The Countrywide network is offering its members with a turnover of up to £5m a new Zurich Commercial ‘SME Combined' product.

John Dawson, Countrywide's head of insurance services, said: “The steps we are taking with Zurich are already benefiting members in terms of service and professionalism, but more importantly, a flexible approach to difficult to place cases.

“With Countrywide Zurich, liability can be written in isolation and competitive terms are offered on cases that wouldn't even be considered by some insurers such as a recent case for private investigators' premises.”

Julian Robinson at UK & Ireland Insurance Services, has been using the facility. He said: “Through Countrywide Zurich we secured a major deal worth over a quarter of a million pounds. A deal that would not have been possible outside of the network and that will enable us to win bigger accounts and more flexible deals in the future.”

David Smith, director of Zurich UK Commercial, said: “Brokers are aware that we are one of the more specialist commercial insurers, but I don't think they realise the full extent and flexibility of the deals we can offer. Countrywide gives us a great opportunity. The majority of their members' business is commercial, many offering specialist schemes.

“The introduction of a new SME Combined facility via Countrywide will help deliver further growth, efficiency and profit and will enhance our strategic partnership. We are planning to launch the facility via OASys Commercial over the coming months.”