Press Articles

Brokers in Support

01 June 2001

What about brokers and insurers behind the system? How will major regional brokers Bland Blankart and Smart & Cook do for a start - both are actively participating in the development of the system. Norwich Union, AXA and Independent are also supporting the venture. Paul Meehan at Smart & Cook expects that implementing the Acturis solution will significantly improve profitability. Philip Bland of Bland Blankart discussed with me the company's reasons for backing Acturis and confirmed that it is his company's intention in due course to use the system throughout the organisation, including for personal lines.

Acturis's current emphasis is on commercial because that is where the big changes and savings can be made, but technology being used to good effect on personal lines will also be available, including connectivity with Polaris. With the two supporting brokers being part of The Broker Alliance and Unitas respectively, it'll be interesting to see whether Acturis spreads to other brokers in these networks.

The Acturis product is not yet complete, and is planned to be delivered in the early part of 2002. There are no rash promises and the company appears to be in no rush - although the April launch was no doubt influenced by 24/7's high profile at Belfast. The Acturis philosophy is about doing a good job well and not about over-promising and under-delivery, with no room for hollow marketing and salesmanship, as they put it. They aim to build a lasting and admired company to provide value to brokers and insurers 'Don't jump at the current offerings and wait until nearer 2002' is their message to brokers. Now they would say that, wouldn't they!

Insurance Brokers' Monthly


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