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Dear Credit Insurance Colleague
Welcome to issue 23 of Credit Insurance News Digest 30 April - 14 May 2013 brought to you by Credit Insurance News. This issue is kindly sponsored by Bluefin.

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Index



Credit Insurance News
Record amount of trade credit insured by Berne Union members. Members of the Berne Union – International Union of Credit & Investment Insurers – saw the value of credit and investment insured in 2012 grow by 2.4%, reaching in excess of US$ 1.8 trillion. This matches the 2.4% growth in exports for 2012 according to the United Nations Statistics Division. Collectively, Berne Union members insured more than 10% of international trade in 2012. Of the total business volume, about US$ 1.5 trillion represented short-term (ST) export credit insurance with credit terms up to one year, while medium and long-term (MLT) export credit insurance for periods in excess of one-year amounted to more than US$ 180 billion. Since the beginning of the global financial crisis in 2008, credit and investment insurers have paid in excess of US$ 20 billion to their clients to compensate them for losses suffered due to defaults by buyers or other obligors. To view the full article on Berne Union's website go to http://www.berneunion.org/record-amount-of-trade-credit-insured-by-berne-union-members/.

Atradius launches specialist private equity underwriting. Atradius has announced that it is launching a new underwriting specialism, devoted specifically to covering trade credit risks on Private Equity backed businesses. Marc Henstridge, Director of Risk Services for Atradius UK & Ireland explained: “We currently underwrite cover on around 63,000 businesses from our UK headquarters, of which a significant number are private equity owned or backed. Many of today’s private equity models are over-leveraged as a result of aggressive purchasing strategies in 2006-2008, at multiples that now do not work." Henstridge continued: "we recognised an opportunity to create a team to identify the specifics involved in each deal and to work with both the business and the private equity owner to ensure a sound transfer of information and knowledge. This in turn will enable us to support businesses that, from a traditional underwriting perspective, might look unsupportable . . . Underwriting these risks means that the supply chain remains strong and all parties ultimately benefit." To view Atradius' full news release go to http://www.atradius.co.uk/corporate/press-releases/atradius-pioneers-specialist-private-equity-underwritingsponse-to-2013-budget.html.

The U.S. is becoming a driving force behind growth in the credit risk insurance market. Global Finance has published an article which advises that U.S. companies using trade credit insurance are finding a marketplace with ample capacity, expanding terms and even new players - such as Ironshore and Equinox Global. However, the article advises that the market is changing and clients now increasingly require services beyond insurance that compensates for losses - such as defaulted receivables management or client portfolio monitoring. In consequence, and in an attempt to stave off competition, some of the traditional trade credit insurers are beginning to offer non-cancellable coverage on specific key customers within the usual cancellable portfolio policy. Richard Tallboys and Kerstin Braun are quoted. To view the full article go to http://www.gfmag.com/archives/175-may-2013/12475-risk-management-trade-credit-insurance.html#axzz2SbBfM5Pi.

Credit insurance prices are falling for U.S. companies. CFO has published an article, 'Credit-Insurance Prices Falling for U.S. Companies'. As an example, the article examines Samsung Electronics America (SEA) which has been buying trade-credit insurance for at least 20 years. Until recently, the article advises that SEA was unusual among U.S. based businesses in being a long-time buyer of trade-credit coverage, which was more frequently seen in Europe. However, the lower cost of credit insurance combined with companies' increasing conservatism in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis is encouraging more companies to buy credit insurance. According to Michael Kornblau, the U.S. trade-credit practice leader at Marsh, the increased supply of coverage, coupled with a rise in reinsurance support for insurers, led to price decreases in the United States of 5-10% through 2012. He also predicts that corporations looking to buy coverage in 2013 will see declines in premiums of another 5%. To view the article on CFO's website go to http://www3.cfo.com/article/2013/5/risk-management_trade-credit-insurance-bankruptcy-equinox-global-ironshore-latin-american-underwriters-markel-international-xl-insurance-euler-hermes-atradius-coface-samsung-ingram-micro?currpage=1.

