Aon's joint venture
Aon's joint venture
Employee benefits specialist Aon Consulting has formed a joint venture with its sister company, insurance broker Aon Risk Services called Aon Employee Risk Solutions (AERS). The new company aims to help businesses faced with not only the high costs of absenteeism, but also the growing risks from employee litigation to manage employee risk in a practical way. Clients will also get advice on legal compliance.
Admiral gets assistance
Fast-expanding direct motor insurer Admiral has linked up with roadside assistance company Call Assist. Admiral, which expects to employ 600 more staff over the next three years, is offering Call Assist roadside packages to all 500,000 policyholders.
Finsure has got it covered
Premium finance house Finsure, a subsidiary of NIG, has clinched an exclusive contract with Coversure Insurance Services. The two companies are working towards full EDI implementation by the end of the year. Point of sale documentation is already available to franchise holders. Coversure agency director Nick Hollands said: "We are delighted to be working with Finsure."
Diary column next month
Insurance Times is launching a diary column in its Legal Focus next month which will contain news and views about makers and shakers in the insurance litigation world. If anyone has any gossip, information or opinions they would like to share please e-mail Alison Boyle at alison@instimes.co.uk
Blackham adds to regional
Layton Blackham has added Norwich brokers Utting Burnell to its regional network - its 12th acquisition under their Quantum Leap initiative in three years. Richard Burnell, principal of Utting Burnell, said its partnership with Layton Blackham will add significantly to its buying power and competitiveness. Chris Blackham, of Layton Blackham, said it is planning further acquisitions.
Workshop goes up in smoke
The Chartered Insurance Institute and the International Underwriting Association of London have joined forces with the Joint Pollution Working Group to offer a two-day seminar on underwriting pollution risks. It will be held at the Business Centre of Aston University, Birmingham, on 27-28 April, and has backing from the ABI, Lloyd's, the Environment Agency and the Loss Prevention Council.
Norman rating rises to strong
Norman Insurance has seen its Standard & Poor's rating raised to A-pi (strong) to reflect its strong capitalisation, reserving and good overall level of earnings. It follows seven consecutive years when the UK arm of French multi-national MMA has been subject to a BBB (secure) rating.
Safety seminar at Café Royal
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health is hosting a conference for executives and senior managers on April 5 and 6 at London's Café Royal. The conference is aimed at people with direct influence over decisions that will have an impact on safety, health and the environment, such as senior executives and directors.
Airline package launched by SOS
An assistance package designed to reduce airline diversions by 40% has been launched by assistance company International SOS. The aviation assistance programme provides airline staff with a direct line to an International SOS alarm centre, where physicians trained in aviation medicine are instantly available to deal with passenger medical problems.
Site gives details of land-use data
Site-specific environmental, geological and land-use data is now available online for the first time through Sitescope Online, www.sitescope. co.uk. To mark the launch, Sitescope is offering free searches to environmental specialists and other property professionals until Friday, March 3.
Hill scheme goes to Gibraltar
Intermediary Warren Hill has exported a small business scheme to Gibraltar. Managing director David Perry told the Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses that those commercial business products currently provided by CGU to the UK equivalent organisation had been exported. He added: "It is vital that we demonstrate our ability to deliver products across the continent."
New shipping booklet out
The latest edition of P&I Clubs Law and Practice is now available, providing the shipping industry with the latest developments in the insurance these clubs offer. The revised third version deciphers the ever-increasing complexities of insurance claims. Developments since the last edition include the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 and new legislation on oil pollution.
Manches has e-mail service
Law firm Manches is launching an e-mail-based legal information service for the insurance industry. It will issue short periodical updates on legal development affecting insurance, such as the legal implications of e-commerce and the net for insurers. To receive a copy e-mail charles.gordon@manches.co.uk
Principal firms set to merge
Marketing companies Principal Choice and Principal Dynamics are to merge from April 1. The companies say the merger is to broaden each other's client base.
Teams ready to hit peaks
Insurers are being challenged to take part in the 24 Peaks Challenge for the Children's Aid Direct. So far 20 teams have signed up, including Independent Insurance. Each must scale 24 peaks in the Lake District within 24 hours, on June 3 and 4, and raise £5,000 each. For details telephone (0118) 953 3238.
New brokers join association
The International Insurance Brokers Association has admitted five new members to its network. They are: the UK's United Insurance Brokers; ADH and Roederer from France; Skagerak from Norway; and Mentor from Poland. The IBA network provides insurance brokerage, risk management and employee benefit consulting services.
Insurers set for beautiful game
The Insurance Euro 2000 football tournament has been announced by City solicitors Paisner & Co. It will take place in London in the week starting June 19 to coincide with Euro 2000. An Insurance World Cup took place in 1998.
