Weblog

The year has flown by and already the major insurers and brokers are reporting their first quarter results. Financial news sites around the world reported results for RSA, Zurich and Marsh, to name but a few. With most companies feeling the strain of the tough economic conditions, Q1 results will provide a snapshot of how firms are coping in the recession and how they plan to dig themselves out of it, so expect some hefty online coverage of these concerns as the weeks and months pass.

At insurancetimes.co.uk breaking news came thick and fast. Insurance Times’ exclusive interview with Towergate chief executive Andy Homer delivered some interesting results and the story “Towergate chief reveals plan to lose up to one in 10 staff” was a hit among our online users, with many also choosing to read the full interview online first.

Elsewhere, the new management at Hastings Direct dipped into its war chest to make its first acquisition. Others are expected to follow, so keep an eye out for developments.

Insurancetimes.co.uk’s exclusive Biba countdown got conference-goers in the mood with entries from the Biba team as well as brokers and insurers on their plans for this week’s Manchester event, Biba 2009 (see below, left). Don’t forget, if you’ve got a camera, we want your photos from the conference. Send them to me and they could appear first at Insurancetimes.co.uk.

Check out the site for the latest blogs, including a second instalment from Lorega boss John Sims, who enjoyed writing his first guest blog so much, he came back for more.

Online Top 5

• Towergate chief reveals plan to lose up to one in 10 staff
• Hastings swoops for specialist broker
• Crawford quits RBSI for Davies
• Former Allianz commercial boss Hanks in new launch
• Five things you didn't know about...