking to take legal action against insurance claims outsourcer Quindell has grown to 500 and counting, according to law firm Your Legal Friend.
Ex-government minister Mark Hoban named Flood Re chairman
Former Financial Secretary to the Treasury Mark Hoban has been appointed to the role of chairman of Flood Re.
Reduced reserve releases impact Beazley profits
Beazley recorded an 18% reduction in profit after tax from $264m (£173.7m) in 2013 to $217.8m for the year ended 31 December 2014.
GRP backs MBO at Lloyd's broker Ropner
London market consolidator Global Risk Partners has backed its second management buyout in three months after agreeing to support an MBO by Lloyd’s marine broker Ropner Insurance Services.
Allianz Commercial promotes Dixon as casualty boss Dee departs
Allianz Commercial’s head of property insurance Catherine Dixon has had her remit extended to cover property and casualty following the role departure of casualty boss Chris Dee.
Broking profits rise $59m at Gallagher as acquisition costs spiral upwards
US giant Arthur J Gallagher’s broking operation chalked up net earnings of $263.8m (£174.1m) for the year ended 31 December 2014, compared to $204.8m over the previous 12 months.
Tysers aviation MD Walters jets off to Gallagher
Arthur J Gallagher has hired Tysers’ aviation managing director Mark Walters to lead its own aviation division.
Low cat losses sees XL record best COR in over 15 years
XL Group has chalked up its best property and casualty combined operating ratio in more than 15 years after benefiting from one of the lowest catastrophe years in recent times.
Insurance industry failing to engage on social media as UK lags behind US
UK companies are being outperformed by their US counterparts in their use of social media for corporate communications, according to an Investis review, which ranked the insurance industry as one of the lowest performing sectors.
Ifed welcomes DCI Angie Rogers to anti-fraud hotseat
The Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department has confirmed the appointment of Detective Chief Inspector Angie Rogers as DCI Dave Wood’s successor as head of the City of London Police unit.
LV focusing on profitability
LV group CEO Mike Rogers has insisted the firm is focusing on “profitability rather than top line income” after the business recorded a reduction in annual general insurance gross written premium to £1.39bn last year from £1.45bn in 2013.
Age UK offers 'goodwill gesture' to reverend after discrimination dispute
Age UK has denied accusations it discriminated against a Christian minister by threatening to void her motor insurance policy after she put religious slogans on her car.
P&I club Thomas Miller unveils ABS
Thomas Miller has expanded its claims and consultancy services through the launch of an alternative business structure Thomas Miller Law.
Ifed boss DCI Wood makes way for new insurance fraud supremo
DCI Dave Wood has been replaced as the head of the Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department after almost three and a half years in the role.
Zurich stands by ex-SSL directors despite £100k debt
An arm of Zurich's investment portfolio is estimated to be owed around £100,000 in rent arrears by defunct loss adjusting business SSL, according to an administrators’ report.
BBC re-appoints Cega as emergency assistance provider
The BBC has re-appointed Cega Group to provide travel risk management and emergency assistance to its staff on a worldwide basis.
Insurers support mooted stress working party amid fears of claims surge
The creation of a working party to co-ordinate and develop management of workplace stress has been backed by insurers, following warnings the industry is in danger of “sleep-walking into an increasing flood of claims”.
Ifed investigation into fraudster unearths cannabis factory
An electrician who conned Zurich out of £15,000 by repeatedly reporting his work power tools had been stolen has been jailed after police officers investigating the fraud found a cannabis factory at his premises.
Mid-Sussex broker Bennett Christmas snaps up Howden PI book
Burgess Hill-based broker Bennett Christmas Group has acquired of a book of professional indemnity business from Hyperion Group subsidiary Howden Insurance Brokers.