Stop press...HHH closure

HHH closureHill House Hammond (HHH) said it intended to close its Northampton contact centre. The move would be subject to a period of consultation with the centre's staff. HHH managing director Ken Applegate said the expiry of the centre's lease in 2004 had forced the company to consider its closure.

Converium ratingAM Best assigned an initial financial strength rating of A (excellent) to Converium Insurance UK. It said the rating outlook was stable.

CII study dealThe CII has signed a two-year deal with the Griffiths & Armour Group to supply exams and related study material.

HHH aquisitionHill House Hammond (HHH), the high street insurance broker, has acquired a Bridgeport-based company, Peter Marks Insurance Services.

Tracker recoveriesVehicle information and location solutions company Tracker said it recovered 129 vehicles worth £3,307,000 in October. It said this figure was an increase of 11% from October 2002. Tracker said 72 of the vehicles recovered had been taken after the theft of keys.

TF Bell system Midlands-based broker and IFA, the TF Bell Group, is to use Sirius for Broking and Swift for IFAs software, announced Sirius. In addition to Sirius for Broking and Swift, the TF Bell Group will use Sirius' Stargate system. TF Bell previously used 24-7 Broking and Finale Consultant software.

Jeweller serviceJeweller Mappin & Webb (M&W) has teamed up with the Guild Claims Service (GCS) to offer insurers a tailored service for high value jewellery claims. Under the deal, M&W's shops and workshops will provide replacements and repairs for mid and high net worth policyholders.

Limit ratingMoody's Investors Service assigned a first time B (average) performance rating to Lloyd's Syndicate 2999, Limit Underwriting. The outlook is stable. Moody's said the rating reflected the syndicate's above average capital support from QBE and its management controls.

Fortis appointmentFortis Insurance has appointed Robert Smale as its claims director. Prior to the appointment, Smale was director of claims operations for Norwich Union.