Category: 3. Business

Aviva urges brokers to step in as SMEs underestimate cyber and other disruptive risks.

New SME research from Aviva finds that 36% of businesses rank cyber as their most significant risk, more than any other insurable risk^[1]. 

However, the smallest SMEs (less than 10 employees) appear markedly less concerned, with just one in five (20%) micro firms selecting cyber as their biggest risk, compared with more than 40% across all other size bands. Appetite and confidence to tackle the issue are also low, with IT and cyber security topping the list of tasks SME decision makers dislike most (25%). 

Alongside cyber, SMEs highlighted business interruption (30%), reputational damage (27%), fraud (26%) and regulatory change (26%) as top risks. Despite this, only 32% of SMEs are using a broker to stay up to date on regulatory or legislative changes that could affect their business; 48% rely on their own research. At the same time, 98% say they are up to date – a confidence that could be misplaced.

To mitigate a wide range of risks – from cyber incidents to business interruption and regulation – SMEs should make the most of their broker and the services they provide, ensuring they have the confidence and ability to grow.

SME cyber claims on the rise 

Aviva’s research is in sharp contrast to its own cyber claims data, which shows that the number of cyber claims Aviva received from SMEs rose by 10% year on year^[2]. The average cost of a cyber insurance claim from an SME is £40,000, with an average lifecycle of 300 days, underlining the need for adequate business interruption insurance alongside cyber cover^[2].

Beyond cyber: interconnected risks that stop SMEs serving customers

Aviva’s research shows business interruption (30%) and reputational damage (27%) are among the top SME concerns. One of the most effective ways to protect a business’s reputation is to ensure it can remain open. Cyber attacks often result in temporary, and in some cases permanent, closure of a business. Taking steps to prevent and protect a business from such an attack not only ensures its ongoing operations, but also supports its reputation. 

Caspar Stops, Cyber Underwriting Manager, Aviva, said: “Cyber attacks on UK businesses are rising, with small firms increasingly targeted. While many companies are improving their own cyber defences, recent high-profile breaches often begin with vulnerabilities in third-party vendors or supply chains. 

“As businesses become more digitised and interconnected, it’s challenging to monitor the security perimeter beyond their own walls. Attackers don’t care about size, they seek opportunity – meaning that unprepared organisations, regardless of size – are most at risk. Brokers have a unique opportunity to help smaller firms become more engaged and resilient.”

Protecting SMEs

Aviva recommends that brokers use renewal and midterm touchpoints to promote simple, high-impact controls for SME clients:

1. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) on email, remote access and critical apps; enable phishing resistant MFA where feasible.  

2. Carry out regular offline backups and tested restoration procedures to minimise ransomware downtime. 

3. Patch fast, prioritise internet facing systems, and remove/limit remote desktop exposure. Download the National Cyber Security Centre: It’s time to act guide.

4. Employ business continuity basics: map critical suppliers, set recovery time objectives, and rehearse incident/communication plans to protect customer service and reputation. 

5. Insist on governance and training: assign clear responsibility for cyber/operational resilience and run short, role-relevant awareness refreshers to blunt social engineering.

Aviva responds 

To help brokers close the protection gap, Aviva offers two cyber products designed for SMEs:

• Cyber Respond: a streamlined solution for micro businesses (fewer than 10 employees; turnover <£1m), focused on 24/7 incident response, with cover for data/IT systems damage, increased cost of working, and optional external cyber crime (e.g., social engineering / funds transfer fraud). 
• Cyber Complete: Aviva offers its broadest protection, including first-party, third-party, business interruption, data regulatory, and reputational management covers, with detailed policy wordings available for brokers.

ends

References:

^1. _{The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 500 insurance decision makers at SME businesses in the UK. The data was collected between 27.08.2025 – 03.09.2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council. [↑]}

^2. _{Based on year-to-date cyber claims data from Aviva. [↑]}

Enquiries:

The latest episode of Studio Sandvik brings together some of the most exciting developments across the company. We celebrate the winners of this year’s Sandvik Innovation Prize; a Mobile Crushing and Screening team whose new jaw crusher chamber platform delivers remarkable gains in both productivity and wear life.

