News from around the conference

PIA IN BROKER SEARCH

Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) is aiming to recruit 100 brokers by the end of the year.

PIA, which is backed by a panel of insurers such as HCC, Hiscox and Brit, creates a link to broker’s websites that allows customers to buy liability insurance, professional indemnity and directors’ and officers insurance online.

PIA has 34 brokers on its books, but believes it can target 100 by the end of the year.

ECCLESIASTICAL GOES ONLNIE

Ecclesiastical is offering its charities and care products online.

The insurer is offering the products on its SW2 Platform. Ecclesiastical said the feedback from brokers had so far been positive.

STERLING TARGETS £100M GWP

Sterling chief executive David Sweeney says he is seeing rates move up 7.5% in high net worth (HNW).

Sweeney said: “I think the market is moving in the right direction. It’s happened because people weren’t making any money.”

Sterling’s distribution is about £40m in high net worth and £35m in commercial in SME, especially motor and non-liability.

Sweeney said he would like to target £100m premium income in the next couple of years.

Sterling is currently assessing results from a broker survey carried out on its products.

MARSH NETWORKS TO INVEST IN IT

Marsh commercial director Julie Page has outlined her commitment to expand Marsh’s network offering.

Marsh has brought its network division all under one roof, with Martyn Denney appointed as Networks Leader reporting to Page.

Denney will control Marsh Intermediary Division, Marsh ProBroker and the former HSBC Insurance Brokers Networks including Labyrinth and Spectrum.

Page said the networks had more capacity to expand, while continuing to help broker start ups.

Marsh would be investing in software technology to make sure brokers who were part of the network had the best products available.

Page said: “Technology is going to be driving a lot of products. That is one of our focuses.”

Other key people in the network include Elizabeth Mills as networks service and operations leader.

Richard Harrison is head of IMD and Bruce Fertnig is head of Marsh ProBroker.

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