In Brief

Crawford works for Underwriter
Loss adjuster Crawford & Company has been appointed to the panel of The Underwriter, the new insurer. Simon Burley, head of UK business development, said: "We are delighted that this new player in the London market has employed our expertise." Crawford & Company is the world's largest risk and claims management organisation.

Mossman in awards first
For the first time in its history the British Nautical Awards has nominated someone in the insurance industry. Dennis Mossman, director of Navigators & General, was nominated for the Endeavour Award, in which he was a runner-up. The awards are made by judges from the marine and yachting worlds.

Unitas opens in Birmingham
Unitas, an alliance of eight of the country's largest independent insurance brokers, has established a new central office at Birmingham Business Park near Solihull. Chief executive Les Jackson said the aim was an alliance that combines national strength with local service.

Broker Network net initiative
The Broker Network has launched individual web sites for each of its members. The pages give brokers a presence on the net and provide links to other brokers. Over the coming months, The Broker Network will be assisting members with training on e-commerce and holding a series of focus groups on Internet trading.

Staff receive scheme awards
The largest single group of insurance staff to gain qualifications through the Modern Apprenticeship scheme have been awarded certificates in Wales. The 12 employees of legal expenses insurer DAS got their awards at its motor claims centre in Bedwas. Modern Apprenticeships is a Government-inspired scheme to provide key skills needed in an office environment.

Insolvency figures down
There were 3,450 company insolvencies in England and Wales in the fourth quarter of 1999, according to figures from the Department of Trade and Industry. This was a decrease of 0.5% on the previous quarter and an increase of 1.6% on the same period a year ago. There were 7,351 individual insolvencies, a decrease of 0.6% on the previous quarter and an increase of 11.5% on the same period a year ago.

JLT selects T&C for motor
Broker Jardine Lloyd Thomson has chosen Town & Country Assistance (T&C) to handle its motor claims. Called JLT Corporate Risk, the service provided will include accident management, claims handling and uninsured loss recovery.

Aon, Budget, CGU complaints
Three insurance companies have been the subject of complaints regarding direct marketing and databases in the past month, according to the Advertising Standards Authority. In its latest monthly report, the ASA lists Aon Risk Services, CGU Insurance and Budget Insurance Services among those companies complained of under regulations governing the obtaining, compiling and use of personal information for the purpose of marketing products. The ASA is currently considering the complaints.

Corporate Integrity course
Business consultancy group Corporate Integrity has launched a business continuity programme aimed at enabling business continuity and disaster recovery practitioners to enhance their skills. The first course runs from February 29 to March 2 at the Westminster Hotel, Nottingham.

Thesaurus' art theft web site
Recovery group Thesaurus is to launch new internet service aimed at helping insurance companies, victims and the police to recover stolen art, antiques and collectibles. The company currently has an electronic database search against items coming up for auction and it also produces Trace magazine, which lists hundreds of items stolen each month.

Taylor stays on at Lloyd's
Max Taylor has been reappointed as chairman of Lloyd's for 2000 following a meeting of the Council. Sax Riley and Paul Archard have been appointed as deputy chairmen. Archard has begun his second term as a member of the Council. Riley was made deputy chairman in 1999.

Chubb acquires Danish firm
Chubb Europe has acquired the general insurance business of Danish company PFA Skade-Agentur for an undisclosed sum. PFA Skade-agentur was Chubb Europe's managing agent in Denmark. Chubb Europe chief executive officer, Joel D Aronchick, said it was the company's strategy to grow in Europe.

Exam joy for Touchline staff
Touchline, a subsidiary of insurer Groupama, reports 92% of its staff have passed the CII's Insurance Foundation Certificate. Business analysis manager, Kerry Costello, also won the Worshipful Company of Insurers' prize for achieving the best results for the year's intake of insurers.

Marketing help from VBRA
Bodyshop trade body the Vehicle Builders and Repairers Association (VBRA), is offering its members a range of marketing products to help them promote themselves. VBRA believes a national freephone helpline and web site will allow consumers and businesses alike to obtain information about members and assistance if required.