SME
Zurich boosts Bristol, Southampton and Leeds in regional push
Zurich UK has opened new offices in Bristol and Leeds, as well as adding underwriting expertise in Southampton, expanding its regional network to 10, Insurance Age can reveal.
Burns & Wilcox looks towards M&As, recruitment and online SMEs to bolster growth
The managing general agent and underwriting business has plans to expand its team, and is open to mergers and acquisitions as a tool for growth during 2023.
FCA opens survey on SME thresholds for FOS insurance complaints
The Financial Conduct Authority has launched a review on shifting the thresholds for SMEs to be able to refer complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service, as it revealed there have been 1,835 insurance complaints since the rules came into force on 1…
In depth: Why resilience is key to an holistic risk management solution
While overseeing risk continues to be part of the insurance conversation, Martin Friel discovers there is a greater understanding that protecting a business is less about focusing on particular incidents – and more about its resiliency as a whole.
The stats: The only way is up - Q4’s commercial premiums continue to rise
Businesses are yet again facing more costly cover with the Acturis Commercial Broking Index revealing increases across the board, reports Rachel Gordon.
Aviva’s Winslow insists ‘we can do more’ to return broker service to pre-2019 levels
With rates continuing to rise, Adam Winslow, CEO of Aviva UK & Ireland general insurance has stressed that it can do more when helping brokers through the challenging market.
Opinion: Limited or unreliable information can lead to underinsurance
Brokers need to work with policyholders to push for better quality and more frequent surveys to combat underinsurance, argues Paul Mayer, valuations manager at Sedgwick.
Thin end of the wedge – Could an FCA property commissions crackdown extend to all SME products?
Could the government’s plan to ban insurance commissions being taken by landlords, managing agents and freeholders on buildings insurance be extended to other lines? Saxon East looks at what might happen if this proves to be the start of something more…
Beazley posts 14% GWP growth as profits nearly halve in 2022
Beazley has reported gross written premiums of $5.27bn (£4.4bn) for 2022, up by 14% on the year before.
Clear snaps up IFM Insurance Brokers
Clear Group has acquired Sheffield-based broker IFM Insurance Brokers.
CFC targets start-ups and SMEs with intellectual property policy
CFC has launched a product specifically designed to protect start-ups and small businesses from threats to their intellectual property.
Amb Insurance Services doubles with Mercer Jones & Company buy
Newcastle-under-Lyme-based Amb Insurance Services has snapped up Stoke on Trent-based Mercer Jones & Company taking its gross written premium up to £6m.
In depth: The importance of cyber crime education for both brokers and SMEs
The potential seriousness of cyber attacks and their increasing frequency are big concerns to both brokers and their clients. Martin Friel investigates how important education around this risk can be.
In depth: Are SMEs behind the times with cyber insurance?
Despite the majority of SMEs not holding any cyber insurance, these attacks are increasing. And despite their size, Martin Friel finds that many smaller businesses are more at risk than larger companies.
Meet the MGA: Fusion Specialty UK
As Fusion Specialty UK begins trading, managing partner Josh Cowen and partner Sam Shirley discuss why technology is key to their plans for the SME-focused mergers and acquisitions MGA.
Interview: Warren Dickson, Aston Lark
Aston Lark UK retail managing director Warren Dickson says the broker is a different period of expansion with office openings ahead. Navigating the struggling UK economy is also a challenge, but one he is up for.
Killer of insurance broker jailed for life with a minimum term of 12 years
A man who stabbed an insurance broker to death has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 12 years.
Aston Lark eyes widespread regional expansion in next phase of growth
Aston Lark will look at opening branch offices as it seeks to expand its regional footprint across the UK, according to UK retail managing director Warren Dickson.
Start-up The Yorkshire Broker targets SME
A new commercial insurance broker, The Yorkshire Broker, which is set to launch officially in the SME market in February has shared its frustration over the Financial Conduct Authority’s lengthy application process.
Atec leader sets out doubling target
Atec, parent company for Ceta Insurance and Arkel, has plans to more than double its business through organic growth in niche insurance lines over the next five years and will continue to pursue strategic acquisitions.
David Howden hails double digit UK organic growth and promises more buys
Howden Group CEO, David Howden, has praised the “very strong” and “across the board” organic growth in the business’ UK “pillars” as he revealed the progress at Aston Lark and A Plan.
Biba eschews stuffing manifesto with simple, low hanging fruit, says White
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association’s manifesto is not a “bellyache” document but one full of solutions, CEO Steve White told Insurance Age.
Biba flags concern on businesses cutting cyber cover
Some 40% of members involved in research by the British Insurance Brokers' Association told the trade body they had clients who were no longer insuring their cyber risks due to the cost of living crisis.
Zurich to expand claims concierge service to commercial and SME mid-market customers from Q1
Zurich UK has launched a bespoke concierge service for its personal lines customers in a move it claimed was an industry-first.