General Practitioners (GPs) who have taken over budgets from Primary Care trusts (PCTs) under NHS reforms are sliding millions into the red.

Groupama has suffered a ratings downgrade at the hands of Standard & Poor's despite the France-based insurer announcing a range of key strategic actions designed to halt the recent slide.

David Child has taken the helm at one of the country's most ambitious adviser firms. Paul Robertson talks to Lifesearch's new managing director

Ageas Protect is to contact critical illness customers, including those that have already claimed, to inform them that their terms and conditions have been improved.

Welsh broker Moorlife has secured a contract with web site for mothers to be Emma's Diary, providing protection products to its 650,000 members.

The increased use of integrated technology systems and social media will be vital to the development of IFA businesses post RDR, Aviva has warned.

Universal Provident has increased its maximum initial insurable benefit under LivingCare, its long term disability insurance policy, from £20,000 to £35,000 per annum.

Westfield Health has updated its Westfield Flex Healthcare Plan with new benefits and increased benefit amounts.

MediCare International has announced a new voluntary excess on its international private medical insurance (IPMI) offering up to 50% discount on premiums.

Martin Werth, managing director of Ageas Protect is to step down at the end of this year.