U.S. trade credit and political risk over the last 30 years and future predictions. Trade Finance has published an article, ' 30 years - Trade credit and political risk', in which John Salinger, president of AIG Trade Credit and Political Risk, reflects on the development of the private and public trade credit and political risk market in the U.S. during that last 30 years - particularly in relation to AIG. Looking ahead, Mr Salinger predicts that new products will be launched - especially policies with non-cancellable limits which will continue to encroach on traditional WTO cover. He also expects that information technology will be increasingly integrated into credit insurance policies to provide better results for both client and underwriter. To view the full article on Trade Finance's website go to http://www.tradefinancemagazine.com/Article/3201323/30-years-Trade-Credit-and-Political-Risk.html?POS=2625335. Congratulations to Trade Finance - this article is part of their 30th Anniversary edition (see http://www.tradefinancemagazine.com/Article/3201133/Search/Results/Trade-Finance-May-2013.html).

Coface's supplementary cover product, TopLiner, launches in the UK. As part of a worldwide product roll-out, Coface in the UK and Ireland has announced the launch of TopLiner - supplementary non-cancellable credit insurance cover incorporated into the Globalliance contract. Designed for instances where initial guarantees provided are lower than the requested amount or declined, the product is available exclusively online, with an immediate answer and transparent pricing, based on parameters that the customer can modify, without automatic renewal or billing of investigation and limit fees. The customer determines both the amount of cover (between €5,000 and €5 million) and the duration (between 30 and 90 days). Jean-Marc Pillu, Chief Executive Officer of the Coface Group, commented: “More and more businesses now say that they are willing to be charged according to the quality of the risk. This reflects an increasing customer awareness of risk intensification and a need for greater flexibility, in line with the unstable economic environment”. To view Coface's news release go to http://www.cofaceuk.com/CofacePortal/UK/en_EN/pages/home/who-we-are/news?news=130510.

New funding scheme, underpinned by Euler Hermes data, launched in Scotland prior to roll-out in the UK. URICA is a new funding scheme for SMEs, developed by Artemis Fund Managers co-founder Lindsay Whitelaw, which has received £10 million Government funding. Aimed at businesses with turnover upwards of £5 million, the scheme will ensure that their suppliers receive payment (less URICA's fee of 2%) within 14 days. URICA's customers will then pay URICA the full face value of the invoice after 60 days. Lindsay Whitelaw commented to Credit Insurance News Digest: “Euler Hermes is the world’s largest credit insurer and is an extremely important partner to URICA. It will provide cover that underpins the value of the assets that the institutions are investing in.” For more information and a video introduction to URICA by Lindsay Whitelaw go to http://www.urica.biz/.

Strong likelihood of increase in trade credit insurance claims in Australia. Insurance Business has published an article, 'Rising overdue debt collection activity indicates future company failures', which advises that although trade credit insurance claims in Australia dropped by 9% in the first quarter of 2013, collection activity increased by 27%, indicating that companies are becoming more determined to collective overdue debts. This suggests a strong likelihood of an increase in claims for Q2, according to a survey by trade credit insurance broker National Credit Insurance. Around 43% of credit managers surveyed experienced five or more debtor insolvencies in the past quarter and 57% have found that the days sales outstanding have increased in the past quarter. To view the article go to http://www.insurancebusinessonline.com.au/news/rising-overdue-debt-collection-activity-indicates-future-company-failures-175155.aspx.

Bibby Financial Services to offer its customers Government Export Insurance Policy. Bibby Financial Services has announced that is to start offering the Export Insurance Policy provided by UK Export Finance (UKEF), the government body created to support exporting businesses, as well as SMEs looking to trade overseas, by providing credit insurance policies, political risk insurance and guarantees on bank loans. Regions covered by the scheme include high-risk zones, such as Greece, South Korea and Israel. David Arthur, Regional Development Director for International Trade at Bibby Financial Services said: “Many SMEs face the problem of identifying opportunities within markets which are deemed too risky by some insurers, and this can mean that they are unable to obtain the level of funding they require." Paul Croucher, Head of Short-Term Products at UKEF added: “We hope that by working with Bibby, we will be able to reach more UK exporters who are unable to get the protection they need against the risk of their buyers not paying.” To view the full news release go to http://www.bibbyfinancialservices.com/meta/press/news/2013/5/export-insurance.aspx.

