Two former directors of collapsed broker Preston Whiteside will face trial for fraud in 2007.

Paul Newton and Matthew Walker face charges of fraudulent trading and forgery, and are alleged to have defrauded policyholders of £3.5m.

The Serious Fraud Office alleges that Preston Whiteside sat in the centre of a wholesale broking chain selling policies without insurers' permission. Its investigation has spanned three years.

Following a preliminary hearing held at Sheffield Crown Court last week, the two defendants will be called back to court on 17 July.

The SFO told Insurance Times: "No trial date has been set, but there is an indication that it will be held in early January 2007."

The trial of Michael Bright and two other former directors of Independent Insurance is also set to begin next year, around Easter. They have been charged with conspiracy to defraud.

The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

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.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.