I was interested to read the news item "Alexander adds ARs" (10 June, Insurance Times) noting that broker Stuart Alexander plans to take on employment consultants as well as property managing agents as appointed representatives.
However, I take exception to the comment from Stuart Alexander's Andy Poole that brokers' advice to secondary intermediaries ranges from "non-existent" to "ill-informed".
Over the past 18 months Deacon Insurance Services, for one, has mounted a sustained information campaign to property managing agents.
It has produced advice packs and published information at regular intervals on its website and in newsletters.
Working with Biba and with the Association of Residential Managing Agents we have made it a priority to help property managing agents absorb and assess the likely impact of the FSA rules as they have emerged, and to enable them to take appropriate business decisions as a result.
As it has been well documented by various sources, we believe that secondary intermediaries should consider the full implication of becoming appointed representatives before making their decision on which route to take to meet FSA requirements.
We will continue to offer support and guidance as the real challenges emerge for our business partners to become and remain compliant with FSA rules.
John Gorham
Compliance manager
Deacon Insurance Services
Letters intended for publication should be sent to Insurance Times, 30 Cannon Street, London, EC4M 6YJ, or faxed to 020 7618 3499, or emailed to
letters@instimes.co.uk
