The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has renewed its specialised construction scheme with Renovation Plan, which is part of Howden. The eponymous scheme provides cover for residential and commercial construction, renovation or conversion projects.

The National Insurance Awards 2027 are open for entries. Now in their 14th year, the awards highlight the very best in general insurance provision and management in the UK. Judged by an independent panel of experts for exceptional performance, the awards provide an opportunity for organisations and individuals to showcase their strategies, software and successes from the past year.

Aviva plc has reported an operating profit of £1,326m for the first six months of 2026 – a 24% increase on the £1,068m figure for the same period last year. The carrier's undiscounted combined operating ratio improved by 1.3 percentage points to 93.3%.

Small business and landlord insurance specialist Simply Business has introduced a pet property damage product in partnership with Elevate Specialty. The cover offers up to £5,000 of protection with no excess.

The British Insurance Broker’s Association is to move offices after over 15 years in its current location in Bevis Marks. The Association will relocate on 17 September 2026, to its new home at 24 King William Street, London.

Managing general agent Pen Underwriting has announced an increased multi-million-pound capacity deal to bolster its UK property owners practice. Pen says the new deal will enable it to write £120m in premium over the next three years with a continued focus on sustainable growth.

Markel Insurance has teamed up with data management and data platform provider Verodat. The move is aimed at improving access to high-quality data and strengthening collaboration between Markel, brokers and coverholders by enabling faster processing, clearer oversight and more effective feedback on data quality.

Seventeen Group has acquired Titan Insurance Services, a specialist commercial insurance broker based in Putney, London. Titan operates primarily in the real estate, construction and leisure sectors.

Digital risk processing platform Cytora has partnered with GeoX AI to incorporate its geo data and property intelligence.

Cloud-based software provider Insurity has partnered with Insurance Technology Services to help insurers modernise their core technology platforms and deliver transformation programmes.

Acies MGU has launched TEDmar International, a new MGA specialising in ports and terminals, led by marine market experts, Mark Trevitt and Charlie Newman. The new international offering is supported by a consortium of Lloyd’s capacity and offers a full package of cover for P&T operators and port authorities.

Aviva has announced investment in its financial lines segment, with the launch of a new regional network of underwriters for its financial institutions capability. Brokers will be able to access local financial institutions underwriting expertise through Aviva’s regional offices, building on its existing London capability.

Allianz UK has joined the broker panel for Sky Protect Home Insurance. Under the arrangement, the insurer will be responsible for pricing, underwriting and claims handling on policies it underwrites as part of Sky Protect’s home insurance product.

The rate of solar panel fires is rising faster than the rate of installations, with fires up 133% over four years to the end of 2025, compared to a 52% increase in solar panel installations, according to research from business insurer QBE.

Admiral Group has reported turnover of £3.1bn for H1 2026, which was the same as in the same period last year. Customer numbers rose by 600,000 to reach 12 million, but profit before tax fell by £92m (18%) to £429m. The combined operating ratio deteriorated slightly, moving up from 77.7% to 78.5%.

Markel has developed a new e-trade broker portal for brokers – Markel Hub – which it says will make it faster and easier for brokers to trade with it. The hub gives brokers access to quotations, renewals, mid-term adjustments, client management and claims across Markel’s range of products.