Euler Hermes and HSBC announce a global trade credit insurance agreement. Euler Hermes has announced that it has become the exclusive supplier of trade credit insurance solutions to HSBC Commercial Banking customers. Under the terms of the global distribution agreement, HSBC customers trading on open account will enjoy favourable access to Euler Hermes’ protection against non- payment of receivables debt. Wilfried Verstraete, chairman of the Euler Hermes board of management commented: "This pioneering partnership between Euler Hermes and HSBC is the first of its kind, on such a global scale, in the trade credit insurance market .” To view Euler Hermes' press release go to http://www.eulerhermes.com/mediacenter/news/Pages/Euler-Hermes,-HSBC-forge-global-trade-credit-insurance-agreement.aspx.

Euler Hermes announces cooperation agreement to enable Malaysian companies direct access to credit insurance products. Euler Hermes has announced that Malaysian businesses active in domestic and export markets can now access Euler Hermes trade credit insurance products and services more easily, following a cooperation agreement with Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad, who will act as a distributor throughout the country. Victor Jiang, CEO, Euler Hermes ASEAN, commented: “Malaysia is a strategic Asia-Pacific market for Euler Hermes and this agreement offers local companies more direct access to credit insurance products that protect them as they grow domestically, regionally or globally.” To view Euler Hermes' full news release go to http://www.eulerhermes.com/mediacenter/news/Pages/Euler-Hermes-Allianz-partner-in-Malaysia-credit-insurance-distribution.aspx.

HCC International describes Pre-Delivery cover. HCC International has published an article, 'Left in the lurch with part finished goods', which examines HCC's Pre-Delivery cover and advises that Pre-Delivery cover (the largest component of which is likely to be work in progress (WIP)) can be purchased for varying periods, typically, 3 or 6 months - though sometimes longer periods are appropriate. A typical scenario is provided to demonstrate a policy with 3 months pre-delivery cover. Bound Contract, which provides continuous cover where the buyer’s financial position deteriorates and credit management decisions lead to a withdrawal, is also examined. To view HCC's article go to http://www.hcc.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=1lkBm8SdhFc%3d&tabid=834&mid=1550.





New Industry Reports
Berne Union 2013. The Berne Union annual publication, Berne Union 2013, is available to download in PDF format from the Press and Publications section of the website. The issue includes an examination of short-term and medium/long-term export credit insurance and investment insurance 
as well as concerns facing the trade finance industry. To view, please go to http://www.berneunion.org/berne-union-2013-now-available-to-download/.
If you would like to order copies of the publication please contact Sam Cheung (scheung@exportagroup.com) at Exporta Publishing & Events who produce the publication on behalf of the Berne Union and handle all ordering and shipping requests for the book.

Coface publishes its latest Country Risk Assessment map and world growth forecasts. Coface has published its latest Country Risk Assessment map which assesses the credit risk in any given country using a world map and seven colour codes/ratings (A: Very Low - D: Very High) to indicate the probability of corporate default. The map also indicates where a country is under positive or negative watch. To view a copy of the map go to http://www.coface.fr/CofacePortal/ShowBinary/BEA%20Repository/Training/fr_FR/pages/home/carte-loupe/center_EN# (a downloadable copy is also available in PDF format).
Coface has also updated its forecasts for world growth: overall world production is forecast to grow by 2.7% in 2013, with growth of 0.4% in the UK, 1.5% in the U.S., 0.8% in Germany and -0.4% in France. To view the full chart go to http://www.coface.com/CofacePortal/COM_en_EN/pages/home/risks_home/country_risks/news?news=130429.

Atradius' Market Monitor finds that the performance of the consumer electronics/ICT sector is literally in consumers' hands. Atradius has published its latest Market Monitor on the consumer electronics/ICT sector’s performance and outlook in: Belgium, France, Germany, India, Japan, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, USA. The report also includes a performance overview of a further 14 industries in more than 30 countries. Overall, the Monitor finds that performance within this sector varies markedly from subsector to subsector - with smartphones and tablets the growth leaders. The report also includes a chart showing the performance of industries by country using weather symbols, with the best outlook for the electronics/ICT sector (classified as 'Good') in Germany, Switzerland, Mexico, Australia, India, Indonesia and New Zealand. To view the Monitor go to http://global.atradius.com/creditmanagementknowledge/market-monitor/latest-market-monitor.html.

