Lloyd's syndicates are predicting that the ferocity and frequency of the 2004 hurricane season will drive up falling rates.

Announcing a doubling in pre-tax profit for the six months to 30 June, Atrium chief executive Nick Marsh said that the hurricanes were driving commercial property and energy rates up.

He said he was hopeful the 2004 rate reductions in the property and energy markets would be "short-lived".

Atrium announced a pre-tax profit of £16.1m for the half year, compared to a profit of £8.2m the previous year.

Hardy chairman Peter Hardy said the hurricane losses could end the softening in the catastrophe reinsurance market. Hardy reported a 43% increase in pre-tax profit, to £9.3m for the six months to 30 June, from £6.5m in 2003.

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.