Harry McNeil, Insurance Times Journalist Profile

Articles

Commercial Court Covid BI case set to impact composite policy interpretation

1 week ago | insurancetimes.co.uk | Harry McNeil

Law firm says interpretation of ‘any one loss’ could have market-wide impactThe specialist London-based Commercial Court – a division of the UK’s High Court – has heard the latest stage in an ongoing business interruption (BI) insurance case brought by Bath Racecourse Company and others against Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe, Allianz Insurance and Aviva Insurance that has potential ramifications on the interpretation of composite policies.
Political risk insurance demand up 33% following trade disruption - Howden

2 weeks ago | insurancetimes.co.uk | Harry McNeil

‘With demand for CPRI protection rising, now is the time for the market to step up even further,’ says deputy chief executiveDemand for political risk insurance rose by 33% in the last year as global clients sought protection against heightened geopolitical tension, macroeconomic uncertainty and supply chain disruption.
Who triumphed at the Claims Excellence Awards 2025?

2 weeks ago | insurancetimes.co.uk | Harry McNeil

The gala event celebrates ’the companies that have thoughtfully considered and actioned ways to iron out and improve claims processes and impacts,’ says Insurance Times editorThe best of the UK general insurance (UKGI) claims sector came together last night (22 May 2025) for a glittering evening of recognition and celebration at the 2025 Claims Excellence Awards, an Insurance Times event.
Allianz reportedly on the hook as M&S cyber claim could hit £100m

2 weeks ago | insurancetimes.co.uk | Harry McNeil

The cyber attack on the retailer first came to light last monthMarks and Spencer (M&S) could reportedly claim up to £100m following a severe cyber attack that caused weeks of disruption. The retailer confirmed last week that hackers accessed limited personal customer data in an attack that first came to light on 22 April 2025. The business said that no account passwords or payment data were compromised.
HDI Global appoints ex-RSA and Allianz leader to strengthen broker relationships

2 weeks ago | insurancetimes.co.uk | Harry McNeil

’I look forward to contributing to a leading insurer’s expansion in the international arena,’ says appointeeHDI Global has appointed Phil McDowell as its new global sales and distribution lead for international programmes and captives. In his new role, McDowell will focus on strengthening HDI Global’s relationships with global brokers and work closely with the firm’s local sales and distribution teams to launch new marketing campaigns targeting global and regional broker partners.
Biba 2025: Ecclesiastical sets sights on £500m GWP for UKGI arm

2 weeks ago | insurancetimes.co.uk | Harry McNeil

’There’s no specific timeframe, but we’re focusing on broadening our appetite and commerciality,’ says managing directorSpecialist insurer Ecclesiastical is ”on a path to doubling the size” of its UK general insurance business. That was according to Richard Coleman, managing director at Ecclesiastical UK, who said that he is aiming for the UKGI arm to reach £500m in gross written premium (GWP).
Mansion impossible: Temporary HNW housing shortage tests industry agility

2 weeks ago | insurancetimes.co.uk | Harry McNeil

‘London boroughs, for example, are facing an emergency situation with soaring costs for temporary accommodation,’ says private clients account executiveInsurers and brokers are grappling with rising pressure to source appropriate temporary accommodation for high net worth (HNW) clients after supply shortages in prime UK regions continue to escalate claims costs and delay restoration processes.
Biba 2025: SSP Broker boss vows to ‘do better’ after last place eTrading score

3 weeks ago | insurancetimes.co.uk | Harry McNeil

‘It fuels my motivation to try and do better – great start, heck of a lot more to do,’ says software house managing directorMartyn Mathews, managing director at insurance software firm SSP Broker, pledged to improve the customer experience and trading performance delivered by the business after it fell to the bottom of the rating table in the software house category of Insurance Times’ Five Star Rating Report: eTrading 2025, published in May 2025.
Live chat rise and lost phone calls show digital tension in commercial lines

3 weeks ago | insurancetimes.co.uk | Harry McNeil

ETrading ‘probably works 90% of the time, but the angst of that 10% is disproportionate,’ says chief executive Brokers have urged insurers to focus on refining the final 10% of digital trading journeys in commercial lines, warning that minor system inefficiencies often cause outsized disruption in day-to-day operations.
Biba 2025: Sompo aims to double underwriting headcount in regional presence push

3 weeks ago | insurancetimes.co.uk | Harry McNeil

’We’re here for the long term and we’re here to grow – and we’re here to make a difference,’ says headSompo has revealed that it is aiming to double its underwriting headcount outside London over the next two to three years. Speaking to Insurance Times at the Biba Conference on 14 May 2025, Allan Murley, head of UK distribution at Sompo, outlined that the insurer was committed to regional growth and raising its profile among UK brokers.