QBE finds that international expansion correlates to national economic pessimism. New research by QBE involving over 500 companies across the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain shows that 66% of businesses are planning to increase their international footprint over the next five years. 57% cite economic downturn in their existing markets as the biggest driver for their expansion with 51% citing good potential for business growth and return on investment as a key motivation. Businesses are looking beyond their traditional European markets to Asia (29%), South America (27%) and Africa (16%) for opportunities, but are wary of the risks of operating in these less familiar territories. To view QBE's full press release go to http://www.qbeeurope.com/documents/Announcements/08%20May%2013.European%20businesses%20target%20emerging%20markets%20according%20to%20QBE%20research.pdf.

InfolinkGazette launches new business information services. InfolinkGazette has extended its services with a new option to request an Enhanced Download, which includes extra data elements for Unsecured Creditors that have been matched at Companies House. In addition four news reports are available: Company Details report, Director Report, Directors History Report and Mortgage Report. Greg Connell, Managing Director of InfolinkGazette, commented: "Company liquidations may be slowing down but unsecured creditors are still racking up enormous losses; in the last 12 months InfolinkGazette have captured details of unsecured Creditor losses totalling £2.9 billion.” For details of the new services and reports go to http://infolinkgazette.co.uk.




Business Information: Recommended Reports and Business Shorts
PwC advises of the rise of a ‘three speed’ global economy. PwC has published its latest detailed Global Economy Watch - May 2013 which advises that economies around the world are recovering at different speeds, creating a ‘three speed’ economy. Emerging and developing economies continue to be in the ‘fast lane’, with PwC's projections suggesting that the BRIC economies will grow around three times as fast as the G7. The U.S. economy - which now accounts for most of the growth in the G7  – is in the ‘middle lane’ and is projected to grow close to its trend rate of around 2% in 2013. The Eurozone is firmly in the ‘slow lane’, and is expected by PwC to contract for a second consecutive year in 2013. For the UK economy, there is a gradually improving outlook for most regions, but the recovery will be slow and bumpy across the country. To view the full report go to http://www.pwc.co.uk/economic-services/global-economy-watch/summary.jhtml. A video clip with a summary of findings is also provided.

ICM warns that looks can be deceptive in new insolvency figures. According to new data from the Insolvency Service, there were 3,619 liquidations and creditors’ voluntary liquidations in total in England and Wales in the first quarter of 2013. This was a decrease of 5.3% on the previous quarter and 15.8% less than the same quarter a year ago. Additionally, there were 935 other corporate insolvencies in the first quarter: 236 receiverships, 557 administrations and 142 company voluntary arrangements - a total decrease of 27.5%. However, Philip King cautioned that looks can be deceptive: "These figures do not include those businesses that simply shut up shop without entering the formal insolvency regime, and where outstanding debts are too small or too few in number to be worth creditors taking action. They do not also include any indication of businesses on the verge of bankruptcy, the so-called 'zombie' companies . . . or those being kept artificially afloat perhaps due to the forbearance of the banks or Her Majesty's Customs and Revenue through a Time to Pay arrangement." To view ICM's news release and comment go to https://www.icm.org.uk/.

Confidence among exporters remains high, but mixed fortunes suggest challenges remain. The latest DHL/BCC Trade Confidence Index report, which measures UK exporting activity and business confidence, has found that confidence levels in future turnover and profitability remain high, but there was a slight fall from Q4 2012. Over one-third of exporters (41%) said their export sales increased in Q1 2013, compared to 14% of respondents, who said that they decreased. Looking ahead, 59% of exporters feel that their turnover will increase throughout 2013 and 50% believe that their profitability will improve. Commenting, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “Although the manufacturing sector recorded a sharp fall in exports, the UK’s larger services sector continues to drive overseas trade." To view the full press release go to http://www.britishchambers.org.uk/press-office/press-releases/bcc/dhl-confidence-among-exporters-remains-high,-but-mixed-fortunes-suggest-challenges-remain.html#.UYpzZcoQoXI.

