The International Underwriting Association (IUA) will run a London market group for professional indemnity (PI) underwriters.

The Professional Indemnity Forum is intended to promote sound principles for the best practice of PI insurance.

It will also provide an opportunity for discussion and education on all relevant underwriting, claims and technical matters, the IUA said.

Russell Newell, divisional underwriter, professional indemnity, for Canopius Managing Agents, is chairman of the forum.

He said: "The Professional Indemnity Forum plays a valuable role in bringing together leading underwriters in London to further levels of knowledge in the market as a whole. It pursues an academic approach to dealing with real problems facing the market.”

The forum, which has previously operated as an independent entity within the London market, will hold its annual conference to discuss topical industry concerns.

This year's conference will be held from 2 to 4 July at Robinson College, Cambridge taking a detailed look at legal cases and trends impacting underwriting and claims strategies.