Articles by Emmanuel Kenning
Axa launches schemes directory
Axa Commercial has launched an online directory to help brokers navigate the niche schemes market.
Interview: Henry Topham, Allianz
As Allianz rebrands its digital motor insurance product Flow, Insurance Age caught up with managing director of UK retail Henry Topham to hear about his route into insurance and what benefits brokers get from the provider’s omni-channel approach.
Fire safety reinsurance facility to launch on 1 April
A reinsurance facility aimed at increasing competition in the insurance market for properties affected by dangerous cladding and other fire safety issues has been unveiled ahead of launching on 1 April.
Direct Line rejects second “unattractive” takeover offer from Ageas
Direct Line Group has rejected a second takeover proposal from Ageas labelling it uncertain, unattractive and highly opportunistic.
Academy pivoting to commercial with five more deals in pipeline, says CEO Normand
Buying Premierline has “dramatically” shifted the balance of Academy’s book from 50% personal lines to two-thirds commercial with the broker targeting 90% in the sector through a people-first string of acquisitions, according to CEO Gilles Normand.
Seventeen makes double buy
Seventeen Group has bought a book of business from Hendricks Insurance in Scotland and snapped up Keith Miller Insurance Services in England in its first purchases of 2024.
Academy strikes deal to buy Premierline from Allianz
Academy Insurance Services has signed up to buy all of Allianz Business Services, trading as Premierline, to become its North-West hub in its first deal since last year’s investment by private equity house Blixt Group.
FOI request pulls back the curtain on FCA’s broker S166s
A Freedom of Information request by Insurance Age to the Financial Conduct Authority has revealed further details on the spike in insurance skilled persons reports.
Zurich uncovered £78.5m in bogus claims in 2023
Zurich UK faced down £78.5m in fraudulent claims last year, equating to £215,117 a day.
FCA reveals slight decline in whistleblowing
The Financial Conduct Authority received 249 whistleblowing reports containing 649 allegations in the fourth quarter of last year.
Aspen confirms Sarah Stanford as UK CEO
Aspen Insurance has confirmed Sarah Stanford as UK CEO, a post she has held on an interim basis since 17 January.
Ardonagh completes more than $5bn refinance
Ardonagh has completed a refinancing process switching over $5bn of debt (£3.9bn) to better terms.
Aviva boss Storah commits to consistency and stability for brokers
Jason Storah, CEO of UK and Ireland general insurance at Aviva, has hailed the insurer’s “really strong” results and promised brokers will benefit from the Probitas deal in 2024 alongside ongoing commitment and stability across commercial and personal…
Aviva open to bolt-on deals but unlikely to buy further in Lloyd’s, says Blanc
Aviva will maintain a “selective and disciplined approach” to mergers and acquisitions, according to group CEO Amanda Blanc as she indicated the insurer is not eyeing synergies with a Direct Line bid.
Aviva posts double digit UK GWP and operating profit rises for 2023
Aviva grew premiums in the UK by 16% last year to £6.19bn with rises across both commercial and personal lines.
Acrisure’s Russell Scanlan buys construction specialist BLG
Nottingham-headquartered Russell Scanlan has bought Leicester-based Building & Land Guarantees.
Howden buys performing arts broker Hencilla Canworth
Howden has bought Croydon-based Hencilla Canworth GI to boost its sport and entertainment division.
Momentum building with brokers into 2024, says Hiscox leader Musselle
Hiscox is adding 10 specialist regional underwriters to continue its push with brokers having grown the business last year, group chief underwriting officer Joanne Musselle told Insurance Age.
Miller posts record £240m revenue for 2023
Miller hit a record level of £240m in revenue last year, driven by 19% organic growth, the broker has confirmed.
Simply Business expands partnership with Zurich
Zurich has grown its partnership with digital broker Simply Business to provide commercial combined quotes for businesses with a turnover of £750,000 or more.
Hiscox reveals UK growth in 2023 as group profits soar to record
Hiscox grew gross written premiums across its SME and personal lines books in the UK by 2.4%, stripping out the effect of currency exchange, to $793.8m (£625.7m) in 2023.
Aviva re-enters Lloyd’s with £242m Probitas buy
Aviva has signed up to buy all of Probitas for £242m, signalling a return to the Lloyd’s market.
Miller expands into parametric insurance
Miller has launched a global parametric team headed by Alice Glenister in London.
Bravo Networks’ SME e-trade platform goes live
Bravo Networks has launched Bravo Digital Trader, with Zurich writing the first policy.