Health of UK retail improves for the first time in two and a half years. Following its quarterly meeting in April, the KPMG/Ipsos Retail Think Tank (RTT) was able to report better news at last for the sector, although a significant increase in the health of UK retailing is unlikely to arrive any time soon. The RTT agreed that overall Christmas trading figures had been relatively good, and that there were very few new casualties coming through now – the consequence of better run businesses and an uplift in demand. Once again, the food sector was the star performer, with convenience formats trading particularly well. However, looking forward, the RTT believes that the outlook for retail health in quarter two is set to stutter - flat-lining in the quarter rather than continuing to gain momentum. To view KPMG's news release go to http://www.kpmg.com/UK/en/IssuesAndInsights/ArticlesPublications/NewsReleases/Pages/Health-of-UK-retail-improves-for-the-first-time-in-two-and-a-half-years-says-Retail-Think-Tank.aspx.

ICAEW/Grant Thornton predicts that the UK economy will grow by 0.6% this quarter. According to the latest ICAEW/Grant Thornton UK Business Confidence Monitor (BCM), economic recovery continues to strengthen in 2013. Building on the GDP growth accurately forecast by the monitor in Q1 2013, the increase in confidence in Q2 2013 suggests the economy will grow by 0.6% this quarter. The BCM also provides additional evidence that the recovery is strengthening. Expected profit growth continues to increase, domestic demand growth remains steady and there is a decline in businesses reporting higher than normal stock levels as customer demand increases. Michael Izza, chief executive of ICAEW, said: “There is a gradual improvement in the economy and the recovery is starting to stand on more solid ground. We should not be complacent though. There is still a degree of fragility and the economy is susceptible to knock backs from events outside the UK. While the corporate sector is getting its house in order, the public sector has a long way to go." To view Grant Thornton's news release go to http://www.grant-thornton.co.uk/en/Media-Centre/News/2013/Economic-recovery-continues-to-strengthen-in-2013/.

March insolvency figures reveal increased resilience amongst mid-sized firms. The latest Business Insolvency Index from Experian has revealed that medium-sized firms which have struggled the most in recent years saw fewer insolvencies during March 2013. The insolvency rate among businesses with 25-50 employees fell by 0.07% from 0.24% in March 2012 to 0.17% in March 2013 – almost back to the levels seen in March 2007 nearly half their peak in March 2009.  The analysis also showed that across the UK the insolvency rate remained a 0.08% of the business population for the second consecutive month this year. 1,736 firms failed during March 2013 – an improvement on March 2012 when the insolvency rate stood at 0.11% To view Experian's news release go to http://press.experian.com/United-Kingdom/Press-Release/march-insolvency-figures-reveal-increased-resilience-amongst-mid-sized-firms.aspx.




