Expert insight, analysis and commentary across the entire protection industry.
by ProtectionReview 23/08/11
In early August London and other UK cities burned, the torch lit by wanton vandalism and lack of self discipline. This, of course provides yet another headache for the insurance sector at the claims end of the equation. But what of the other end, the creative, market-responsive supply side? As the flames enveloped British cities I read a fascinating piece in the the Economist; called 'Turning Silver into Gold', it focused on the way creative thinking and marketing is being called into action in Japan, by retailers having to come to terms with the realities of a disturbingly large population of…
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by ProtectionReview 23/08/11 5QI
Nick Kirwan, ABI 1. What has been the best moment of your career to date? The thing I’m most proud of is delivering the ABI Code on claims and non-disclosure. The reputation of the protection industry, especially CI, was in shreds because too many claims were turned down. Now we’re in a completely different place and I think this played a huge part in turning things around. 2. What was the first record you ever bought? OMG – this is so embarrassing but I’ll just have to man-up. Bits and Pieces by the Dave Clark Five – anyone out there…
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by ProtectionReview 11/08/11
Is the group protection sector gearing up for auto-enrolment? Why should it, you might ask? Pensions, it’s about pensions. And that is true. To make matters worse, it will also squeeze the amount of money employers have available to fund benefits. A huge number of employers will be aiming to do the very minimum and may regard it as another tax on employment along with NI. Even those with good GPPs may see the great pension reform increasing the financial burden and they may seek to minimise costs. So how can this be an opportunity? Well, here are three or four…
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by ProtectionReview 03/08/11
What are you afraid of? Coulrophobia; that’s what I have – no don’t worry it not catching – it means a fear of clowns. I mean; their leering fixed smiles, and hidden painted faces, ergh, still give me the shivers. However, I am not alone, the NHS estimates 10 million Britons have some form of fear or phobia, and nearly 2% of us suffer severe phobia that affects all aspects of daily life1. Some of the more common phobias are quite well known, my wife for example is an arachnophobe (fear of spiders), where as my mother in…
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by ProtectionReview 02/08/11
Who's best positioned to look after your mum when dementia kicks in? The recently published Dilnot Report understandably focused on the economics and affordability of Long Term Care but may I suggest that a key consideration was not addressed - the fact that Care Homes are not a viable part of a Long Term Care 'architecture' or strategy. They're more likely to be part of a Care problem than part of a Care solution because we are not psychologically equipped, as a species, to look after non-relatives on a long term basis. My sister and I are carers for our…
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