Networks
Saulter exit will not disrupt Towergate M&A activity, vows Hodges
The departure of Towergate mergers and acquisitions director Dan Saulter will not dent the consolidator’s acquisition strategy in the year ahead, according to chief executive Mark Hodges.
Towergate sees slight GWP improvement as network division takes a hit
Towergate has seen its gross written premium increase 2% on the first quarter of last year to £757m, but blamed changes in partner insurer relationships for a 50% slump in operating earnings within its network division.
Ten Insurance gains chartered status and unveils new NED
Independent commercial brokering network Ten Insurance has been awarded chartered status by the Chartered Insurance Institute.
Marsh adds CFC Underwriting and Call Assist to networks provider panel
Marsh has added CFC Underwriting and Call Assist to its networks provider panel.
Bluefin Partnership renamed as Bluefin Network
Bluefin’s broker network, previously known as Broker Partnership Services has been renamed as Bluefin Network with immediate effect.
Towergate’s Duggan puts market competitors networks in crosshairs
Duggan won’t ‘rule anything out’ in plans for business’s future
Jelf deal marks return to form, says Alway
"Most if not all" of The Insurance Partnership directors are expected to accept the majority of the purchase price in shares, according to chief executive of the broker's new owner Jelf Group, Alex Alway.
HCML unveils physio network
A rehabilitation and case management specialist has unveiled a new network of physiotherapy clinics.
Broking Supplement: Networks - Joined-up thinking
Networks may give a bigger voice to small and medium-sized brokers - but after 20 years is the model still valued by insurers?
Axa launches tradesman policy on Power Place
Axa Commercial Lines has launched its tradesman and professional policy on Power Place.
Moody’s downgrades Towergate after patchy 2012 financial results
Towergate’s financial results for 2012 have revealed vastly divergent performances among its four main insurance divisions, ranging from a 24% year-on-year drop in earnings in its network arm to a 17% rise in underwriting earnings.
Ten prepares to bolster membership following profitable Q1
Ten Insurance has chalked up first quarter gross written premium growth of £5.9m, representing an average rise of 23.4% for the opening three months of the year.
Brokers Link hires employee benefits expert to head up new practice group
Broking network Brokers Link has launched a global employee benefits practice group and appointed Gerard Baltazar as its first chairman.
Broker networks called into question after Aviva ends Willis relationship
Willis Networks’ remaining insurer partners have pledged support for the business despite broker concerns that insurers will exit network relationships as part of their pursuit of profitable commercial lines business, after it was confirmed it will sever…
Aviva: We are not anti-network
Aviva is confident it will not lose out on any relationships with individual brokers after it breaks ties with Willis Networks, according to the insurer's director of broker distribution, Phil Bayles.
Willis Networks and Aviva confirm panel split
Willis and Aviva have mutually agreed that Aviva’s participation as an insurer panel member for Willis Networks will not be renewed upon expiry of the current agreement on 31 December.
One Answer Network snaps up Broker Drive
One Answer Network has acquired Broker Drive, in a deal which will see the network increase its membership base to well over 200.
Marsh strengthens UK networks operations
Marsh has announced three appointments in the insurance placement team of its UK networks, which focuses on developing products and services for members of its networks.
Giles adds five brokers to network arm
Five brokers have joined Ink Underwriting's new network proposition, Compass Broker Services, so far this month.
European View from the Top: Meeting the challenge
Independent brokers need to address many challenges in a global environment, says Jose Manuel Dias da Fonseca.
Mass chairman responds to Dispatches motor insurer claims
Motor Accident Solicitors Society chairman Craig Budsworth has suggested that the Competition Commission looks into whether insurers are authorising motor repairs to be done to unequal standards depending on whether they are at fault or not.
View from the Top: Premature death notice for networks
Contrary to popular belief, broker networks are thriving domestically and internationally, says Brendan McManus.
Jelf to set up managing general agency as it pays maiden dividend
Jelf is to set up a managing general agency offering products to members of its Purple network as the company plans its first acquisitions in five years.
View from the Top: Difficult break-ups
Expect more insurers to terminate relationships with partners that yield insufficient returns, says Karen Hogg.