Insight
SRG buys schemes broker Strategic Insurance Services
Specialist Risk Group has signed up to buy Strategic Insurance Services in the consolidator’s first deal since its new backers were revealed.
Sompo adds Axa XL broker boss Allan Murley with regional remit
Sompo has recruited Allan Murley as head of UK insurance distribution from Axa XL to join in the fourth quarter of the year.
Tyler appointed Academy CEO as Normand exits
Academy Insurance Services has named Martin Tyler CEO as Gilles Normand steps down to move into a non-executive career.
CII opens for applications to 13th year of New Generation Programme
The Chartered Insurance Institute is seeking the industry’s rising stars for its 2024 New Generation Programme.
Ex-Aviva CEO Winslow raids former employer again
Direct Line Group has named Maz Bown as group chief risk officer, subject to regulatory approval, joining from Aviva where she was chief risk officer, UK General Insurance and Health.
Meet the MGA: Kova Professions
Having worked in both the insurer and MGA sectors, as well as the FCA, Kate Albert has a well-rounded view of the market. The Kova Professions CEO and founder explains to Jonathan Swift why service has become a point of difference in setting apart her…
Atec Group appoints ex-BGL CEO and aims to accelerate M&A after PE swoop
European private equity investor Perwyn has acquired Atec Group, in an off-market transaction from Kester Capital.
Cowens MD aims for minimum 10% income growth this year
Mark Wilson, managing director of Cowens Group’s general insurance division, told Insurance Age he would be “disappointed” if income didn't grow by at least 10% by the end of the year.
Brokers urged to warn businesses as fire brigade ends automatic alarm response
Axa Commercial has advised London businesses to review their fire risk assessments and staff training after London Fire Brigade announced it would no longer respond to daytime activations of automatic fire alarms in most non-residential buildings from…
Seventeen adds to northern footprint with first Yorkshire buy
Seventeen Group has bought East Pennine Insurance Consultants which trades as Fletcher Smith in Sheffield and North East Insurance Brokers in the North East.
People Moves: 17 – 21 June 2024
Follow for the latest personnel moves in insurance.
Broking Success: Right opportunity
Matthew Collins, founder and managing director of Ascend Broking, targets growing from £14m to £50m gross written premiums in five years as the firm positions itself as a viable alternative to larger brokers.
Are new regional insurer offices the silver bullet to improve broker service?
The insurer retrenchment from the regions might have stopped and indeed been reversed in some cases, but as Ida Axling discovers, new branches, whilst welcome, are not the answer to all the issues over broker service.
Broker moves Accredited-backed MGA capacity to Aviva with extended facility
Norwich-based insurtech broker Pikl has replaced its MGA capacity after signing a deal with Prestige Underwriting, backed by Aviva.
Peach Pi launches bespoke surgery scheme with broker
Peach Pi has partnered with specialist broker Practice Cover to build a bespoke scheme to meet the specific protection requirements of its surgery clients.
R&Q opts for provisional liquidation
Accredited owner R&Q Insurance Holdings has decided to file for provisional liquidation in Bermuda and sell the fronting business through that route.
AUB boss looks to leverage scale as it invests in Momentum
Howard Pepper, founder and managing director of Momentum Broker Solutions, is “excited” by access to the London market through Tysers, after Sydney-based owner AUB signed up to buy a 40% stake in the appointed representatives network.
Rokstone launches in sports personal accident with Amato hire
Managing general agent Rokstone has expanded with a global sports accident portfolio, hiring Graham Amato as underwriter for the launch.
Folgate rating upgraded after Hadron deal
AM Best has removed from under review with positive implications and upgraded the Financial Strength Rating of Folgate Insurance following its acquisition by US hybrid carrier Hadron.
C-Quence switches from NIG to Sompo on P&C
Managing general agent C-Quence has added Sompo as capacity provider for its property casualty and property owners propositions, Insurance Age can reveal.
Whistleblowing to FCA increases
The level of whistleblowing to the Financial Conduct Authority increased in the first quarter of the year, reversing previous declines.
Clegg Gifford to open branch in Tunbridge Wells as network buildout continues
Clegg Gifford is targeting £5m gross written premiums per branch as it looks to open a new location in Tunbridge Wells and relocated its Bristol branch, Insurance Age can reveal.
Devitt posts rises in year of MCE collapse
Motorcycle specialist Devitt Insurance Services grew turnover by 3.3% in 2023 as profits leapt to £4.03m.
AM Best keeps Accredited ratings unchanged during sale turmoil
AM Best has confirmed that the A- (Excellent) ratings of R&Q-owned Accredited remain in place but are still under review.