In Brief

Young firms on lookout for flexibility
An office services company based near Lloyd's has experienced a surge of interest from young insurance companies expanding in the market. HQ Global Workplaces, which works in business continuity, said insurance entrepreneurs are increasingly looking for flexibility in contracts for office accommodation. Sales director Philip Dodson said fast-growing insurance companies prefer its flexible arrangements to potentially restrictive long-term leases. Up to half of the 22 companies leasing its Fenchurch Avenue offices are insurers including, an insurance software business.

Max Taylor is reappointed
Members of the Council of Lloyd's have re-appointed Max Taylor as their chairman for the following year. He was first elected to the council in 1997 and has worked for brokers Willis for 27 years, reaching the post of group executive director. The council has also appointed two deputy chairman. Saxon Riley is a director of brokers Marsh, and Paul Archard is managing director of Lloyd's managing agency PXRE. Archard has begun his second term as a working member of the council.