Mining President Mats Eriksson introduces DataDrive’31, a major new program designed to accelerate digital transformation in mining and strengthen the industry’s digital capabilities.

In the studio, Eric Murander shares how Intelligent Manufacturing is expanding its market presence through a new reseller strategy, following several recent CAM acquisitions in the US.

The episode also highlights CIO Sofia Sirvell’s recognition as CIO of the Year by Dagens Industri, and much more.

More episodes like this:

Welcome to The Marsh Risk Brief podcast!

The Marsh Risk Brief, is a concise and insightful podcast series designed for risk management professionals and organisations navigating the complexities of today’s ever-evolving landscape. Each short episode delivers a key snapshot of critical topics that matter most to our clients.

In our fifth episode, Beth Thurston hosts an engaging discussion with George Lawley on the UK Autumn Budget 2025, and they explore the key business impacts and opportunities that it may present for UK businesses. 

We invite you to listen to our podcast which provides valuable insights that you can directly apply to your risk management practices, ensuring that you and your organisation remain one step ahead.

How to Listen to Our Podcast

Our podcast is available here:

The Building Safety Regulator has recently acted through the Health and Safety Executive to prevent the occupation of student accommodation in Newcastle-under-Lyme by obtaining an injunction, after concluding that Building Regulations compliance had not been achieved.

This type of enforcement action has significant implications for contractors, consultants, and their insurers, impacting both ongoing claims and remedial works, as well as future claims. If building owners are unable to sell or lease their developments, claim values may increase substantially due to increased or new claims for loss of profit or rent, loss of opportunity, LADs, and/or extended programme periods.

Key takeaway: If you or one of your Insureds act as a Dutyholder for a development or are undertaking remedial works commencing after 6 April 2024, there is an increased risk that, should the Building Safety Regulator deem those works non-compliant, the sale or occupation of the development may be prohibited, potentially resulting in significant increases in claimed losses and values.

Overview of Dutyholder Regime

The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced the Dutyholder Regime, which applies to all building work subject to building control under the Building Regulations 2010 (as amended), not just Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs). It places legal responsibilities on clients, building owners, principal designers, and principal contractors to ensure compliance with Building Regulations and maintain accurate records, including the Golden Thread of information.

The roles of Building Regulations Principal Designer and Principal Contractor under the Act are distinct from those under CDM 2015 (the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015). While responsibilities may overlap, they must be clearly defined in formal appointments to avoid liability risks.

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) can enforce these duties with broad powers, including investigations, notices, and court applications. Its first emergency injunction at Deakins Yard, a student accommodation project, prevented occupation until compliance was achieved, setting a strong precedent for enforcement under the new regime.

Emerging Risk for Contractors, Consultants, and Insurers

The BSR’s injunction at Deakins Yard signals a significant shift in potential liabilities for Dutyholders, introducing the potential for an additional head of loss where the financial consequences of non-compliance could be severe. In sectors such as student accommodation or commercial premises, delays in selling or leasing developments can result in substantial losses.

Dutyholders now face heightened exposure following the recent judgment in respect of any developments that fail to comply with Building Regulations. 

Where occupation of new buildings or remediated buildings are prohibited by an injunction, contractors, sub-contractors, and consultants may face claims with new or far greater measures of loss and damages than anticipated. As set out above, claims for loss of profit or rent; loss of opportunity; or liquidated and ascertained damages can quickly extend beyond the direct costs of remediating the alleged defects. 

Existing claims where negotiations are ongoing, but ‘building work’ has not yet commenced may require reassessment given the potential for additional losses arising from BSR scrutiny. A common example that we are seeing is in relation to complex claims which were first commenced by building owners before the Grenfell Fire, c. 7 years ago. During the intervening period, the issues complained of – as well as potential remedial solutions – have evolved. There are therefore a significant number of developments across the UK where there are known issues but no definitive remedial scheme and/or settlement agreement. It is therefore entirely possible that the BSR’s views could differ from the relevant parties that have spent potentially years investigating and have multiple experts’ inputs.

Conclusion

Contractors, sub-contractors, consultants, and their insurers must therefore recognise that the BSR not only holds these powers but is prepared to proactively exercise them. The potential impact of a development remaining vacant while compliance issues are resolved would be significant.  

