Don’t believe the gloom merchants because things are definitely on the up. For example, Ageas profits are up 38%. esure’s GWP is up to over £124 million in the last quarter and Hiscox is up a massive 12.3% over the same period. Not to be outdone, Jelf has reported a healthy increase in revenues and profits for the six month period up to the end of March 2013.

Optimism is flourishing in other areas too with CCV announcing the acquisition of Waveney Insurance Brokers and Thomas Carroll opening a new west Wales headquarters in the centre of Haverfordwest to serve existing and new clients in Pembrokeshire. Sterling has announced a long-term contract appointing QuestGates to act as their liability claims department, while a five year extension of SSP’s deal with Swinton was completed to provide IT facilities for its branch network, call centre and web-based operations.

Product development is not standing still either with Groupama Insurance making their Optima Classic Bike product available on Open GI and LV= entering the caravan market with a new caravan product that includes cover for awnings and equipment as standard. Plum Underwriting is also re-launching its HomeWorks product aimed at householders renovating, refurbishing or extending their homes.

In other news BIBA has proposed changes to its governance structure following a strategic review and also a change of supplier for its loss recovery scheme from Lorega to DAS. Staying with things BIBA the CII Director of Communications, David Ross, offers a post conference view by way of a follow-up on his pre-conference article.

Meanwhile the Ageas household claims teams are glowing after being awarded the ServiceMark accreditation by the Institute of Customer Service and Towergate are suitably pleased after announcing the renewal of their Chartered Insurance Broker and Chartered Insurer status.

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