The Prudential, the second largest life insurance provider in the UK, has seen the Peoples Bank of China take a one percent stake in the company, worth GBP130 million.
The move puts the Chinese bank into the top 25 of institutional investors in the Prudential, though there is no feeling that the holding is leading up to a takeover bid. The Chinese bank invests in many different businesses and a one percent holding is not uncommon. Speculation came because of the Prudential developing the Asian market though the management at the insurer welcomes the investment.
Such is the activity of the Prudential in Asia that their growth for the first half of the year was 14 percent, a remarkable step forwards.
A new policy has been launched by Direct Line that is designed especially for small pubs and restaurants. Cover is included for theft, accidental damage, as well as GBP2 million public liability as well as GBP10 million employers liability cover.
Customers taking out the cover for their businesses can also add on options for their personal premises too, with Direct Line incorporating that into the overall protection. The insurer is aware of the specific issues facing owners and operators of places like these and has created this policy to deal with such factors.
The public and employer liability are key elements of this insurance policy said Direct Line, since pubs and restaurants are prone to such things happening so the policy is structured to ensure sufficient protection is in place.
The view of AA Insurance is that the simple step of taking a motorbike awareness course can help cut motorcycle insurance premiums as well as making them safer road users.
A spokesman from AA Insurance pointed out that motorbikes are a more risky form of transport than any other, primarily because of the chances of the rider being injured when involved in any sort of accident. He added that, if bikers take the correct precautions then they can greatly reduce the chances of being involved in an accident.
On the subject of the motorcycle awareness course the AA Insurance representative went on to say that having an awareness and a sense of caution when on a bike is a good thing. It helps riders focus on issues that may arise and can help avoid accidents that would otherwise happen.