Jonathan Swift
Content director, insurance
Jonathan has written and commented about the insurance industry since 1998 as a reporter, news editor, editor and content director at Incisive Media.
He has appeared on television speaking about topics as diverse as the insurance implications of Michael Jackson's death to the consequences of consolidation on motor premiums; and is a past winner of the British Insurance Brokers' Association journalist of the year and Association of British Insurers general insurance trade journalist prizes.
Follow Jonathan
Articles by Jonathan Swift
Insurance broker buys majority stake in non league football club
Oxford-based insurance broker Bridle Insurance has taken a majority shareholding in Blue Square football club Eastleigh.
Omega seeks clarification over Haverford bid as deadline approaches
Lloyd's insurer Omega has admitted that bidder Haverford is considering cutting its offer for 25% of the business.
A Plan to open more branches as brokerage breaks £50m barrier
High street personal lines broker A Plan has reported a 19% growth in operating profit for the 12 months ended 28 February 2011 to £19 95m (2010: £16.79m).
The Rehabilitation First Awards
Incisive Media, the organisers of the annual Rehabilitation First Awards, would like to clarify some confusion that has just emerged. It was in no way responsible for the 2011 Eclipse Personal Injury Awards which took place on the 24th November at the…
In conversation with Thunderhead: Customer engagement and the need to shift from an ‘inside-out’ to ‘outside-in’ culture
There is a lot of talk about enterprises changing their cultures from ‘inside-out’ to ‘outside-in’, but what does this mean, how does this impact the customer and who is best positioned to oversee it?
Axa, MMA and Allianz linked with Groupama swoop
Axa, MMA's parent Covea and Allianz have been tipped to buy Groupama arm GAN, according to reports.
Lloyd's insurer Brit appoints Evercore to sell £150m UK arm
Dutch insurance group Brit is looking to close the first round bidding process for its UK retail arm this week, Postonline has learnt.
Catlin marine and transport division takes underwriting team of the year 2011 title
Ace Europe and Catlin were both double winners at the 2011 Underwriting Service Awards last night at the Kia Oval.
Lloyd's director encouraged by growth of Chinese broking sector
China offers commercial and reinsurance brokers a great opportunity for growth, although the role of local players may ultimately outstrip the international names.
Bancassurance growth outstrips traditional models in Asia
The growth of the Bancassurance model is outstripping that of agents in many parts of Asia according to Joyce Chan.
Chinese motor market tipped to open up to international players
The Chinese motor market could offer great opportunities for international insurers if local legislation is relaxed next year.
Middle East insurance consolidation is inevitable, claims lawyer
It is not of matter of if there will be consolidation in the Middle East insurance market, but when, according to a local legal expert.
Towergate reaches settlement with ex-employees
The two parties in the long running employment dispute between Towergate and two former members of staff now working for rival Hendersons is over.
Post Blog: An insurance business born out of the Prince's Trust
Recently the Prince's Trust Insurance Leadership Group celebrated breaking the £5m fund-raising barrier with a reception at the Chartered Insurance Institute.
Cunningham Lindsey to make up to 72 redundant as claims numbers fall
Cunningham Lindsey UK has today confirmed that over the last two months it has had to advise 72 of its 1956 total UK staff (3.6%), at various locations across the business, that they are at risk of redundancy.
Seven in 10 insurers admits being "average" or "weak" in meeting customer needs
While the majority of insurers (91%) believe future growth depends on providing a special customer experience, most of them do not currently see themselves as providing differentiated products and levels of service, according to findings of a global…
Ageas UK reports increase in GWP
Ageas UK today reported that its total general insurance gross written premiums for the first nine months of 2011 increased by 16.8% over the same period in 2010 to £822.5m.
Post and features editor Leigh Jackson scoop prestigious awards
Post Magazine was acclaimed again at the 2011 Association of British Insurers Financial Media Awards.
RBSI sees slight dip in profit Q2 to Q3, but happy with performance YTD
Royal Bank of Scotland Insurance this morning reported an underwriting profit of £761m in 2011 to date - an increase of £591m versus September YTD 2010.
Snowball speaks out on challenging global insurance market
Suncorp CEO Patrick Snowball recently outlined his thoughts on the challenging global insurance market at the British Insurance Summit.
AIG reveals $972m payment to US Treasury after MetLife deal
AIG has announced that it had paid the United States Department of the Treasury $972m to reduce the liquidation preference on one of the special purpose vehicles created as part of the government's assistance to AIG.
Talking head: Jack Straw
Former Justice Secretary Jack Straw has certainly made a name for himself this year with his crusade to outlaw referral fees.
In conversation with RSA: distinguishing from rivals in SME commercial
The SME commercial market remains one of the most highly competitive in the UK insurance space.
Aon reports 38% jump in profits for third quarter
Aon net revenue increased 38% to $198m (£122.8m) for the quarter ended 31 September 2011, compared to $144m for the previous year.