Managing general agent OneBefore, which focuses on accident, absence, health and travel insurance, has agreed a distribution partnership with digital healthcare solutions platform CoverCubed Limited. The deal expands OneBefore’s reach into the SME market and marks CoverCubed’s entry into the UK – it has an established presence in South Africa.

Liberty Mutual Reinsurance has signed a memorandum of intent with the European Space Agency’s Business Applications and Space Solutions operation, which was formed in 2010 and has since supported 750 projects to help companies deliver space-based services and products.

Mobile network provider EE has teamed up with insurer Chubb to launch a gadget insurance product that offers cover for multiple devices. The policy offers damage cover that includes accidental damage, extended warranty, worldwide protection, and manufacturer-approved repair or replacement. Policyholders can also choose to include cover for loss and theft.

Automation platform business Unitary has joined the British Insurance Brokers’ Association as an associate member. Unitary said it had enjoyed success with managing general agent clients and wanted to grow the number of brokers it supported.

Underwriting platform and services provider Asta, which is a Davies company, has launched financial lines managing general agent Verde Risk Management. It will offer cover to UK and international clients for risks including commercial crime and management liability. Verde will operate as an appointed representative of Asta Underwriting Management Ltd.

Private equity form Inflexion has acquired Ascend Broking Group, which is based in Essex and has around 30 employees. Inflexion said the deal also marked the launch of a new insurance broker platform that would support independent brokers in managing everything from regulatory compliance and IT systems to corporate infrastructure and back-office finance.

The Lloyd’s Market Association has outlined its priorities for 2026 and said it would focus on underwriting, technical expertise, simplification of the market through digitalisation and regulatory issues. The LMA said a lot of work would also go into lobbying for its members in relation to the new Lloyd’s strategy, which is due to be announced in the coming months.

Managing general agent Amiga Specialty has secured Lloyd’s capacity to support and expand its financial institutions proposition. Amiga said the capacity would give it greater flexibility to support clients with international operations and cross-border exposures. The proposition is aimed at asset managers, investment firms, funds, banks, and fintech companies.

Nexus Underwriting has acquired Sure Insurance Services, which specialises in providing medical tourism travel cover. Alison Thornbury founded Sure Insurance Services in 2003. The business will become part of Millstream Underwriting, which Nexus has owned since 2015.

Motor insurance specialist AND-E, which is part of the Japanese insurance business MS&AD Group, has announced plans to increase the headcount at its claims centre in Newcastle by 30%. The centre handles claims for brands including Toyota, Lexus, and Kwik Fit.

QBE is gearing up to expand its professional indemnity proposition and launch a media PI product in Europe. It has recruited Lucy Smith and Hannah Dennis as senior media PI underwriter and media PI underwriter respectively. Both join from Tokio Marine HCC.

Findings from the Lloyd’s 2025 culture survey show that the market outperforms the financial services benchmark in 26 out of 28 metrics. The survey was conducted across the corporation, managing agents and brokers between September and October last year.

Partners& has acquired Hull-based broker STP Risk Solutions. Richard Storey established the firm in 20216. It is a general brokerage with a focus on property and a team of five. Partners& said the acquisition would strengthen its presence in the North East and add specialist skills to its existing operations.

Digital insurance provider Starpeak is planning to launch new products in the personal lines and micro-SME markets to further boost the 24% growth it achieved in gross written premium in 2025. In 2024, it achieved a turnover of more than £12m.

The number of pet insurance products has more than doubled since August 2023, according to a report published by Consumer Intelligence. It said the increase was creating confusion and complexity for consumers due to the proliferation of excess structures, co-payments and veterinary fee limits.

Managing general agent KGM, which specialises in the motor market, has renewed its capacity deal with Zurich UK. Under the deal, KGM has secured in excess of £2bn in gross written premium for the next five years.