Articles by Callum Brodie
Biba 2014: Consultation on raising broking standards launched
Raising standards within the sector has moved to the top of the British Insurance Brokers’ Association’s agenda following the completion of the segmentation and governance strands of the trade body’s strategic review.
Biba 2014: Brokers to be briefed on add-on products by Axa Assistance
Axa Assistance will provide brokers with regular customer research findings on the sale of add-on products along with updated product information, a review of policy wordings and clearly defined customer benefits.
Brit chalks up marginal GWP growth in Q1
Growth of 8.2% within Brit’s direct business contributed to group-wide gross written premium of £336.5m in the opening three months of the year (Q1 2013: £332.6m).
Brit snaps up renewal rights to QBE's aviation business
Brit has reached an agreement to acquire the renewal rights to QBE’s London-based dedicated Lloyd’s aviation business.
Fraudulent fiancé who lied about 'stolen' ring avoids jail
A deceitful fiancé who tried to con his insurer out of £20 000 by claiming his wife-to-be’s engagement ring was stolen while on holiday in Brazil has been slapped with a fine and a suspended prison sentence.
Winter storm claims total upwards of £2.1m for Cornish Mutual
Cornish Mutual has revealed the cost of claims following “unprecedented” storms earlier this year have topped £2.1m.
Garwyn and Davies liability launches following internal appointments
Davies Group has followed up its acquisition of specialist liability loss adjuster Garwyn by combining its existing offering to form Garwyn and Davies liability.
Ace survey points to heightened concern over civil unrest in EMEA
Concerns relating to civil unrest and political violence have overtaken fears over terrorism for companies across Europe, Middle East and Africa, according to a study conducted by Ace Group.
Perils raises property loss estimate for windstorm Tini to £206m
Catastrophe data firm Perils has raised its estimate for the property insurance market loss emanating from windstorm Tini to €253m (£206m).
More M&A activity predicted for 2014 as UK leads the way in Europe
Mergers and acquisitions completed within the UK insurance market last year dwarfed similar deals in the rest of Europe, according to Grant Thornton, which is predicting more acquisitive activity in 2014.
Alterra deal boosts Markel International premium income by 40% in Q1
Markel International president and chief executive William Stovin has attributed last year’s acquisition of Alterra as the driving force behind a 40% increase in premium income to $414m (£244m) in the first quarter of 2014.
Brightside agrees to £127m acquisition by AnaCap company
Brightside has agreed to a £127m acquisition by a newly incorporated company indirectly owned by private equity firm AnaCap Financial Partners.
Broker Network boss Duggan to take over from Johnson at Paymentshield
Paymentshield chief executive Tim Johnson is leaving the Towergate division and will be replaced by Broker Network CEO Gary Duggan.
Jargon-busting claims transparency scheme unveiled by Axa
Axa has teamed up with the British Insurance Brokers’ Association in a bid to provide a more transparent claims process for customers.
Bexhill targets SME brokers with premium finance offering
Bexhill UK has launched a premium finance solution for small-medium sized insurance brokers.
Towergate NED Homer to chair energy consultancy
Former Towergate chief executive Andy Homer has been named chairman of energy consultancy Utility Aid.
Retirement of LV Broker's Alan Rice sparks glowing tributes
Colleagues and broking clients have united in offering a fond farewell to popular LV Broker strategic account manager Alan Rice ahead of his retirement at the end of the week.
L&G points to direct sales growth in Q1 despite 2% fall in GWP
Legal & General has attributed disciplined pricing for a 2% drop in gross written premium of £84m in the first quarter of 2014 compared to £86m in the same period last year.
Regulators to face enforcement decision-making review
The government has launched a review of the fairness, transparency, speed and efficiency of the institutional arrangements and processes the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority use to make enforcement decisions.
Broker Network concludes development team expansion with twin hire
Broker Network has hired Ian Wainwright as head of broker development for the network’s premier proposition and Angus Montgomery as broker development manager for the advantage proposition.
Disaster losses of $262m impact AIG profit in Q1
AIG has attributed catastrophe losses within its property and casualty businesses as a major factor in a 27% drop in profit to $1.6bn (£945m) in the first quarter of 2014 compared to $2.2bn in Q1 2013.
Catlin replaces QBE as UK General commercial capacity provider
UK General has signed a three-year capacity arrangement with Catlin Group in a deal that will see QBE replaced as a capacity provider for the managing general agent.
Mike Hallam promoted to head of technical services at Biba
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association’s head of technical services Steve Foulsham has retired after eight years at the trade body and will be replaced by Mike Hallam.