Articles by Jonathan Swift
Meet the MGA: Aspect
Following its recent brand refresh Oli Williamson, co-founder and chief underwriter, explains how Aspect is seeking to expand its core mid-corporate market offering into new areas such as terrorism and cyber – with an eye very much on how it can leverage…
Meet the MGA: Elmlake Underwriting
A seasoned professional indemnity underwriter, Darren Galloway, managing director of new MGA Elmlake Underwriting, explains how it plans to fuse both traditional and modern approaches to offer a one-stop shop for brokers and their clients.
Aviva gives e-trade brokers commission flex up to 35%
Aviva has written to brokers that use its own e-trading platform Fast Trade – as well as Acturis E-Trade – telling them they can set their own commission rates within set parameters, Insurance Age has learned.
Meet the MGA: Carrow Insurance
Looking to mend the disconnect between MGAs and carriers to get back to the ‘win-win situation’ where consistency and partnerships are a focus, Carrow Insurance will only write in product areas it has deep-seated expertise, CEO Ronan Conboy tells…
Hiscox UK reports best growth since 2018 on back of “reinvigorated” distribution strategy
Hiscox has recorded its strongest growth in its UK retail business since in 2018 as the group reported a record pre-tax profit of $685.4m (£540.6m) in its 2024 full year results on written premiums of $4.77bn.
Marshberry: US consolidators bypassing UK for Euro deals as targets dry up
Acquisitive US brokers might favour deals in territories outside the UK to enter and grow in Europe as the number of targets here shrinks.
Motor MGA widens distribution after targeting £125m GWP with Zurich capacity
Managing general agent Freedom Services is aiming to more than double the business it writes to £125m gross written premium through a capacity deal it struck with Zurich in 2024, Insurance Age can reveal.
Schemes growth planned as Brokerbility MD Dunn given group role at Clear
Brokerbility managing director John Dunn has been handed a new broader remit as part of the parent Clear Group’s efforts to grow its schemes business.
Tributes paid following the passing of ‘one of the great characters’, Mike Slack
Former British Insurance Brokers’ Association board member and managing director of specialist motor trade intermediary Road Runner, Mike Slack, has died.
New analysis: A short history of broker rebrands as Ardonagh bins ‘Towergate’
Yesterday Insurance Age revealed that Ardonagh Advisory is to become Everywhen, with the long-standing brand Towergate among those disappearing. Jonathan Swift takes a look at other post-2000 broker rebrands for pointers as to whether it might be…
Bottle to lead Arch in the UK following Bashford retirement
Arch Insurance International has promoted Mike Bottle to the role of managing director of the Arch Insurance UK regional division, with immediate effect.
Hiscox HNW head Holmes exiting for new broker role
Nicola Holmes, the head of broker in Hiscox’s art and private clients division, is to depart the business to pursue a new opportunity at an as yet unnamed intermediary, Insurance Age can reveal.
Analysis: Fortune favours the bold – Is 2025 a ‘golden opportunity’ to join the M&A bandwagon?
With deals at an all-time high – but shrinking in size – and with the established consolidators becoming more picky, could 2025 be the perfect time for smaller brokers to start buying? Jonathan Swift mulls the hypothesis.
MarshBerry: Labour CGT change sees 2024 hit deal record after 41 buys in Q4
The final three months of 2024 saw the second highest number of quarterly broker deals, according to the latest M&A market update from MarshBerry.
Brown & Brown Europe reveals final deal of 2024 with Hampshire broker buy
Brown & Brown Europe rounded off 2024 with a swoop for Hampshire-headquartered Addingstone Insurance Solutions, Insurance Age can reveal.
Analysis: As we enter 2025 let’s ask one big question: ‘What will Marsh do next?’
Gallagher, Aon, Ardonagh and Howden have all had a busy 12 months in terms of consolidating their positions within the UK’s top five insurance brokers table. Their fellow intermediary powerhouse Marsh, however, has been comparatively quiet. Jonathan…
Ex-Das UK boss Coram departs for UK insurer CEO role
The ex-boss of Das UK, Tony Coram, has returned to former parent company Munich Re as CEO of its primary insurance business, Great Lakes (UK).
CEO Ross hails “new phase” as Ardonagh valued at £11bn after Stone Point investment
Ardonagh has announced an equity investment from funds managed by US-based private equity firm Stone Point Capital LLC, the alternative investment management specialist, that values the broking group at $14bn (£11.04bn).
Gallagher to cement UK broking top spot with £10.5bn AssuredPartners swoop
Broking giant Arthur J. Gallagher has signed a definitive agreement to acquire US rival AssuredPartners, it announced this morning.
Former Eleven Network MD Derbyshire joins Cowens Group in strategic role
Cowens Group has appointed former Eleven Network managing director Dawn Derbyshire as consultant strategic director of its general insurance division.
Coles leads MBO of Ardonagh retail MGA Uris Group
Uris Group, the Ardonagh-owned specialist personal lines MGA and services provider, has been sold to a new vehicle backed by its leader Derek Coles, Insurance Age can reveal.
Analysis: Aviva’s bid for DLG – what are the pros and cons for UK insurance brokers
The industry was abuzz last week with the ramifications of Aviva’s £3.3bn bid for Direct Line Group. Jonathan Swift reflects on the weekend’s developments, and what the deal might mean for UK brokers should the possibility of a green light gain momentum…
Sompo priortising regional hires and MGAs over expanding broker panel
Sompo remains “open minded” to further UK regional expansion, but is happy to build on its existing locations in Birmingham and Manchester for now.
Partners& in triple swoop
Partners& has added another two brokers and a managing general agent to its stable, Insurance Age can reveal.