Speech recognition
UKI Partnerships has launched a service to provide customers with a speech recognition system for quotations over the phone.
The service, provided by Speechworks, is one of the first to be introduced in UK insurance.
Network SME cover
Broker Network Under-writing, the underwriting agency of The Broker Network, has launched an SME policy backed by Charrington Insurance.
Underwriting manager Debi Mawer said: "We aim to write £1.5m of SME business in the first year, with a target premium spend of £1,000 - £15,000 for a variety of commercial and industrial risks."
Wellbeing for SMEs
BUPA has announced it is making its employee assistance programme, Bupa Wellbeing, available to the small company market.
Bupa head of business sales Ann Greenwood said: "Bupa Wellbeing is designed to help staff cope with problems whether or not they are work-related."
Sachs bike deal
Motorcycle broker MCE has launched a partnership with German bike manufacturer Sachs. MCE said the scheme offers bespoke third-party cover for Sachs owners.
Subsidence service
Claims specialist InFront Solutions has revealed it will begin offering insurers a consultancy service for subsidence claims.
The service is claimed to be the first of its kind in the UK.
It focuses on helping the market improve the processes adopted by claims departments.
Mediquote expands
MediQuote is to include the Bristol Contributory Welfare Association's (BCWA) Group products from February.
This means that the BCWA's Preferential and Vital products will expand Mediquote's offerings to 1,600 intermediaries in the PMI sector.