SME
Directors' & Officers': A market hampered by soft rates and over capacity?
The number of insurers looking to grab a piece of the SME directors' & officers' market shows no sign of slowing. Amy Ellis reports on the attraction of a market still hampered by soft rates and over-capacity.
Middle East policies may face court challenges
Commercial insurance policies that exclude political risk are likely to come under scrutiny by courts in the Middle East, following civil unrest in the region.
Insurers warn SMEs of new legal consequences
The insurance industry has urged small business owners to ensure they are covered in the event an investigation under the Corporate Manslaughter Act.
Editor's comment: The sales are still on
Christmas and the new year may have come and gone but with many retailers it appears that the sales are no longer specific to certain times of the year.
Schemes - Conception & construction: Special delivery
Setting up schemes to cover specialist sectors can be a lucrative business - but it requires brokers, insurers and customers to work together. Stephanie Denton looks at this evolving market.
RSA property launch boosts SME ambition
RSA is set to launch a new property product next month as part of wider plans to become a top-five player in the SME sector.
Banks pledge to lend more to SMEs
The government has welcomed a commitment by the UK's largest banks on lending expectations and capacity.
Powerplace hit by Reed departure
Towergate-owned trading platform Powerplace has confirmed the departure of chief executive Matthew Reed.
Nationals call for FSA talks as Towergate seals £200m deal
Chief executives from some of the UK's largest brokers have called for a meeting with the Financial Services Authority to discuss concerns over the increasing level of intervention in compliance issues by the regulator.
News analysis - Towergate refinancing: Towergate to kick into full IPO mode
With confirmation of Advent's £200m cash injection, what does Towergate have planned next? Mairi MacDonald explores the options.
Defaqto adds pub and restaurant ratings
Insurance policies for pubs and restaurants are to be given star ratings by Defaqto after the firm expanded the number of commercial sectors that it grades.
Jelf has big plans for personal lines in 2011
Jelf chief executive Alex Alway is targeting "aggressive organic growth" after its 2010 annual results revealed that the firm had reduced its debt and turned a 2009 loss into profit.
RSA agrees Policyfast deal
RSA has agreed to provide business car and van policies to online wholesale underwriting agency Policyfast.
Interview - Sarah Lyons: What next for Giles?
Having joined the industry as a school leaver, Sarah Lyons is now group MD of Giles. She explains to Mairi MacDonald why growth, rather than exit plans, remains top of her agenda.
Biba progress
The British Insurers Brokers' Association has met with the cabinet office to discuss business resilience ahead of a formal consultation document to take place in March.
WNS eyes top three property repair place
WNS Assistance has pledged to land a place among the top-three property repair firms within the next 18 months, after confirming its plans to enter the sector.
Comment - Brokers & claims: Claims expertise - the future of broking?
2011 is shaping up to be tough for brokers. John Greenway argues claims expertise is an area ripe for differentiation and the best way to solidify client relationships.
Pru Health to overhaul product offering
Pru Health is set to overhaul its product offering following its purchase of rival firm Standard Life Healthcare UK.
View from the top: An historically good idea
With the private motor market effectively commoditised, now the spotlight for personal lines insurers is on the perceived El Dorado of the online SME market. We can be sure that a VW Golf that is built in Germany, China or Indonesia is of virtually…
Travelers Ireland VP Ken Norgrove departs
Travelers Ireland vice president Ken Norgrove has left his role with the insurer, within months of joining from RSA.
Travelers Ireland VP Ken Norgrove departs
Travelers Ireland vice president Ken Norgrove has left his role with the insurer, within months of joining from RSA.
Risk update - Health foods & supplements: A healthy risk
Forecasts suggest the global food supplement market could be worth $90bn by 2013. Shaun Randell examines the opportunities and risks insuring this market can bring.
Aon joins the online SME scramble with MGA tie up
Aon has launched its first online quote-and-buy facility for the SME market after joining forces with managing general agent CFC Underwriting.
SMEs face challenging year according to business group chief
The head of one of the UK's major business groups has warned that smaller companies face a ‘challenging' year ahead.