Value chain deconstruction in the United Kingdom retail life insurance industry and resulting strategic options for new entrants to the market

Abstract

Porter coined the term ‘value chain’ in 1985. Since then the concept has found general acceptance within the strategic planning realm. In order to explain changes occurring in industries affected by increased volatility, a thesis of the deconstruction of the value chain is gaining acceptance. This concept is investigated by means of a literature review. The theory is then tested in the turbulent United Kingdom (UK) retail life insurance industry to see if an application can be found. This industry is briefly analysed and the main environmental factors affecting it are investigated. These are a £27 billion per annum savings gap, under-performing equity markets, regulatory influences of depolarisation, stakeholder’s pensions and technological developments mainly as a result of the Internet. The conclusion reached is that the changes are creating at least partial deconstruction. Within this framework the strategic options for new entrants into the UK retail life insurance market are explored.