UK Retailers: Who's UP/Who's DOWN
UP: Argos' move away from catalogue to digital sales is paying off. Following a disastrous 60% plunge in profits the previous year, the retailer recently announced a 6% increase in underlying operating profits to £100.3 million for the year to 2 March. Like-for-like sales also rebounded from a decline of 8.9% the previous year to a 2.1% increase this year - the first rise for five years. Multi-channel sales now account for more than half of Argos' sales. However, despite these positive results, Argos' parent, Home Retail Group, saw its overall underlying pre-tax profits for the year drop by 10% to £91 million - its fifth straight fall in annual profits. This was largely due a 53% reduction in Homebase's pre-tax profits.
UP: ASOS' aim to achieve over £1 billion of sales by 2015 seems to be on track. In the six months to 28 February, the online fashion retailer's g
roup revenues increased by 33% compared to the same period in 2011/2 to £359.7 million and its pre-tax profits rose by 11% to £25.7 million. UK sales rose by 26% to £137.6 million, and other countries contributed £214.7 million in sales - an increase of 39%.  Furthermore, the retailer's impact overseas is set to expand: a Russian-language website was launched this week, and a Chinese language website is planned for late 2013.
UP: LK Bennett, the luxury fashion retailer, is enjoying a surge in overseas sales. In the last financial year to July 2012, overseas sales reached £20 million - an increase of 65% - and accounted for more than a fifth of total turnover. Overall sales also rose by 15% to £94 million, while profit increased to £9.3 million compared with £5 million the year before. The retailer now plans to expand into China, as well as grow in the U.S., Europe and the Middle East.
SOLID: SuperGroup, the owner of fashion chain Superdry, has announced that in the 13 weeks to 28 April its like-for-like sales grew by 5% compared with the same period last year. Quarterly revenue was also up by 15.3% to £86.8 million. Although these results were very slightly below analysts' expectations, SuperGroup advised that its solid trading performance meant it is still well placed to deliver underlying profit before tax in line with market expectations of between £49.5 million to £53 million. SuperGroup now plans to expand further into Germany and other European locations.
IMPROVING: Morrisons. Following a 7.2.% fall in pre-tax profits to £879 million in the year to 3 February - the first drop in full-year profits for six years - Morrisons has recovered some form. In the 12 weeks to 5 May, the UK's fourth largest supermarket advised that its
total sales, excluding fuel, grew by 0.6%, while like-for-like sales, excluding fuel, declined by 1.8% (-2% has been expected by analysts). Looking ahead the grocer plans to expand its offer during 2013, with new convenience store openings and the belated development of an online service expected by the year-end.
RECEIVERSHIP: Xtra-vision. Despite generating EBITDA of £1.5 million in 2012, with similar results anticipated in 2013, Xtra-vision, the video and electronics retailing chain, has appointed receivers. This is the second time in two years that the Irish retailer has been in this position, having previously successfully exited a receivership in 2011 with its rent roll reduced by approx €5 million and a cash injection of £8 million from its parent company. In a statement, Xtra-vision cited the removal of credit insurance and a downturn in the DVD rentals market as the primary causes for its current difficulties. Receivers Ernst & Young hope to sell the business as a going concern.




Career Opportunities and New Appointments
Trade Credit Insurance Broker, Melbourne, Australia – Salary c£60,000 plus car allowance, pension and bonus – KL/IS/001. Super opportunity for an experienced Credit Insurance Broker to work for a successful specialist insurance broking firm based in Melbourne, Australia. They are willing and able to offer sponsorship for the right candidate. You will need strong client relationship building skills and an ability to recognise new business opportunities as they arise. Responsibilities include renewals, preparation, negotiation and placement with insurers; client service visits and travel; credit limit management; claims management; new business negotiation and placement; development of channel partners, promotion of products and services; maintain internal registers, systems and general office management. Contact: Kristina@thehubagency.co.uk or call Kristina on 07931 371990. (Please mention Credit Insurance News Digest).

Credit Insurance Broker, City. Highly competitive salary, to attract the best.
This firm has a national footprint and is well regarded as somewhat of a powerhouse in the credit insurance market. As one would expect, the City office controls its largest and most technically complex accounts, including multinational blue-chip clients from a wide range of industry sectors such as Leasing, Financial Services, Distribution and Manufacturing. This is a very involved role where you will enjoy strong relationships with your clients and alongside creating a culture of ‘credit control best practice’, you will be responsible for dealing with credit limit extensions and overdues, negotiating with insurers, and handling day to day enquiries. For more information, or to apply in confidence, please contact Richard Jones at Aston Charles on 0845 838490 or richardjones@astoncharles.co.uk. (Please mention Credit Insurance News Digest).

Trade Credit Broker, London. Six figure package.
A well known and well reputed London market team focusing on the larger clients both nationally and internationally are seeking a capable Client Director/Broker to both XoL/WTO/Single Situation Credit Risks into the market whilst managing and developing the client relationship. In addition, you will seek to increase the brokerage through client referrals and networking. Contact Kerren Leach at kerren.leach@reedglobal.com or call 0207 2204777 or 07940 403046 for a confidential discussion. (Please mention Credit Insurance News Digest).

New Business Underwriter, London. Salary £35,000 - £45,000 + bonus and benefits.
A respected insurer operating in the London market is seeking a New Business Underwriter within their Trade Credit to focus on clients with turnovers in excess of £20 million. Experience of pitching to clients and securing new business within the Trade Credit space is desired. You'll be given excellent training and development coupled with the opportunity to further progress your career. Contact Kerren Leach at kerren.leach@reedglobal.com or call 0207 2204777 or 07940 403046 for a confidential discussion. (Please mention Credit Insurance News Digest).

