Goshawk will reduce its involvement in UK property and casualty as the market softens, according to chairman Paul Spencer.

Announcing its preliminary results, Spencer said the group was moving into a "new phase in its development" with increased financial backing from shareholders.

Spencer said major shareholder Phoenix Asset Management had been increasing its ownership of the company since mid-2004 and now had more than a 20% stake in the group.

But Goshawk shareholders will not be getting a dividend pay-out this year as the company strides towards stemming losses.

The group predicted a net loss of $3m (£1.56m) in its preliminary results for the year-end 2004, down from a net loss of $108m (£56m) in 2003.

Chief executive Russell Brooke said the group had been adversely affected by the 2004 hurricane season which was "in excess of normal severity and frequency", costing its Bermuda subsidiary, Rosemont Re, $40m (£21m).

Brooke said the company did not anticipate a huge hurricane season in 2005.

The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.