Articles by Martin Croucher
Majority of brokers ‘do not have a succession plan’
One in 10 brokers plan to leave the industry in the next year, yet almost 90% do not have a succession plan in place.
Whiplash rethink urged as motor claims fall
The number of road accident claims fell in the first half of the year, compared to the same period last year.
Esure looks for 'new type of leader' following Bain takeover
Esure is looking for a digital-savvy CEO from outside the industry, who will lead a transformation programme when Bain Capital takes ownership at the end of the year.
Esure receives £1.17bn takeover bid
Esure has received a takeover bid which would see the insurer valued at £1.17bn.
FSCS arranges alternative cover for Alpha policyholders
UK policyholders with failed Danish insurer Alpha have been provided alternative cover via the guarantee scheme.
Broker Network makes seventh ‘powerhouse’ acquisition
Broker Network has bought North West broker MCM, which will form the company’s seventh “regional powerhouse”.
Heatwave leaves homes a tinderbox as fire claims rise
The heatwave that engulfed the UK in July led to a 62% increase in fire claims, according to a loss adjuster firm.
Zurich weathers H1 storm claims and returns to profit
Zurich UK has seen operating profit rise 24% in H1, as a focus on commercial enabled the firm to avoid huge weather losses seen elsewhere.
Ageas UK returns to profit in spite of weather losses
Ageas UK returned to profit in H1, as strong motor gains offset losses in household.
LV GI profit halves from Beast from the East claims
LV’s general insurance business saw profits more than halve in H1 owing to claims from the Beast from the East.
Two ex-ERS underwriters fined for misconduct
Two former ERS underwriters, including one who described himself as a ‘non-standard motor guru’ have been fined for misconduct by Lloyd’s.
Allianz sets date for transfer of £250m LV commercial book
The transfer of commercial business from LV to Allianz will take place on 20 September, the company confirmed.
This month in Post: The great summer recess
It’s that time of year again. The trains are relatively empty, and out of office replies are basically a given.
Brendan McCafferty appointed Brightside CEO
Former Axa UK boss Brendan McCafferty has been appointed CEO of Brightside, starting on Monday.
Axa sees hit with loss of M&S contract
Axa UK and Ireland has seen personal lines revenue fall in its H1 results following the loss of the Marks & Spencer white label books to Aviva.
Ardonagh linked with proposed Saga sale of Bennetts
Exclusive: Saga is looking to divest its interest in bike broker Bennetts, with Ardonagh touted as one of the potential suitors.
GRP-backed brokers Lonmar and Ropner to merge
Lloyd’s brokers Lonmar and Ropner will merge at the end of the month under the Lonmar brand.
Interview: Jonathan Davidson, Financial Conduct Authority
Insurance has come under fire for the way it prices policies. Jonathan Davidson, director of retail at the Financial Conduct Authority, discusses the problem with Martin Croucher
Sabre mulling price increases in light of claims inflation
Sabre will raise premium prices in the second half of the year, owing to increased market-wide claims inflation.
Mark Cliff to step down from Brightside
Mark Cliff will step down from his role as CEO of Brightside, as the company looks toward finding a replacement.
CBL-owned broker files for liquidation
French construction broker SFS Europe, which is majority owned by CBL, has placed itself into voluntary liquidation.
County Group acquires first broker following GRP takeover
GRP-backed County Group has acquired a Wigan-based commercial broker as part of a plan to double its size.
Das v Asplin: Guilty three sentenced to 15 years
Paul Asplin, David Kearns and Sally Jones were sentenced to a total of 15 years for conspiracy to defraud insurer Das.
Brexit White Paper will transform industry into ‘rule taker’
The government’s blueprint for a future trading relationship with Europe would be the “worst possible scenario” for the insurance industry, trade bodies have warned.