Articles by Callum Brodie
Colosso first name on Biba advisory board to replace LMRC
Howden chief executive Adrian Colosso will form part of a British Insurance Brokers’ Association advisory board that is being set up to replace the London market region committee.
Go Skippy Commercial re-brand triggers £8m plus GWP target
The re-brand of Arron Banks start-up Go Skippy Commercial to Business Choice Direct was completed in a bid to bolster plans to achieve in excess of £8m gross written premium and 10 500 policyholders by the end of 2014.
Calls for debate on scrapping of low value PI payouts branded 'cynical'
Law firm Simpson Millar has described suggestions emanating from the Association of British Insurers that cash payouts for low value personal injury claims should be scrapped as “very worrying”.
Towergate's Harris joins Tempcover as underwriting director
Short term motor insurance provider Tempcover has hired Towergate’s Neil Harris as underwriting director.
Government urged to introduce GDL 'without delay' by Scottish minister
Scottish transport minister Keith Brown has spoken out in favour of graduated driving licenses and called for the UK government to “take action without further delay”.
Ipswich motor broker Ignition Select teams up with Open GI
Software provider Open GI has confirmed it has reached a three-year deal with newly launched broker Ignition Select.
Personal injury lawyers disagree with MoJ stance on QOCS
Three quarters of personal injury law firms dispute the Ministry of Justice’s view that qualified one way costs shifting is an alternative to after the event insurance, according to a survey by law firm advisers O’Connors.
Howden unveils fine art and specie division
Howden Broking Group has launched its fine art and specie division, which will be led by managing director Mark Gregson who joins from Lloyd & Partners.
AIG UK trims COR to 84% as underwriting profit soars
AIG Europe chief executive Nicolas Aubert has heralded the “continued development” of the group’s UK business after it shaved 19 percentage points off its combined operating ratio to 84% last year.
Lloyds Banking Group accused of cutting PPI compensation
Lloyds Banking Group has been accused of cutting the level of compensation awarded to around 25% of payment protection insurance claimants.
Regulators must prove value for money as costs hit £664m
The twin peaks regulatory system will need to demonstrate it is providing value for money after a National Audit Office report highlighted escalating running costs and concerns over staff capacity.
Insurance growth action plan boosted by Brokerbility Academy
Brokerbility has launched an academy scheme in a bid to attract people of all ages into the insurance profession as part of the independent broking group's contribution to the government’s insurance growth action plan commitment.
Coface CEO eyes imminent IPO following 'good' 2013 results
Coface chief executive Jeam-Marc Pillu has turned his attention to launching an initial public offering in the first half of the year after achieving “strong” commercial growth in 2013.
Document fraud uncovered amid industry response to floods
Opportunistic fraudsters have been taking advantage of widespread flooding by lodging bogus commercial property and household claims, according to the Absolute Partnership.
Biba motor panel chair Briscoe hands over reins
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has appointed Gallagher Bassett branch manager George Nicol to replace Allan Briscoe as chairman of its motor panel.
UK General boss pessimistic on commercial rate rises amid renewals
UK General commercial managing director Mike Keating is eyeing “pockets of business” where rate rises can be achieved, but offered a pessimistic outlook on the state of the wider commercial market.
CMS report highlights surge in warranty and indemnity M&A activity
Warranty and indemnity insurance is becoming a prominent feature of mergers and acquisitions activity in Europe, according to a study conducted by international law firm CMS Cameron McKenna.
Aviva contents claimants offered Amazon gift certificates
Aviva is talking up the benefits of a partnership with Amazon that enables the insurer to provide gift certificates to policyholders who have lodged contents claims within 90 seconds via text or email.
Towergate acquires four regional broking operations
Towergate chief executive Mark Hodges has heralded continued “acquisition momentum” in 2014 after agreeing deals to take on four regional broking businesses.
JLT Towers Re Bermuda launches following acquisition
JLT Towers Re has launched a combined operation in Bermuda following JLT Re’s acquisition of Towers Watson Re’s global operations.
Nixon pockets £129.5m from Moneysupermarket share sale
Moneysupermarket co-founder Simon Nixon is cashing in another £129.5m of shares, representing a 12.9% stake in the business.
Aon pair jump ship to join Miller marine team
Miller has appointed Heather Clarkson and Rick Kerr in a bid to bolster its marine hull business production, broking and account handling capabilities.
L&G under no pressure to raise property rates, claims GI boss
L&G general insurance director Mark Holweger claims his firm’s positive 2013 results has reduced the likelihood of increasing property rates over the coming year.
Howden poach JLT pair to head up construction division
Howden Broking Group has hired John Perrin and Paul Lewis from JLT to lead its newly launched construction division.