We were intrigued to read the commentary on the "competition row" surrounding Fusion Underwriting Agency (News, 9 February) because of echoes from the past.

The panel insurers have no problem when they come to quote 'direct' against business already held by their brokers.

This has spread from the motor field (Norwich Union, for example) into the commercial field (AXA, for example, which is ringing up broker clients and offering quotes even when it is told the client is already insured with AXA).

Here we have an additional scenario in terms of "muscle in the market" as exhibited by Towergate.

Towergate is of course an independent company and has a lot of bright ideas, but that is where we have heard it all before.

Tim Dowlen
Director
Argent Insurance Brokers

The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.

Topics