US property & casualty insurer WR Berkley has enjoyed a strong second quarter, with premiums increasing by 46%.
Delivering an upbeat assessment of the market, the insurer said it expects the hard market to continue for some time.
Gross written premiums totalled $1 billion (£620m) in the second quarter up from $729m (£452m) in the second quarter of 2002.
William Berkley, chairman and chief executive said: "We continue to have the ability to raise prices. Given the low inflation environment, even modest price increases can significantly increase our return on equity.
"We do not foresee a return to the intense price competition of the late 1990s any time soon, given the current low-interest rate environment and the challenges faced by many companies in the industry. We remain confident in our prospects and expect that quarterly results will continue to improve."
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.
