At Business Connect, recenlty we have completed the successful acquisition by one of our clients of a £750,000 GWP general insurance broker; we have initiated discussions between a £550,000 GWP broker and a new specialist network which could result in a 30% rise in commissions; and we have introduced a finance provider to a niche broker seeking investment for mid-term growth. We are also in the process of negotiating a number of specialist team moves within the Lloyd's market.

The insurance market is both complex and diverse and subject to the ever-changing regulatory, political and economic landscapes. Where will the new Government lead brokers in terms of regulation, taxation (particularly in terms of CGT) and economic growth?

With recent M&A activity reported in the press at CCV, Henderson, Oval, Bluefin and Invicta, there is little doubt that 2010 / 2011 will see a renewed wave of merger and consolidation across the industry. Though, perhaps this will be on a smaller scale than seen previously among the ‘bulldozing’ consolidators with groups of smaller brokers joining forces to broaden product ranges and to increase buying power with the carriers.