Opinion
C-Suite: After the storm
The response by insurers in the aftermath of St Jude showed the importance of the industry.
C-Suite: All brokers can benefit from MGAs
How hip can managing general agents be? In UK commercial broking, MGAs have become a must-have accessory, with most of the big brokers bolting on MGAs to their distribution portfolios.
C-Suite: It’s time to get personal
The increasingly connected world presents greater challenges for insurers – they must rise to the task.
Editors comment: Trick or treat?
Aviva has done it this year, as has QBE, while brokers such as Towergate have got in on the act too – but now it seems it’s the trade bodies’ turn to follow suit.
North of the Border: Jury still out on court reform plan
It’s been called a “great project of civil court reform” by Lord Gill, and it is true the draft Court Reform (Scotland) Bill is a significant part of the Scottish government’s programme to overhaul and update Scotland’s justice system.
C-Suite: Crystal clear on cyber crime cover
The industry needs to foster greater understanding and awareness of the very real threat of cyber crime.
The importance of excellence in claims management
Challenged with the impact of doing business in a difficult economic environment, is it any wonder that the term ‘going back to basics’ has become more common place in the board rooms of companies?
Editor's comment: Enough monkeying around
Figures this week show Gibraltarian motor insurers are outperforming their peers in the UK, with only seven UK motor insurers maintaining a combined operating ratio of sub-100%, last year compared with 12 firms in Gibraltar.
View from the Top: A multinational approach to travel
Ace Group's Suresh Krishnan (pictured) discusses how to design an effective multinational business travel risk management programme.
Scotland's Future: Battle of the reports
Earlier this year, the Treasury produced a report on the Scottish Government's proposals for macroeconomic financial regulation in the event of Scottish independence entitled Scotland analysis: Financial services and banking.
C-Suite: The answer is blowing in the wind
Insurers can have a positive influence on the renewable energy debate, but investment is needed.
Editor's comment: Your country needs you
Cuthbert Heath, one of the most innovative and influential Lloyd’s brokers, developed what we would now recognise as business interruption insurance, with the first modern policy issued in London on 1 January 1939, according to LMI Group.
View from the Top: Climate change's impact on tropical storms
Following the release of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report, Peak Re’s Dr Graham Cook has conducted a study on the impact of climate change on potential tropical cyclone losses.
C-Suite: Get the growth message right
News that the International Monetary Fund has raised the UK’s economic growth forecast from 0.7% to 0.9% for this year has contributed to a growing cautious optimism about the nation’s future.
C-Suite: Prepare for the worst
A recent fire at an AIG building illustrated the importance of a strong crisis management plan.
C-Suite: Concordia proved insurance works
The recent ‘parbuckling’ (rolling over) of the Costa Concordia was a rare event in the maritime world, as it attracted major global media attention.
C-Suite: Slow down and think long term
Major price swings in the motor sector in the wake of legal reform are damaging to consumer confidence.
Editor's comment: All change in government
Insurers know only too well that a reshuffle of staff is an opportunity to “bring on fresh talent” but this week the personnel changes were in government rather than in the industry.
Your Say: Proud of position
I would respectfully like to correct the inaccurate comments that were made regarding Cunningham Lindsey's position, following the outcome of Aviva’s recent tender review.
Editor's comment: Lucky number seven?
They say a change is a good as a rest but Aviva may be taking this maxim a little too far.
Opinion: Treatment key to whiplash woes
Studies suggest early treatment of claimants could bring down the costs associated with whiplash.
Your say: Swinton ‘bigger and stronger’
Post’s article ‘Rivals set to take advantage of Swinton’s downsizing plans’ gives a wholly misleading impression in its tone and treatment of Swinton Insurance’s plans for growth and development.
C-Suite: Keeping up with customers
The increasing pace of change in the industry means customer service is now more important than ever, says Lindsay Forster.
View from the Top: Addressing the protection gap in Europe
Much has been said about the impact of the financial crisis on economies and citizens, but there are also some less obvious side effects of the financial uncertainty in Europe that are nonetheless significant.