Lloyd's said it expected to accredit three new brokers during January 2002, as it moves to provide wider access to the market and attract new business.

The insurance market has accredited 21 brokers since its programme started in January 2001.

Lloyd's Broker Services manager Steve Boucher said accreditations had been welcomed from all over the world, including the US, France and Canada.

He added that the outlook for 2002 was equally promising, with requests received from Australasia, Italy and the Far East.

"Our aim was to provide wider access to the market for brokers who can meet a clear set of commercially-based standards which are designed to promote high levels of professionalism, integrity and customer service," he said.

"We have already begun to see evidence of new business in the Lloyd's market, some of which was previously placed in domestic markets."