Senior Client Executive - Trade Credit (ref: 27857), London.
A major leading insurance brokerage is currently recruiting a Senior Client Executive - Trade Credit for their London City branch. The jobholder will direct the profitable handling and growth of client accounts through the delivery of the overall client relationship management strategy and the acquisition of new clients, and must have an in-depth knowledge of the industry sector. Additional requirements include: excellent communication skills, an ability to identify issues and take relevant action and leadership skills. To view the full job description go to http://www.lawesrecruitment.co.uk/jobs/city/account-executive/jobs-over-50k/lloyds-london-market/senior-client-executive--trade-credit-london/1647/. To apply or for more information call 0203 4118430 or email london@lawesgroup.co.uk. (Please mention Credit Insurance News Digest).

New Appointments
The John Reynolds Group announces a new appointment. The John Reynolds Group are pleased to announce that Scott Liddle has joined the Reynolds Trade Credit Team as a Business Development Executive working from the Head Office in Manchester. Scott joins Reynolds following over 9 years as a Commercial Underwriter for HCC International Insurance Co Plc.

XL Group's Political Risk Team in New York Grows with Risk Analyst Appointments. XL Group’s Political Risk and Trade Credit (PRTC) business is growing in New York with the addition of Mena Cammett, who joins as a senior risk analyst and Dane Mahoney who joins as risk analyst. Both are based in New York and report to Rafael Docavo-Malvezzi, PRTC’s Global Risk Manager. Mena joins XL Group from Pricewaterhouse Coopers in Washington DC, where she was an associate for Anti-Corruption & Corporate Intelligence. Dane joins XL from the Institute of International Finance in Washington DC where he held various research positions in its Asia Pacific and Latin America departments. For more information go to http://www.xlgroup.com/press/political-risk-team-in-new-york-grows/.




Industry Events and Offers
Aon announces Insight 2013, an exclusive event for multinationals and large corporates. 21 May, London.
Aon has advised that its latest Insight event, 'The Emerging Economy Effect', will be held on Tuesday 21 May at the Royal College of Physicians in London. The morning seminar, hosted by Aon Trade Credit and sponsored by Coface, is an opportunity to gain invaluable insight from speakers on current economic views on the emerging markets and their effects on the UK economy. The morning presentations will also be followed by a networking opportunity over lunch. Presentations will include an 'Economic view of BRIC emerging markets and their effect on the UK economy', by Frédéric Bourgeois, Managing Director, Coface in the UK & Ireland and Grant Williams, Risk Director, Coface in the UK & Ireland. In addition, Graham Bristow, Head of Aon Trade Credit Corporate will give an overview of the credit insurance market. To register for the event please go to http://insight.aon.com/registrationpageMay2013.

Commercial Risk Europe’s Global Risk Frontiers Debate, in association with IFRIMA. 22 May, London.
Commercial Risk Europe’s Global Risk Frontiers Debate, in association with IFRIMA, will take place at the Grange Tower Bridge Hotel, London on Wednesday 22 May 2013 and is a must attend event for risk and insurance managers dealing with the new challenges presented as companies expand worldwide in search of new opportunities. Attendance is free to all risk and insurance managers. To view the programme for the day go to http://www.commercialriskeurope.com/events/calendar/global-risk-frontiers-2013/programme-global-risk-frontiers-2013. A registration tab is available.

UK Trade & Export Finance Conference. Exporta Group has announced that it will be holding its inaugural UK Trade & Export Finance Conference in the UK on 11 June 2013. Organised with the support of the UK’s leading trade bodies and the country’s leading financial institutions, the purpose of the event is to bring British companies of all sizes together to discuss how best to increase UK export volumes in light of the various economic challenges faced, from stifling austerity measures to the ongoing problems in the Eurozone region. There will also be a special evening networking reception. For more information about the conference go to http://www.exportagroup.com/events/conferences/UK-Trade-&-Export-Finance-Conference_402/. A 15% discount is available to readers of Credit Insurance News Digest. Please contact Tom Whitehead, head of business development (twhitehead@exportagroup.com) for further information.

