Esure's India closure
Esure is planning to close down its Indian call centres by January. Chief executive Peter Wood said: "A lot of customers didn't like calls being handled there [India]."
Wood added that while Indian call-centre employees are excellent at keeping to the script and conforming to FSA regulations they can be deficient in flexibility and cultural understanding.
New GAP policy
Brit and Oxygen are underwriting a new guaranteed asset protection (GAP) policy from Holman's. The independent Lloyd's broker is offering finance and invoice GAP products to its network of 2,000 brokers.
Hardie for FirstAssist
FirstAssist Insurance has appointed Alistair Hardie as managing director of its speciality insurance business. Hardie was previously sales director for UK and Ireland at Stonebridge Insurance.
Kiln hurricane warning
Hurricane property cover could rise by 50% next year, despite 2006 being one of the most benign hurricane seasons in decades, according to Kiln. It said storm exposed property rates would continue to rise in 2007 - up to 50% in coastal regions.
Aspen outlook revised
Standard & Poor's has revised its outlook on UK-based Aspen Insurance UK, Aspen Insurance Ltd and Aspen Insurance Holdings (collectively Aspen) to stable from negative.
Drewe turns 50
Family-owned leisure insurance broker K Drewe Insurance Brokers has celebrated 50 years in business.
The Bewdly-based company started in 1956, launched from Kenneth Drewe's home in Kidderminster, Worcs. The company currently occupies all three floors of the historic Posthouse in Bewdley.
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.