It is therefore paramount that, in respect of any claims (whether new or existing), rigorous attention is given to remedial schemes and/or settlement strategies to mitigate the risk of potential BSR intervention.

If you have any questions in relation to the BSR or Dutyholder liabilities, please do not hesitate to contact Clyde & Co. 

 

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SHANGHAI, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Dizal (SSE:688192), a biopharmaceutical company committed to developing novel medicines for cancer and immunological diseases, announced new data from its hematology portfolio at the 67th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting. Highlights include golidocitinib, a Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) only inhibitor, in T-cell lymphoma, and birelentinib, a non-covalent LYN/BTK dual inhibitor, in B-cell lymphoma.

Golidocitinib

Two dose regimes of golidocitinib combined with CHOP have been explored for the treatment of newly diagnosed PTCL. Both demonstrated promising antitumor activities and a manageable safety profiles.

• • Golidocitinib 75mg daily with CHOP, followed by 150mg maintenance after CHOP, showed an ORR of 94.1% and a CR rate of 64.7%. By the data cutoff date, 85% of patients remained on treatment.
  • Golidocitinib 150mg daily with CHOP, followed by 150mg maintenance after CHOP, showed an ORR of 88.9% and a CR rate of 61.1%
     
• R/R PTCL

An updated 2-year follow-up from the MD Anderson Cancer Center cohort of the multinational pivotal trial JACKPOT8 Part B showed that golidocitinib monotherapy in patients with relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma (r/r PTCL) achieved an objective response rate (ORR) of 53.8% and a complete response (CR) rate of 46.1%. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 37.9 months and the 2-year PFS rate was 58.3%. The research findings validated golidocitinib’s long-lasting efficacy and tolerability in the U.S. patient population.

Golidocitinib monotherapy demonstrated compelling clinical activity with a favorable safety profile in heavily pretreated relapsed or refractory T-cell and NK-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia (r/r T-LGLL) patients. Results from a prospective study showed an ORR of 92.3% and a CR rate of 61.15%. Additionally, the study reported a 100% response among STAT3-wildtype patients.

A Phase II clinical study showed that golidocitinib in combination with CHOP demonstrated profound antitumor activity in treatment-naïve monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma (MEITL). The ORR was 85.7% and the CR rate was 71.4%, demonstrating a significant therapeutic advance over conventional chemotherapy.

In r/r PTCL-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), golidocitinib-based regimens demonstrated dual anti-HLH and antitumor efficacy, with rapid clinical improvement and an ORR of 46.7%. Most patients achieved systemic and hematologic recovery with a manageable safety profile. These findings highlight the potential of JAK1 inhibition in this high-risk disease.

Birelentinib

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) is a malignancy originating from mature B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL). While Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors have transformed the treatment of B-cell lymphomas, resistance remains a significant challenge. Two primary types of resistance mutations have been identified after BTK inhibitor treatment for B-NHL: BTK-dependent and non-BTK pathway-mediated resistance. Although the BTK-dependent resistance is well-characterized, the emergence of kinase-impaired BTK mutations underscores the increasingly recognized role of non-BTK pathways.

Birelentinib is designed to block both BTK-dependent and BTK independent BCR signaling. Building upon promising data presented orally at the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting and the 18th International Conference on Malignant Lymphoma (ICML), updated follow-up data of birelentinib reported at this ASH Annual Meeting demonstrated potent anti-tumor efficacy with a manageable safety profile in heavily pre-treated CLL/SLL patients.

At 50 mg QD (RP3D), birelentinib achieved an ORR of 84.2%. Tumor responses were observed irrespective of prior BTK inhibitor, BCL-2 inhibitor or BTK degrader treatment, and in patients with kinase-proficient or kinase-impaired BTK mutation. Antitumor efficacy proved durable, with no new safety concerns identified during follow-up.

Based on the encouraging results, birelentinib has received Fast Track Designation (FTD) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The global multicenter Phase III study in r/r CLL/SLL is currently ongoing.

About Golidocitinib (DZD4205)

Golidocitinib is currently the first and only Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor being evaluated for the treatment of r/r PTCL. In June 2024, golidocitinib was approved by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma (r/r PTCL).

