SME
Insurance Mediation Directive II: Broking new ground
The European Commission's controversial Insurance Mediation Directive II proposals are aimed at unifying the sale of cover across the continent and increasing consumer protection. But how have the recommendations been received by the broking and buying…
Hiscox UK falters while group profit soars
Hiscox returned an interim pre-tax profit of £125.8m (H1 2011: loss £85.6m), following a more benign catastrophe season compared with the previous 12 months.
Brit CEO vows to target growth while committing to Simply Business
Mark Cloutier has promised to go on the attack by targeting growth in key areas following a business restructure towards global specialty underwriting, which he describes as "99% complete".
SMEs fear 'detrimental impact' of Eurozone crisis
More than one in 10 British SMEs have considered closing down in the past three months as a possible result of the economic situation, according to a new SME Risk Index from global insurer Zurich.
Escott quits Capita
Capita's general insurance managing director, Brent Escott, pictured, has left the business by "mutual agreement" after seven months in the job.
Insolvency rate falls among SMEs
The number of SMEs to become insolvent fell in June compared with June 2011, while insolvencies among larger firms increased year on year.
Vienna Insurance on the lookout for east European SMEs
Vienna Insurance Group is eyeing acquisitions in eastern Europe, its main profit driver, and could make a record profit this year if there are no major natural catastrophes.
Axa survey reveals SMEs' fears for the future
Continuing uncertainty in the Eurozone and the impact of government austerity measures are affecting optimism about business performance among SMEs.
Commercial lines division primed for further growth, says LMIE boss Rocks
Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe chief executive Sean Rocks is eyeing further expansion in the firm's commercial lines division after reporting substantial profitable growth.
Further commercial SME losses reported in wake of flooding
The Preston-based Independent Group has become the latest regional adjuster to mobilise its teams across flood-hit regions, after it recorded a significant increase in claim volumes this week.
Yutree reaches partnership agreement with Pro Sight
Yutree Underwriting has launched an exclusive partnership with Pro Sight Specialty Insurance.
Equity offers new mini-fleet product
Equity Red Star has launched a solution for family run businesses and small enterprises operating fleets with two to 10 cars and/or commercial vehicles.
Keychoice and Aviva extend partnership
Keychoice and Aviva have extended their general insurance distribution agreement.
QBE identifies regional leaders in UK and Ireland restructure
QBE has unveiled a string of managerial appointments as part of a UK and Ireland restructuring process following the acquisition of Brit's regional operations.
Market moves: Brokers a hive of recruitment activity
Insurance broker Jelf was among the most active recruiters this week, launching a four-strong affinities and schemes team and adding two new staff to its recently opened office in London.
View from the top: Providing a hassle-free service
Brokers and insurers that can't keep pace with the expectations uplift will lose business, says David Greaves.
Towergate commits to Power Place as former bosses unveil new ventures
Three former Towergate e-trading bosses revealed this month that they are forging ahead with two separate online start-ups. While this signals increasing interest and activity in the market, it leaves a question mark over the future of Towergate's online…
Opening the Takaful market
Initial forays into the Takaful market in the UK have so far met with failure. Despite this, there is still a conviction that a relevant Takaful market exists.
Post magazine - 24 May 2012
The latest issue of Post is now available to subscribers as a digital and interactive e-book.
Benign weather and rate rises result in record reported profits for insurers
Insurers have reaped the rewards of benign weather and rate rises in catastrophe hit regions, but analysts warn the worst could be yet to come.
BIBA 2012: Lloyd's vows to build up SME business
Lloyd's has revealed potential plans to hold regional broking events outside London next year in a bid to build on the 5% growth achieved in its small and medium size book of business last year.
NIG's Moakes targets East Anglia brokers
Commercial insurer NIG is continuing to bolster its regional offices, recruiting Gill Moakes, pictured, from broker Scrutton Bland to be senior business development manager covering East Anglia.
All change as super-regulator hovers over Hong Kong
The Hong Kong insurance market is due to undergo some significant changes in the near future as an independent insurance regulator is established. Jonathan Swift looks at the market now and the challenges to come.
Countdown to ISA: Q&A with RSA's Chris Colahan
As part of a series counting down to Insurance Strategy Asia, Insurance Insight spoke to Chris Colahan about his views on the Asian insurance market.