Fortis Insurance Ltd, the UK arm of the Belgian financial services giant, Fortis, has reported overall volume of £264m for the six months to June, a 3% increase on the £256m achieved for the same period in 2002.
Barry Smith, the chief executive of the UK operation, said: "Our growth in overall volume has been achieved while maintaining operating ratios that exceed market norms. In 2002 we achieved 91.1%.
"Our strategy will continue to focus on profitable personal lines and small commercial business, with the emphasis on delivering a high level of service to the broker and intermediary market."
Fortis said both small commercial and household had shown significant growth over the same period last year: commercial premiums increased by 61% to £19m and household increased by 11.2% to £45.2m.
Motor premiums reached £186.9m, showing strong growth over the first quarter of this year (£88.8m), the company said.
Fortis in the UK received a rating of 'Api' from Standard & Poor's in July.
Mr Smith added: "Our increased financial strength rating of Api from S&P illustrates our ability to combine profitable underwriting, expense control and investment for consistent growth."
