SME
EL & PL: Building the wall
As fraudsters seek new areas to commit insurance fraud, Andrew Gillett reports on how the liability market is tackling this growing problem.
Consolidation - global brokers: Too big for their boots?
The creation of the global broker in the 1980s resulted in a dominant few. David Trezies asks whether this consolidation has produced any tangible benefits for clients.
Government calls for higher lending
Vince Cable and George Osborne have launched a paper aimed at addressing the problems businesses face accessing finance.
THIG hires account manager
Stephen White has joined the SME account management team at specialist private medical insurance broker The Health Insurance Group, as an account manager.
Fortis recruits quartet in SME commercial push
Fortis has bolstered its commercial lines underwriting and business development teams with the recruitment of senior staff.
Allianz outlines SME business increase
Allianz saw new business through its online trading platform Quote SME increase by 68% between the first and second quarter, the insurer has revealed.
RSA launches e-trading system
RSA has launched a service that enables brokers to obtain quotes and bind a policy in minutes.
Cowens launches new SME arm for sub-£2m clients
Insurance broker Cowens Survival Capability is poised to spin off its SME arm to create a new specialised intermediary.
Amtrust Europe makes business development appointment
Amtrust Europe has appointed John Harrop as business development manager at its Nottingham office.
Plummer given new role in MMA shake up
Former general insurance boss of the Chartered Insurance Institute Peter Knowles has been appointed head of UK development at MMA following a management shake-up at the French-owned insurer.
SMEs cautious on economic recovery
More than half of UK SMEs believe a full economic recover is at least two years away.
Former SSP development manager joins Open GI
Andy Beardshaw, former development manager at SSP, has joined Open GI to manage the company’s Open Trader team.
Legal expenses - SME: Risky business
With employment and contractual disputes on the up since the downturn, many businesses are in greater need of legal expenses insurance. Why, then, is demand and take-up by SMEs still low, asks Sam Barrett.
PIA launches platform in Malta and Italy
Online professional indemnity insurance broker Professional Insurance Agents has launched its multi-quote & buy insurance platform in Malta and Italy.
Aggregator set to prosper
Go Compare chief executive Hayley Parsons has claimed profits will double this year after the aggregator moved into the black for the first time since inception and repaid its loan facility early.
Former RSA director joins NIG
RSA's former UK liability and motor portfolio director, Heather Heale, has joined NIG as commercial motor manager.
British Insurance Awards 2010: Cracking commercial
This year's winner, Heath Lambert, is a broker that has taken significant strides to enhance its UK operations and client service in recent years culminating in victory at the British Insurance Awards 2010 writes Andrew Tjaardstra.
Affinity news: Insurers urged to look beyond top-20 targets
Post’s Affinity 2010 event was held in London last week, brining together key players in the sector – from insurers, brokers, affinity brands and other suppliers – to learn about and debate the latest developments.
Heath Lambert raids Lark for M25 push
Heath Lambert has created a specialist commercial division with the target of capturing SME business within the M25 zone.
Ex Broker Network team set to challenge Towergate with start-up
A new broker has been set up by former Broker Network employees that will go head to head with Towergate's recently merged Manchester operation.
RSA launches new multi-cover SBC product
RSA has launched a new multi-cover small business combined product, designed to meet the needs of small wholesale, manufacturing and warehousing businesses.
Technology - Global platforms: One size won't fit all
As online distribution becomes more ubiquitous, Paul Ferris warns that such platforms must be used with sensitivity to local practices.
Interview - Lyndon Wood: Daring to be different
Moorhouse boss Lyndon Wood spent last year in the Dragon's Den. Literally. He talks to Mairi MacDonald about growth plans, admiration for Adrian Colosso and pigeon psychology.
MMA ramps up micro-commercial offering
Broker-only insurer MMA is adding a series of new products to the remit of its micro underwriting team as part of a first year review.