Lloyd's liability insurer, Illium Syndicate 4040, is launching a new UK commercial motor division for 2006.
Illium said the new division will be headed up by John Shepherd and employ Geoff Walton and Kevin Dawes as underwriters. All three were formerly with Equity Red Star.
Illium said Shepherd plans to build a balanced book of commercial business accommodating niches such as haulage, coaches, taxis and self-drive hire, in addition to general fleet.
Shepherd said: "This is a tremendous opportunity to build a successful motor operation from the ground up. Illium's existing business model is a very good fit, given its existing penetration of the UK SME sector.
"Efficient and accessible claims servicing is a key area in which we intend to differentiate ourselves." The company is addressing this issue with the establishment of an in-house claims operation.
