New MGA launches with capacity from Axa UK

Managing general underwriter (MGU) Acies has launched a construction-focused managing general agent (MGA) in the UK.

Called Phoenix Speciality, the business will launch with contractors all risks and contractors plant and equipment products.

The MGA, which has capacity backing from Axa UK, said that further specialist products were also in the pipeline.

It will be led by managing director Tim James, who led on the growth and sale of Ensurance, a specialist construction and engineering MGA.

Prior to this, he spent 16 years in senior and board-level roles at HSB.

Speaking about his new venture, James said: “Our mission at Phoenix Specialty is to establish a reputable global construction MGA by leveraging a dedicated team of highly experienced technical underwriters to deliver exceptional service.

”Our immediate priority is to establish a strong presence in the UK market before expanding our footprint internationally to meet the unique challenges faced by the construction industry.”

Appointments

James will be joined by senior construction underwriter Milan Kosorin, who was most recently a senior energy and construction underwriter at Allianz.

He also spent nearly 10 years at Axa corporate solutions in various global construction underwriting roles.

Phoneix also announced that experienced construction underwriters Cameron Mclean, Elyse Gateson and Chantell Wilson will also be joining the team.

Mark Heath, chief executive of Acies MGU, said: ”In Phoenix, we have a team of highly qualified, experienced construction underwriters who are finely attuned to the fast-paced and complex construction market and the needs of their insurance and broker partners.

”I’m excited to see Phoenix set a strong example of how we can achieve a clearer future in our industry with the delivery of sharper, more advanced solutions for our broker and insurer partners and their clients.”