Articles by Siân Barton
Aston Lark consolidates Lloyd's presence with broker buy
The firm has purchased Incepta for an undisclosed sum.
Ageas profit after tax slumps by half
The provider reported a result after tax of £22.8m compared to £45.4m in H1 2019.
Aviva UK numbers a product of Covid-19
UK COR hit 106.3% for the first half of 2020 as GI CEO Colm Holmes points to a strong underlying performance despite the business remaining in cost-cutting mode.
Biba develops mental health service
Head Lines: The trade body has teamed up with Mental Health in Business to offer the facility to members
Markerstudy confirms up to 200 Co-op redundancies after deal concludes
The insurer said it was planning to retain at least 700 of the 900 staff moving across with the Co-op’s underwriting business following union complaint.
Blanc to focus on UK, Ireland and Canada to intensify Aviva growth
The CEO said that as part of this there may be some market withdrawals and “difficult” decisions as she reaffirms Aviva’s commitment to brokers as UK COR soars amid Covid-19.
RSA threatens 300 redundancies
The insurer is also seeking to tackle complexity in its portfolio and downsize its office footprint following increased remote working in the wake of Covid-19.
Allianz hits almost £2bn in premium
However commercial business sees GWP decline in H1 2020 numbers as provider predicts £80m Covid-19 BI hit.
Hastings bought by Finnish/South African consortium
The deal values Hastings at around £1.66bn as the provider also publishes half year results.
Co-op hits out at Unite over Markerstudy deal claims
Unite said the deal is a “betrayal” of the Co-op philosophy as trade union predicts 200 jobs at risk once deal goes through.
FCA threatens intervention over BI claim deductions
The #justpayit campaign has highlighted that some providers are reducing BI payouts to businesses which have received government support grants.
GRP buys seven business books from Aon
The deal includes a large portfolio in Northern Ireland.
AA confirms offer talks amid refinancing
The group is meeting with Centerbridge Partners Europe, LLP alongside Towerbrook Capital Partners UK, Platinum Equity Advisors and Warburg Pincus International as it flags £2.65bn of debt.
Hiscox COR soars to 114.6% and losses hit $138.9m
The provider has also reserved $232m for Covid-19 related claims as it reports H1 2020 numbers.
Aston Lark buys PHM
The deal adds around £4m in GWP and sees Aston Lark push further into employee benefits.
Pen increases solicitors’ PI capacity to more than £100m
The backing comes from A-rated capacity and lasts for three years.
Finnish provider in cash offer talks with Hastings
Sampo Oyj has approached the business along with Rand Merchant Investment Holdings.
Sabre reports GWP of £86.9m for first half of 2020
The motor insurer said it had continued focus on a strategy of prioritising underwriting profitability over volume whilst reflecting Covid-19 impacts using a data-driven pricing approach.
FCA reveals vulnerable customer guidelines
Insurance Cares: The watchdog has called on financial services firms to do more to ensure vulnerable customers receive positive outcomes as it consults on guidance.
Roles from LV and L&G at risk amid redundancy programme
LV General Insurance has revealed “worst case scenario” of up to 600 job cuts as it restructures and integrates L&G.
LV puts 600 roles at risk of redundancy
The cull follows the acquisition of Legal & General as the personal lines insurer seeks to integrate the businesses and streamline its claims function.
Marsh Commercial offers cashback to former personal lines customers
Exclusive: The broker has handed back cash following an internal review and admits some clients were not offered the most competitive terms between 2012 and 2018.
Hiscox blasted by QC over policy interpretation
The arguments set out by Hiscox in its defence over non-payment of business interruption arising from Covid-19 are too narrow, unrealistic and uncommercial according to Hiscox Action Group.
CMA launches official inquiry into Ardonagh’s Bennetts deal
The regulatory body must make a decision on whether to refer the merger for further investigation by 16 September this year.