At the data cut-off date of August 31, 2023, golidocitinib has demonstrated robust and durable anti-tumor efficacy, with an ORR of 44.3%. All subtypes benefited well, and the ORR of common subtypes exceeded 40%. More than 50% of the patients with tumor remission achieved a complete response with a CRR of 23.9%. Per IRC assessment, the median duration of response (mDoR) reached 20.7 months. As of February 2024, golidocitinib showed a median overall survival (mOS) of 24.3 months.

Golidocitinib was granted Fast Track Designation by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of r/r PTCL in February 2022. In September 2023, the CDE accepted its NDA and granted Priority Review for the treatment of r/r PTCL. The Phase I clinical data of golidocitinib (JACKPOT8 PART A) were published in Annals of Oncology (Impact Factor: 51.8), and global pivotal trial data of golidocitinib for the treatment of r/r PTCL (JACKPOT PART B) were published in The Lancet Oncology (Impact Factor: 54.4).

About Birelentinib (DZD8586)

Two resistance mechanisms have been found in patients whose diseases have progressed on a BTK inhibitor treatment: the BTK C481X mutation and BTK-independent BCR signaling pathway activation. Birelentinib is a first-in-class, non-covalent, LYN/BTK dual inhibitor with full blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration, designed to treat both BTK-dependent and BTK-independent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL).

In August 2025, birelentinib was granted Fast Track Designation by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) who have received at least two prior lines of therapy, including a BTK inhibitor and a BCL-2 inhibitor.

About Dizal

Dizal is a biopharmaceutical company, dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of differentiated therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and immunological diseases worldwide. Deep-rooted in translational science and molecular design, it has established an internationally competitive portfolio. ZEGFROVY is the first and only small molecule drug approved in both the U.S. and China, for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR exon20 insertion mutations. Golidocitinib has been approved in China for the treatment of relapsed and refractory PTCL. To learn more about Dizal, please visit www.dizalpharma.com, or follow us on Linkedin or X.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements that are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties. The words “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, and “intend” and similar expressions, as they relate to Dizal, are intended to identify certain forward-looking statements. Dizal does not intend to update these forward-looking statements regularly.

These forward-looking statements are based on the existing beliefs, assumptions, expectations, estimates, projections, and understandings of the management of Dizal with respect to future events at the time these statements are made. These statements are not a guarantee of future developments and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond Dizal’s control and are difficult to predict. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of future changes or developments in our business, Dizal’s competitive environment, and political, economic, legal, and social conditions.

Dizal, the Directors, and the employees of Dizal assume (a) no obligation to correct or update the forward-looking statements contained on this site; and (b) no liability in the event that any of the forward-looking statements does not materialize or turnout to be incorrect.

Contacts
Investor Relations: [email protected]
Business Development: [email protected]
Media Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Dizal Pharmaceutical

Hystar announces strategic collaboration with McDermott to develop 100 MW green hydrogen plant design

Hystar AS (www.hystar.com), a leading provider of the world’s most efficient PEM electrolysers, today announced a strategic collaboration with McDermott (www.mcdermott.com) to develop a comprehensive 100-megawatt (MW) green hydrogen plant design. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Hystar’s mission to accelerate global deployment of its large-scale green hydrogen solution.

Under the agreement, Hystar will provide its proprietary, high-efficiency and high-safety PEM electrolyser technology. McDermott will leverage its extensive global expertise as an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) provider for major energy infrastructure. With more than a century of engineering excellence, McDermott has delivered numerous large-scale hydrogen, ammonia, and low-carbon projects. Its portfolio includes pre-FEED, FEED and EPC execution for blue and green hydrogen facilities, ammonia plants, hydrogen hubs, and modularized energy projects worldwide.

Click here to read more

The ERM Sustainability Institute is pleased to present the latest Rate the Raters 2025: ESG Ratings in Evolution – results of the Corporate Survey.

To help you make sense of the findings and their implications for your business, ERM will host a webinar on February 05 (Europe and Asia friendly). Join us as we unpack the results and explore what they mean for shaping effective ESG strategies.

