Insurancetimes.co.uk continues its look at the insurance news around the UK.
In today's Belfast Telegraph the Northern Ireland Federation of Small Businesses (FSB NI) claims spiralling insurance premiums are crippling Northern Ireland's small businesses.
The federation said its conclusions point to serious problems for the local economy unless the issue is resolved.
Meanwhile the Birmingham Post reports that West Midland's businesses have been urged to work smarter. Manufacturing Minister Alan Johnson told The Birmingham Post that the region needs to get behind the regional development agency to encourage financial services firms to the area.
Finally the Newcastle Journal reports that Harrogate-based Smart and Cook bought Yorkshire brokers Oughtred and Harrison in a deal worth £20m.
