Articles by Siân Barton
PIB Group expands into Ireland
The business now has an Irish base following the acquisition of Optis Insurance as PIB prepares for Brexit.
Staysure reveals plan to recruit 200
The over-50s travel specialist has opened new offices in Northampton as it looks to grow its workforce.
AI anti-fraud measures receive Government backing
The Government has earmarked £13m to develop professional services in the UK as it looks to tackle £3bn cost of insurance fraud.
Legal Protection Group confirms loss of Inter Hannover capacity
The legal expenses provider, which is linked to Eldon Insurance's Arron Banks, stated that new capacity would come on board “shortly”.
Towergate’s Andy Parkin resurfaces at Gauntlet
The former director for the northern region has taken up the role of sales director after a year out of insurance following becoming “disillusioned”.
Market welcomes Pool Re non-damage BI extension
The Counter Terrorism and Border Security Bill, which outlines how Pool Re can operate, received Royal Assent yesterday (13 February).
Zurich UK returns to profit for 2018
COR also improved to 94.9% on a like for like basis from 102.3% as CEO Tulsi Naidu says there is room for more improvement.
Editor's letter: February 2019
Does a flurry of activity signal a shift in the consumer insurance sector?
Greenwood Moreland buys Campbell Smith
The deal takes Greenwood Moreland to £10m of GWP annually.
FCA takes regulatory control in event of no deal Brexit
The watchdog has been granted temporary transitional power to delay changes made under the EU Withdrawal Act.
Renovation launches product for unoccupied properties
The MGA, launched last year by former Sterling head Nicholas Cooper, has designed the cover for larger residential and commercial properties.
Lisa Powis-backed broker tech platform launches
Broker Commercial & General has signed up to Iotatech’s pay-per-use platform.
Brokers call on Ageas to keep up service level following office closures
The provider is set to shut Port Solent and Stoke-on-Trent operations.
Cyber experts dispute Mactavish report
Market “utterly perplexed” by report which accused some brokers of “scaremongering” to sell products and suggested some cover did not match the needs of companies.
Allianz head of commercial motor Jon Dye leaves for QBE
He replaces Roger Ball and takes responsibility for QBE’s motor trade and motor fleet business.
Instant Underwriting launches liability scheme
The cover is available wholesale to brokers through a portal developed by SchemeServe.
“Mis-selling” warning issued on cyber
Consultancy Mactavish says cyber policies have “major flaws” and claims brokers and insurers use “scaremongering” tactics to make companies buy cover.
Cost of motor cover falls says ABI
Association’s Premium Tracker says that actual cost of cover dropped despite an average rise in premium paid in Q4 last year compared to Q3.
Leaked document reveals detail of Ageas redundancy risk
The insurer is closing offices in Port Solent and Stoke-on-Trent affecting 597 staff and is also looking to move and downsize its America Square, London operation.
Ageas consults on closure of Stoke and Port Solent operations
The move could affect up to 597 staff as the insurer notes that customers are increasingly buying through digital channels.
Broker MP Craig Tracey reflects on PM’s Brexit defeat
Tracey voted against Theresa May’s draft deal for the UK’s EU withdrawal last week.
Davies Group buys CEC sister firm TopMark Claims Solutions
Its deal with TopMark Group follows its acquisition of Direct Group’s claims function from Ardonagh Group.
Aston Lark buys Irish broker Robertson Low
First international acquisition for the firm.
GRP-owned County buys Swinford Insurance Consultants
Purchase of West Midlands-based broker is County’s first deal of 2019.