Articles by Callum Brodie
ABI welcomes LSB delay on 'misguided' PI cover reduction
The Association of British Insurers has described the decision by the Legal Services Board to prevent a reduction in the minimum terms for solicitors’ professional indemnity insurance ahead of the October renewal period as “a victory for common sense”.
ITV HR director Linares to take on identical role at DLG
Direct Line Group has appointed ITV’s group director for human resources Simon Linares as HR director.
West Midlands broker banned from financial services industry
A former West Midlands insurance broker and mortgage adviser has been banned from working in the financial services industry after a tribunal upheld an initial ruling by the conduct regulator.
Allianz Worldwide Care unveils My Health app
International health insurer Allianz Worldwide Care has launched an app that allows members to submit medical claims quicker by providing key details and taking a photo of medical invoices.
Power Place to accelerate expansion following Montagu investment
Open International chief executive Chris Guillaume has turned his attention to propelling the firm’s Power Place business into the complex commercial and SME arenas after agreeing a “long term” partnership with private equity investors Montagu.
Open GI parent reunites with PE backer Montagu to complete MBO
Open International bosses have reunited with Montagu Private Equity to perform a management buyout of the Open GI, Open GI London and Power Place parent company.
A-Plan full year profits up 10% amid rising policy numbers
High-street broker A-Plan has attributed growth in policy numbers last year for a 10% increase in profit before tax to £22m for the year ending 28 February 2014.
Amlin profits slide in H1 as large catastrophe losses grow
Lloyd’s insurer Amlin chalked up a reduced profit before tax of £148.5m in the first half of 2014 (H1 2013: £161.4m) as an uptick in large catastrophe losses took its toll.
Motor and home premiums fall almost 7% in past year
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has highlighted government and industry initiatives as a contributing factor behind a 6.8% reduction in the cost of motor and homes insurance in the past year.
Zurich aids return of valuable medieval jug two years after theft
A Fourteenth Century jug is back on display at Stockwood Discovery Centre in Luton after Zurich supported restoration work and enhanced security protocols following the theft of the medieval artefact two years ago.
More pain predicted for motor market as regulation rears its head
Listed insurers Esure, Admiral and Direct Line Group are expected to fare better than most as the motor market enters the toughest part of the underwriting cycle, according to a note published by Berenberg.
BP Marsh acquires 5% stake in Nexus Underwriting for £1.55m
Niche capital venture provider BP Marsh & Partners has snapped up a 5% shareholding in managing general agent Nexus Underwriting Management for £1.55m.
Insurance business crucial to future growth at the AA, claims Connor
AA Insurance Services managing director Janet Connor believes her recent appointment serves to highlight the growing emphasis the AA places on insurance.
Policy application poll 'encouraging' for Zurich as consumers opt for truth
Zurich has been encouraged by the results of a survey that found 87% of adults polled would not be prepared to lie in an attempt to save money on an insurance policy.
IFB cheatline heading for record year of public fraud reports
The Insurance Fraud Bureau’s cheatline is on course to eclipse the record number of reports it received from members of the public in 2013.
ABI 'disappointed' with L&G's decision to resign its membership
The Association of British Insurers has moved to underline the benefits of ABI membership after expressing disappointment at Legal & General’s decision to resign from the trade body.
Aon UK to focus on local expertise following regional restructure
Aon Risk Solutions has outlined plans to change its national structure across the UK in a move that will see the Aon UK business consolidate into four key regional areas.
Ipswich-based start-up Liability & General partners with James Hallam
James Hallam has sealed a partnership agreement with Liability & General, a business founded by former Oval and Giles executives Dave Mangan and Rob Allinson.
Norfolk businessman found guilty of intent to defraud Allianz of £2m
A business owner has been found guilty of burning down his Norfolk bathroom and kitchen showroom two years ago in an attempt to claim more than £2m from Allianz.
Charles Taylor's Linton takes on Lloyd's and London remit at Capita
Capita Insurance Services has appointed Charles Taylor Insurance Services’ Shaun Linton as business development manager.
Zurich UK off-sets £35m Q1 flood losses as attritional loss ratio improves
Zurich UK general insurance interim chief executive Dave Smith has heralded an improved attritional loss ratio as an instrument of off-setting £60m of flood losses and long-tail liability costs incurred in the first half of the year.
FCA fines Stonebridge £8.4m for mis-selling accident insurance
Stonebridge International Insurance has been slapped with a £8.4m fine by the Financial Conduct Authority after issues were uncovered with the broker’s sales of accident insurance products.
Zurich unscathed by winter floods as UK H1 profits rise 9%
Zurich has trimmed three percentage points off its UK combined operating ratio over the past 12 months to 95% (H1 2013: 98%), while increasing business operating profit by 9% to £88m in the first half of 2014.
Demand for risk managers grows amid shifting regulatory environment
The looming implementation of Solvency II has contributed to a boom in demand for risk management specialists, according to recruitment consultancy Merje.