The real advantage of straight-through processing in the Lloyd’s market
May 31, 2021 by Greg MeckbachManaging general agents who can place small business coverage digitally through the Lloyd’s market are at a competitive advantage over MGAs using traditional paper-based processes, an insurtech CEO suggests. “We are one of the very few MGAs that has straight…
Are you offering insurance products that your clients want during the pandemic?
March 16, 2021 by Jason ContantSeven in 10 consumers and small business owners want home protection and usage-based insurance policies for the current remote working environment, a recent survey from Ernst & Young found. “With consumers spending more time at home and online, new concerns…
B.C. eases requirements, extends deadline for small business recovery grants
March 5, 2021 The Canadian PressVICTORIA – The B.C. government has eased the eligibility requirements and extended the deadline for small and medium-sized businesses applying for funds under its $345-million pandemic recovery grant program. Businesses with up to 149 employees must now show a 30…
Nearly two-thirds of small businesses would use rapid testing of employees: survey
February 19, 2021 The Canadian PressOTTAWA – Nearly two-thirds of Canadian small businesses would consider using rapid testing to screen employees if it would help their business to stay open, says a recent survey. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business says 63 per cent would…
Saskatchewan restarts emergency grants for small businesses hit by COVID-19 rules
December 3, 2020 Stephanie Taylor - THE CANADIAN PRESSREGINA – The Saskatchewan government is reviving an emergency grant program for small businesses that have been hit by restrictions aimed at stemming the spread of COVID-19. The province will begin accepting applications for its small business emergency payment program…
Insurers pledge small business help as pressure mounts to address rising rates
October 29, 2020 The Canadian PressA group representing Canadian insurance companies say it is launching a team that will help small businesses find affordable coverage as rates rise because of the pandemic. The Insurance Bureau of Canada, an association that represents the industry, says the…
Is love in the air? Why it can hurt your brokerage
July 4, 2019 by Adam MalikBrokerages need to have a formal workplace relationship policy in place. Otherwise, they’re at risk of things getting messy. Workplace issues like bullying and harassment are challenging enough; the problems are only compounded when you add a relationship to the…
Is running your brokerage affecting your mental health?
June 28, 2019 by Adam MalikThe stress of being an entrepreneur is taking its toll on the mental health of small business owners. Whether it’s the anxiety related to cash flow issues, finding talent, or figuring how to make it all work at home and…
Covering Small Business Cyber Exposure
October 18, 2018 David GambrillConsidering the potentially devastating effect of a cyber attack on a small business in Canada, it’s surprising to see a recent study showing that more than a third of Canadian firms do not report carrying cyber insurance coverage. “For me,…
How new tax laws could affect brokers’ retirement plans
October 18, 2018 by Greg MeckbachBrokerage owners looking for ways to reduce their tax bill could have more incentive in 2019 to max out their registered retirement savings plan, a tax expert told Canadian Underwriter. For some family-owned businesses, there is “an added reason” for…
3 Ways to Win Over the Small Business Owner
October 14, 2018 Plamen PetkovPlamen Petkov, vice president of Ontario and business resources at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, which represents 110,000 small businesses across Canada, provides insight to help brokers forge successful business partnerships with small business owners. DO: Establish very clearly…
The Psychology of the Small Business Owner
October 8, 2018 Richard SpenceConsider the sheer courage of Canadian business owners. With so many commercial risks and liabilities, from property and casualty to employee fraud, credit risk, key-person vulnerabilities – and now cyber attack (see story on Page 23) – it’s a wonder…