Why ESG Ratings Matter More Than Ever

ESG ratings remain integral to corporate sustainability strategies despite ongoing challenges with 88% of companies planning to continue engaging with them. At the same time, new regulations are reshaping the landscape by requiring increased transparency. Strategic engagement is also evolving, as companies are actively engaging with fewer raters.

What you’ll learn:

• Which ESG raters are seen as the most useful and highest quality
• What drived engagement with rating agencies
• Regional differences in corporate perspectives

Why Attend?

This is your chance to hear directly from ERM experts and explore how ESG ratings are shifting.

• Oliver Zipse will leave the Board of Management after the Annual
  General Meeting in May 2026 as planned
• Nicolas Peter: „Nedeljković convinces with strategic foresight,
  strong implementation skills, and entrepreneurial thinking“
• Appreciation to Oliver Zipse: „Significant contribution to BMW“

 

Munich. Dr.-Ing. Milan Nedeljković will assume the
role of Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG effective on 14
May 2026. The company’s Supervisory Board took this decision today.
Following the successful launch of the Neue Klasse, Nedeljković will
succeed Oliver Zipse, who has been a member of the Board of Management
of BMW AG for more than ten years and has served as its Chairman since
August 2019. The Supervisory Board extends its sincere thanks to
Oliver Zipse for his outstanding achievements for the BMW Group.

 

“Milan Nedeljković convinces with his strategic foresight,
strong implementation skills, and entrepreneurial thinking. He stands
for very focused management of resources—whether financial or
ecological,” said Dr. Nicolas Peter, Chairman of the Supervisory
Board of BMW AG. ” Milan Nedeljković inspires people with ideas,
unites them behind shared values, and thereby motivates them to
realize peak performance. This is a crucial leadership quality to
maintain the BMW Group’s successful course in this time of transformation.”

 

In 2023, Oliver Zipse’s contract as Chairman of the Board of
Management of BMW AG was extended beyond the usual retirement age
until 2026. Subsequently, he will leave the Board of Management as
planned after the Annual General Meeting on 13 May 2026, concluding a
total of 35 years with the BMW Group. 

 

“Oliver Zipse has made a significant contribution to the BMW
Group and deserves our sincere gratitude. He has led BMW through
global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and represents the Neue
Klasse as the largest strategic project in the company’s
history,” said Peter. “Oliver Zipse has always prioritized
BMW’s success. He consistently took a clear stance—even in the face of
great external headwinds—and thus kept the company on track during
turbulent times.”

 

Milan Nedeljković, the designated Chairman of the Board of
Management, has been a member of the Board of Management of BMW AG
since 2019 and is currently responsible for the Production division.
The 56-year-old began his professional career at BMW as a Trainee in
1993 and has accumulated extensive international experience. He has
held senior leadership positions at Plant Oxford, as Managing Director
Plant Leipzig and Munich and as Senior Vice President Corporate
Quality. His contract as Chairman of the Board of Management will
extend into 2031.

 

Dr. Martin Kimmich, Chairman of the Global Works Council and deputy
Chairman of the Supervisory Board, said: “Milan Nedeljković is
held in high regard by and enjoys the trust of BMW’s workforce.
Together with him, we look forward to continuing the long tradition of
cooperative collaboration between the Works Council and corporate
management as a foundation for our BMW success story.”

 

 

 

If you have any questions, please contact:

 

BMW Group Corporate Communications

 

Max-Morten Borgmann, Head of Communications BMW Group, Finance, Sales

Telephone: +49 89 382-24118

Email: max-morten.borgmann@bmwgroup.com

 

Media website: www.press.bmwgroup.com/deutschland

Email: presse@bmwgroup.com

 

The BMW Group

 

With its four brands, BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the
BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles
and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility
services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30
production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in
more than 140 countries.

 

In 2024, the BMW Group sold 2.45 million passenger vehicles and more
than 210,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the
financial year 2024 was € 11.0 billion on revenues amounting to €
142.4 billion. As of 31 December 2024, the BMW Group had a workforce
of 159,104 employees.

 

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term
thinking and responsible action. Sustainability is a key component of
the BMW Group’s corporate strategy – from the supply chain through
production to the end of the use phase of all products. 

 

www.bmwgroup.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bmwgroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmwgroup

X: https://www.x.com/bmwgroup