Insight
Somerset Bridge swings to Ebitda profit as turnover doubles in 2023
Arch Reinsurance-owned Somerset Bridge Group trimmed post-tax losses in 2023 to £13m from £32m the year before, as it moved into positive Ebitda territory.
FCA head warns firms about “abdicating responsibility” by outsourcing claims
Lisa Sturley head of department of market interventions, insurance at the Financial Conduct Authority, has warned insurance firms about outsourcing claims to third parties.
Aureum Insurance Brokers launches in Milton Keynes
Aureum Insurance Brokers has launched as a trading name of Momentum, targeting property, construction, motor trade, manufacturing, IT & technology and professional services business.
PIB reveals costs of record 26 deals in 2023
PIB spent £331.9m on a record 26 deals in 2023 as the consolidator expanded in the UK and across Europe.
Aviva completes £249m Probitas buy
Aviva has completed the £249m purchase of Probitas after getting all the necessary approvals.
Interview: Nick Hobbs, Allianz Commercial
After the hardest but most energising 12 months of his career, Allianz Commercial’s chief distribution officer Nick Hobbs celebrates the insurer’s expanded appetite as he looks to bring even more quotes and solutions to brokers.
Insurance broker exits Love Island villa
Trey Norman, commercial insurance broker at One Call, has left the Love Island villa exiting after less than a fortnight on the show.
Axa Commercial promotes Dene Smith to regional director for the North
Dene Smith has been appointed regional director for the North at Axa Commercial, replacing Rob Corner who left in March.
SRG bolsters equestrian expertise with Carriagehouse buy
Specialist Risk Group has bought the ongoing business of Carriagehouse.
How specialist incubators are helping fuel MGA growth
The managing general agent sector is booming, creating increased demand for specialists who can help would-be MGAs get set up. Edward Murray explores this world of ‘incubators’, and highlights how they can help fledging businesses.
Seventeen buys Gen2 Broking
Seventeen Group has acquired Midlands-based Gen2 Broking, expanding its presence in the region.
Aurora launches commercial combined product
Managing general agent Aurora has launched what it describes as its “flagship” commercial combined product for SMEs.
Biba grows member funds to almost £5.8m
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has revealed a 13% increase in members funds to £5.78m at the end of 2023.
MUM founder Charles Manchester to retire from Pen
Charles Manchester, founder of Manchester Underwriting Management, is retiring from the business this month, Insurance Age can reveal.
AbbeyAutoline makes second book buy in a week
AbbeyAutoline has purchased Down Insurances’ customer book of business, based in Downpatrick, further strengthening its presence in Northern Ireland.
Partners& adds SEP bolstering North West footprint
Partners& has revealed its second deal in a week, buying Merseyside-based broker SEP Insurance.
People Moves: 1 – 5 July 2024
Stay in the loop with the latest insurance personnel moves.
My Insurance Downtime: Woodgate & Clark’s James Fairbairn
James Fairbairn, director of specialist services, Woodgate & Clark loss adjusters, offers us a window into his life outside of insurance, including collecting watches and a love for cricket, 90s indie and ‘finger lickin’ good’ chicken.
Former broker Tracey loses seat as ex-Erskine Murray boss unsuccessful in bid to be MP
Former insurance broker and chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Insurance and Financial Services, Craig Tracey, has lost his seat at the 2024 General Election.
Gauntlet sees first graduate of Broker Builder and ARs joining from other networks
Gauntlet managing director, Roger Gaunt, told Insurance Age he is “frustrated” with the number of account executives that have joined its Broker Builder but highlighted the number of appointed representatives switching from other networks.
And the BIA 2024 broker award winners are…
Former British Insurance Brokers’ Association CEO Steve White was honoured with the Achievement Award at last night’s British Insurance Awards.
FCA trims broker fees hike to 9.3%
The Financial Conduct Authority has confirmed it is raising the financial contribution of the general insurance mediation fee block by 9.3% for 2024/25, down from its initial projection of a 9.8% increase.
Munich Re MGA put into run-off
Munich Re has put GrovesJohnWestrup, its high-net-worth managing general agent, into run-off.
Trudgill: One year as Biba CEO
Graeme Trudgill, CEO of the British Insurance Brokers’ Association, looks to tackle challenges facing brokers as he celebrates a year in the role.