12 June 2018Insurance

AmWINS MGA Unicorn launches SME division under LV= hires

US-based global broker AmWINS Group has launched a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) division within its London-based managing general agent Unicorn Underwriting.

As part of the launch, Kevin Hawkins and Richard Ellis have joined as UK SME underwriting director and UK SME pricing director, respectively. They have over 30 years of experience in the underwriting and pricing of commercial SME business and join from LV=Broker, where they spent the past 11 years building and managing SME accounts.

Unicorn will initially offer SMEs commercial combined, retailers, office & surgery and property owners products, alongside the previously available unoccupied residential and commercial property policies. The new SME products are underwritten by Travelers Insurance Company.

Sasa Brcerevic, CEO of Unicorn Underwriting, said: “I am very pleased to welcome two very talented, experienced and skilled leaders to head Unicorn’s new SME division. Having spent many years serving UK SME clients, both have consistent track records in delivering market-beating results.”

Hawkins commented: “The SME market is ripe with opportunity for a fresh, client-centric underwriting agency. Unicorn enjoys the support of a strong and stable backer in AmWINS and, with policies underwritten by AA rated Travelers, we have the ideal foundation to offer clients the very best products.”

Ellis added: “Kevin and I have jointly identified a great opportunity in the UK SME insurance market. As part of Unicorn, I am very pleased we’ll be able to offer our broking partners and clients outstanding products and very much looking forward to joining the team.”

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