Outsourcing
Direct Group expands further with EVS deal
Insurance services provider Direct Group, backed by Lloyds Development Capital, has completed the acquisition of Evander Validation Services for an undisclosed sum.
Comment- Claims outsourcing: Poor perception
Outsourcing has suffered from a poor reputation in recent years, with reports of dismal service from third parties. Ian Gilmour examines why, and how this can be addressed.
Interview - Ben Wright: Property boom
Despite the recession, Keelan Westall's head Ben Wright tells Mairi MacDonald the business has ambitious expansion plans.
Broker support: Personal services
Networks, managing general agents and other partnerships continue to find plentiful support from brokers and insurers alike. Ana Paula Nacif looks at why.
Internal benchmarking - the dangers
The dangers of internal benchmarking were illustrated by insurance group editor-in-chief, and chair of the event, Ant Gould, with an anecdote from his own professional past.
Biba 2010 countdown: Heartland of the business
As the final days of countdown to the 2010 Biba conference begin, participating claims and insurer professionals reveal the part they hope to play in proceedings.
Five is magic number for benchmarking
Challenged as to whether there is a an ideal number or critical mass of companies that need to take part in external benchmarking exercises to render them effective, Jeff Rieder, president of the Ward Group, suggested five is the magic number.
External comparisons can create unexpected outcomes
External benchmarking can deliver unexpected and additional results, it emerged during a question and answer session. Jeff Rieder, president of the Ward Group, said experience has shown that, when looking at the top quartile of performers, those…
Beware of benchmarking pitfalls warns Axa chief
Axa Canada has been benchmarking for years — the only problem was that none of its three measures were giving the insurer what it needed to improve both processes and costs.
Co-op offers claims service
Co-operative Legal Services is to target small and medium-sized brokers with its first outsourcing product.
Central outsources claims to Bankstone
Independent insurance intermediary Central Insurance Brokers has signed up outsourced claims firm Bankstone to provide a full-service white-labelled external claims handling service to its clients.
Capita boss plots travel insurance push
Capita Insurance Services has revealed plans to enter the travel insurance sector before the end of the year.
Auto Windscreens appoints chief financial officer
Auto Windscreens has appointed Kieron Singleton to the new role of chief financial officer.
Lloyd's: Claims transformation programme - The need for speed
With the Lloyd's claim's transformation programme pilot underway, Tim Willcock plots the key stages in the plan to improve claims processes for managing agents.
Hancox steps down as Evander MD
Evander Validation Services managing director Simon Hancox has resigned from his role at the property repair company to be replaced by operations director Colin Jones.
Outsourcing - India: The evolution of India
India is no longer being treated as a place to just outsource menial functions. Edward Murray reports on the evolution of the market to include core corporate activities.
CED International acquires Interiura
CED International has swooped for international claims handling network Interiura, from parent company Arag.
CFC and Crawford link up for claims admin
CFC Underwriting and Crawford & Company have formed a strategic partnership to deliver a claims administration interface for CFC's brokers and its clients.
Xchanging grows revenue by 35%
Xchanging has reported a 35% increase year-on-year in revenue to £750.4m in 2009 (2008: £557.8m) while underlying operating profit also grew 35% to £63.9m (£47.3m).
Capita lands Sainsbury’s pet insurance claims role
Capita Insurance Distribution’s pet insurance division Thornside will handle sales fulfilment and claims handling on behalf of Sainsbury’s pet insurance partner Axa.
Clear Bike Insurance selects White Knight as claims partner
Motorcycle insurer Clear Bike Insurance has agreed to outsource its claims to Southport-based firm White Knight Solutions
Capita appoints new business development director
Capita has appointed Martin Williams as its business development director to drive business in new and existing markets and to focus on developing strategic partnerships.
WNS breaks into national broker market
WNS Assistance is to target the UK broker market after winning an outsourcing deal with Bluefin to manage its personal lines motor claims.
Bluefin signs motor outsorcing deal with WNS
WNS boss Tim Rankin hails deal which will see it handle motor claims on behalf of the broker.