Howden UK is predicting to grow its brokers' own professional indemnity (PI) business to £2m in premium within a year.

The Lloyd's broker, which specialises in professional indemnity and directors' and officers' covers, has begun an "aggressive" push to grow its brokers' PI book.

Howden UK director Richard Wynn said that the company's drive into this area had "just kicked off". He said the team, which currently comprises four staff, would grow. "We are looking for new staff. We are looking to expand," he said.

Howden is currently targeting brokers with turnovers of over £1m. But Wynn said that once the company had achieved its first year target it would consider looking at smaller brokers.

In July, Howden extended its broker PI policy to cover costs incurred during FSA investigations, as part of a drive to increase sales.

Howden UK was launched last year with a target of £75m in premium by 2007.