Articles by Sophie Locke-Cooper
UK car insurance premiums see biggest annual rise in over a decade
Car insurance premiums increased by £107 (20%) during the past 12 months, with motorists now on average paying £657, according to research from Confused and WTW.
Brokers show lack of urgency towards net zero
According to research from Ecclesiastical, only two in five national brokers have set a net zero target.
Axa Commercial boosts regional footprint with Southampton branch
Axa Commercial has opened in Southampton – its 13th UK branch – in line with its commitment to growing its regional trading footprint.
Stubben Edge sets new goal after hitting first year AR network target
Stubben Edge is eyeing up boosting its appointed representatives network to 40 after hitting its launch goals, network director Gemma Jarrett has revealed to Insurance Age.
Biba cancels CBI membership amid misconduct allegations
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has confirmed to Insurance Age that it has cancelled its membership of the Confederation of British Industry amid allegations of sexual misconduct directed at senior CBI staff.
People Moves: 10 - 14 April 2023
Stay in the loop with the latest personnel moves in insurance.
Broking Success: Spotting a gap in the market
James Noble, CEO of My First, details how he started the broker because he noticed a gap in the motor market for first time drivers who needed guidance when searching for the right cover.
Lloyd’s joins Biba as a partner
Lloyd’s has become the 21st partner of the British Insurance Brokers’ Association.
Ecclesiastical urges brokers to help HNW clients protect their home offices
Ecclesiastical has warned that with rising inflation and the cost of living crisis, wealthy individuals and their home offices are prime targets for criminals, and has urged brokers to speak with clients about how best to protect themselves.
NFP snaps up Gravity Risk Services
Acquisitive broker NFP has bought Gravity Risk Services for an undisclosed sum.
Cowbell enters UK cyber market targeting SME brokers
US cyber specialist Cowbell has entered the UK market with plans to sell its products exclusively through brokers.
Markerstudy chief outlines challenges over salary expectations and broker telematics
Mike Wall, Markerstudy head of non-standard, described the challenges facing its telematics brand Smart Driver Club Insurance in a very competitive market.
People Moves: 3 – 6 April 2023
Stay in the loop with the latest insurance personnel moves.
ABI names Mervyn Skeet director of general insurance policy
The Association of British Insurers has confirmed Mervyn Skeet as director of general insurance policy having held the post on an interim basis since December 2022.
Pen Underwriting CEO eyes more M&A to get closer to £1bn GWP target
Pen Underwriting CEO Tom Downey claims the business is on track to hit its £1bn GWP target within three years - and that it will reach it by both diversifying and building on what it has already got.
Biba launches computer insurance scheme
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has launched a new computer scheme, provided by specialist insurer HSB, to help protect computer hardware and portable equipment.
Nadia Côté to lead Allianz Commercial in UK
Allianz Group named Nadia Côté as commercial managing director UK, effective 1 May.
Esure posts £29.1m loss as tough market conditions bite
Esure chief executive David McMillan explained the swing from a £7.7m post-tax profit in 2021 to a £29.1m loss in 2022 as being caused by significant claims inflation, increased weather-related home claims and a weak pricing environment.
People Moves: 27 - 31 March 2023
Keep up to date with the latest personnel moves within the insurance industry.
Zurich UK detects 31% increase in fraudulent property claims
Zurich UK detected a 31% increase in fraudulent property claims and a 7% rise in fake casualty claims in 2022, the insurer calculated.
Analysis: The powerful surge in record-breaking tradesman premiums
Insurance Age unpacks the impact of inflation, changing customer needs and rising demand along with the shifting insurer appetite in tradesman insurance.
Vitale Digital becomes Biba associate
Vitale Digital has become the 42nd British Insurance Brokers’ Association associate.
Aqueous signs three-year capacity deal with Allianz Insurance
Aqueous Underwriting plans to push on SME business having secured new capacity in an initial three-year deal with Allianz Insurance.
Policy Expert focuses on customer retention as top priority
Policy Expert’s COO Adam Powell has stressed that customer retention is its top priority in 2023, as it continues to focus on its organic growth.