In Brief

Zurich targets under 25s
Zurich is hoping to widen its appeal to the under-25s market with the offer of comprehensive motor cover. Younger drivers have traditionally been quoted higher premiums because insurers assume they require wider cover. But Zurich said its offer to under-25s through its Car Solutions product will help brokers retain existing clients and attract new drivers. Max Todd market development manager explained: "The opportunity to sell non-comprehensive cover as an additional product and comprehensive cover to under-25-year-olds provides insurance intermediaries with an excellent opportunity to increase their customer base."

KLM in deal with T&C
KLM has appointed Town and Country Assistance for full management claims handling and uninsured loss recovery for their 250-vehicle fleet. Town and Country specialises in motor claims administration and offers risk management solutions to corporate clients and independent, national and international insurers.

Cox's new logo
Cox Insurance has unveiled a new corporate logo underlining its strengthening position in the personal and commercial lines markets. The revamp is intended to update the insurer's image and enhance its profile with key insurance brokers. Last year the insurer wrote £380 million worth of premium business.

Riots planned
Anarchists are planning to target London's financial centre in a repeat of June's anti-capitalist demonstration. Details of the plot have been discovered on the internet. Activists are reportedly organising a series of worldwide protests to coincide with a meeting of the World Trade Organisation on November 30. June 18's demonstration escalated into a riot and resulted in damage to many key City institutions, including the LIFFE building.

CMG in £17m deal
IT services group CMG has won a £17m deal to create a virtual operations company for leading independent financial adviser Towry Law. CMG's management consultancy, IFA software systems and technical know-how will help Towry Law to re-engineer its business processes and aid its plans to grow organically and through acquisition.

CGU anti-crime partnership
CGU has launched a £300,000 crime reduction initiative in partnership with the National Neighbourhood Watch Association. Known as CGU Neighbourhood Crime Check, the initiative is in response to a recent survey which found that 50% of people would offer time to a community activity that could reduce crime by 30%. Crime Check aims to equip 25,000 people with skills and expertise to build crime-beating neighbourhoods. A total of 3,000 people associated within their communities as anti-crime champions will receive training, and will then train others who wish to participate.

IPS opens Leeds office
Insurance Personnel Selection Group (IPS) has opened a Leeds office, following the acquisition of accountancy recruitment consultancy, Forsyth and Kayee, in July. Under the management of Greg Jones, new IPS consultants will work alongside Forsyth and Kayee specialists in the newly refurbished offices. The move will allow IPS to service the requirements of existing national clients.

Law firms are poised to merge
The partners of two business law firms, Lovell White Durant and Boesebeck Droste, have voted to merge their operations from the start of next year. The combined firm, to be known as Lovell's, will have 220 partners, 800 other lawyers and legal staff in 23 offices across Europe, Asia and the USA. The move is part of a development strategy to create a fully integrated international law firm offering cross border legal services. One of Lovell White Durrant's best known clients, the Granada Media Group, endorsed the move. "It makes sense for Lovells to build an intergrated European practice," said Granada chairman, Gerry Robinson.

All change on the travel front
Travellers Insurance Association changed its name this week when it adopted the name of parent company CGU Insurance. CGU has merged the company into its Corporate Partnership Division, which specialises in developing business to business products for the travel and leisure market.