Niche insurer IGI has opened a London office in a bid to target commercial property and combined package business.

The company has appointed an experienced team brought in from insurer rival Ace Europe to focus on developing broker business in the capital.

Their appointments coincide with an expansion of IGI's capacity and limits in commercial property and combined package business.

Keith Wardell, IGI Group chief executive, said: "IGI's traditional strengths lie in writing residential and commercial let, caravan, pet, legal expenses and extended warranty cover. The new team will enable us to extend our offering to write all types of property and liability business including property damage, business interruption and employers', public and products liability."

IGI's new Lime Street office is led by Tony Griffiths, a former member of Ace's management team, who has joined as director of IGI's London operations.

Amanda Keer and Darren White have also been appointed as London development underwriters from Ace.