Zurich has added 1,400 trades to its e-traded SME combined liability proposition, which it has launched on Acturis Open Market and Zurich Online. The new proposition builds on Zurich’s existing SME commercial combined infrastructure, expanding the range of risks it can cover.

Aviva has developed a hybrid fronting proposition for managing general agents that it says combines fronting capabilities and risk retention. It will be available through Aviva’s Global, Corporate and Specialty division and is aimed at opportunities in excess of £20m gross written premium.

HDI Global UK and Ireland is set to establish a new syndicate having received approval in principle approval for the venture from Lloyd’s. The carrier says the move will widen its distribution and give clients and brokers better access to its underwriting capabilities.

In September, Markel will launch a standalone cyber solution for businesses with a turnover of up to £250m, which will be available via the Acturis platform. The SME and mid-market proposition will provide cover across more than 3,400 trade categories.

Loss adjusting and claims specialist QuestGates has launched a new division called Counter Fraud Solutions that integrates fraud prevention, detection and management capabilities into a single proposition for commercial and personal lines insurers, managing general agents, brokers and commercial clients.

Managing general agent Alps has partnered with specialist schemes provider Guarantor Insure to launch a student guarantor protection insurance scheme, which will provide cover to individuals acting as guarantors for students in rented accommodation.

ManyPets has launched a pet insurance plugin, or app, on ChatGPT, which it says will make it quicker and easier for pet owners to get a quote. ManyPets says the plugin is aimed at consumers who are beginning to use large language models to fulfil their everyday search demands.

Cedar Trace Underwriting has received in-principle approval from the Lloyd’s Council for a new syndicate that will begin to write a diversified reinsurance portfolio as well as a delegated direct insurance portfolio from the beginning of 2027. Asta will provide managing agency and associated services to the new syndicate.

Lloyd’s has reported a profit of £3.5bn for H1 2026. This was down from the £4.2bn achieved in the same period last year. Gross written premium rose from £32.5bn to £34.7bn while the market’s combined ratio improved from 92.5% to 90.8%.

Partners& has acquired Borehamwood-based broker Chaseside Insurance Solutions. The broker has a 5-strong team that supports a broad range of commercial clients in sectors including manufacturing, retail, leisure, media, IT and professional services. It also works with private clients.

Simply Business has inked a six-year partnership agreement with premium finance provider, Premium Credit. The deal builds on an existing relationship that dates back to 2017. Simply Business specialises in providing cover to small business and landlord clients.

Tower Insurance Brokers, which secured backing from private credit investor TDC last year, has acquired Wilmslow-based broker Riskworks, which controls gross written premium of around £5m. The deal takes Tower’s GWP to more than £40m.

Renovation Underwriting has implemented an application process that lets brokers place private client risks with a premium of less than £3,000 through its underwriting portal. Those that meet the criteria will be priced and bound immediately, while those that do not will be referred for manual review.

Underwriting agency Verve Risk Services has launched Verve Financial Institutions, which will offer financial lines products covering banks, stock exchanges, alternative lenders and asset managers for SME to mid-market financial institutions. It is backed fully by Lloyd’s capacity.

Scott Allen has launched a Coversure Insurance Services office in Yeovil. Allen has been an insurance broker for more than a decade. He says the new business will support both personal and commercial clients across Somerset.

Homeprotect, which is part of Avantia Group, has announced that Accredited Insurance (UK) Limited will become a co-insurer for the provider, joining Axa UK, which has a longstanding capacity arrangement with Homeprotect. Under the agreement, Axa will retain an 80% share of the book of business.