Industry News - November, 2008

William Russell has unveiled a series of discounts for small groups of expatriate employees.

Firms which have up to 19 expatriate staff will be able to get a ten per cent discount on the insurance services firm's global life and global income protection policies.

Additionally, a five per cent discount will be available on the same products for businesses with between thr... more...

Friends Provident has signalled its intent to grow in Asia by buying a 30 per cent stake in a Malaysian company.

The financial services firm has entered into an agreement with AMMB Holdings Berhad which will see it gain a 30 per cent share in AmLife Insurance Berhad.

Friends will pay £30 million for the business, which it describes as having "excellent potential".
more...

Axa has launched a new product for freight companies at a conference for insurance intermediaries in Dubai.

Logistics Secure is a package of insurance services for companies carrying cargo, which includes insurance for the cargo itself, cargo-related liabilities, property, compensation for workmen and employer's liabilities.

It is aimed to suit the needs of firms in the ... more...

Some £9 million will be spent by Aviva in a bid to dump its Norwich Union brand, according to a report.

The Eastern Daily Press revealed that a large advertising campaign will be launched on Boxing Day by the company to change its insurance services brand.

According to the newspaper, the advert will focus on big stars who have changed their names, including Walter W... more...

A legal firm has launched a strategy which will see it focus on client links in countries which are less affected by the economic downturn.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has cut down on its legal marketing in various key markets to free up resources in order to build relationships with clients in stronger economies.

It has now created a team to identify attractive areas ... more...

Businesses are now able to send next-day delivery mail straight from their PC through a service from UK Mail.

Marketers using imail will now be able to launch campaigns in both a cheaper and more environmentally-friendly manner.

They use a software package on their computer to create the message, which is then physically created at the UK Mail sort-centre closest to its intended destination.

Costs are lowered by 60 per cent while the carbon footprint reduction is 80 pe... more...

The Association of Mutual Insurers (AMI) has called on insurance providers to attend a national forum on December 4th.

It hopes that a joint insurance marketing campaign can be created which will improve the firms' relations as they attempt to deal with a decline of trust in financial institutions by society.

The AMI said that it would "support working with other mu... more...

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has announced an update to its Retail Distribution Review (RDR), which may have an affect on marketing in the industry.

In the future, all independent financial advisers (IFAs) and other advice providers will need to inform customers whether the advice they are receiving is independent or sales-based.

Additionally, costs are to be agreed with clients upfront and a code of ethics and behaviour for the industry will be created.

The ... more...