HCC International Constructor Day. 11 June, Leicester.
HCC International has announced that it will be holding its HCC International Constructor Day on Tuesday 11 June 2013 at the National Space Centre, Exploration Drive, Leicester, LE4 5NS. The event starts at 12.30pm and all Specialist Brokers are invited to attend. The event will include HCC’s view of the construction sector as a whole, as well as an in-depth analysis of HCC construction products and services. If any brokers have not received an invitation but would like to attend, please contact Marion Clifford at HCC on 01664 423333 or mclifford@hccint.com. Places are limited so please book early.

Insuring Export Credit & Political Risk Asia. 10-12 June, Swissôtel - The Stamford, Singapore.
Following the success of the 2012 launch event, the No 1 industry event for the credit and political risk insurance sector returns to Singapore for 2013, providing a unique opportunity to meet top executives from the region and internationally and hear the very latest industry news. Over 40 industry experts are due to speak at the event including: Leong Sing Chiong, MAS ~ Ashutosh Kumar, Standard Chartered Bank ~ Kevin Lu, MIGA ~ Topi Vesteri, Finnvera ~ Raffy Rios, Marsh ~ Fabrice Desnos, Euler Hermes ~ Chris Shortell, AIG ~ Ross Jennings, Cargill and many more. For the latest brochure or to register, please visit: http://www.iiribcfinance.com/FKW52562CIN quoting VIP code: FKW52562CIN for a 10% discount.

Coface Country Risk Conference. London, 13 June.
Coface UK has announced that its free biennial Country Risk Conference will be held on Thursday 13 June, from 9am to 1pm at the British Library, London. Frédéric Bourgeois, Managing Director of Coface in the UK and Ireland advised:“This year, we have secured an excellent line-up of speakers to talk about the economic trends in the UK and its key markets around the globe, including David Smith, Economics Editor of the Sunday Times who will give the keynote address about the prospects for UK industry. Later, Bruno Weymuller, former Head of Strategy at an oil major, will discuss developments in the energy sector and the implications for industry." Places are limited but those who wish to attend should register now on http://communication.cofaceuk.com/rp/472/ContestForm.clsp?FormId=3948&UseCurrentRecipient=No.

UK Export Finance Event, 'Support our Exporters'. 20 June, Hull.
UK Export Finance is holding and event, 'Support our Exporters' on Thursday 20th June, 8.30am - 12.00pm at the World Trade Centre Hull & Humber, 48 Queen Street, Hull, HU1 1UU. The event will highlight some of the various options available to UK exporters, with Craig Stone, Associate Director from the UK Credit Insurance Specialists, giving an overview of Trade Credit Insurance. For more details and to register please go to www.ukefhull.eventbrite.co.uk.

OFFER: Credit Insurance News readers can save an exclusive 10% discount when ordering Insolvency Today’s new publication, The Black Book. This is a comprehensive guide profiling 250 of the most active IPs in England and Wales in 2012, with widespread analysis of the most active industry sectors and regions and details of all administrations across England and Wales in 2012. Call Ninica on 0207 9404842 and quote ‘Credit Insurance News’ for your discount. (Note: the standard price is £399 – you will save £39.90).




About this week's sponsor: Bluefin
Bluefin’s Trade Credit Division specialise in the placement of all forms of credit insurance from single risk to multinational programmes, including political risk. We are approved brokers to UK Export Finance. Our service extends to providing dedicated operational support for such policies as well as credit management training.
We also specialise in the placement of surety bonding and contract guarantees, arranging one off bonds, facilities and syndication for large bonding requirements.
Whether you are buying credit insurance for the first time, need a contract bond or want to review your existing credit insurance or bonding requirements, Bluefin can provide you with a carefully designed solution.
For more information please go to www.bluefingroup.co.uk or contact Terry at terry.rees@bluefingroup.co.uk.




Credit Insurance News Digests: Sponsorship
Sponsoring an issue of Credit Insurance News Digest is a great way to promote your company or brand to a committed audience of trade credit insurance professionals.
If you are interested in sponsoring an issue go to www.creditinsurancenews.co.uk for further information.




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