Avon insurance is building up a panel of around 50 brokers to use its new web-based commercial lines package, Avon Net.

The system was set up six months ago and offers retailers, offices, surgeries and restaurants Business Elite products online.

Currently, there are 15 brokers and intermediaries using the service.

Avon uses the Progen underwriting package from Promark to create products. The system also features a full cycle administration system.

A spokesman for the insurer said: "We wanted to cut down the admin side of things for brokers and make it as easy as possible for them to place business.

"The fact is people are getting more and more involved in the internet, so we have pushed the boat out and brought our system to market."