Insurance companies are aggressively pursuing internet initiatives and investing significantly in eventures but not in staff skills, according to a study by management consultancy PMI in conjunction with the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), launched last week.

“Chief executives do not particularly feel like they have a gun pointed at their heads urging them to go ‘e' or die,” it was found.

But it was found that “people within the industry are less ‘techno-confident' than they care to admit”.

The internet was seen as only one of a host of channels that customers choose to interact with an insurance company.

But it was expected the balance of power would transfer from insurance providers to the end consumer, with companies needing to tailor their product to the individual.

There was found to be a need to concentrate on core competencies and outsource other work. “It is deemed that the insurance industry needs to concentrate more on activities that add shareholder value.”

A number of needs were identified:

  • to generate higher shareholder returns
  • to determine the business model to be adopted to compete on the internet
  • to prioritise IT requirements to compete successfully online
  • to step up ebusiness-related training and to review employment packages.


  • 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.

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