month at ACE Ltd. offices, marking the official opening of the organisation formed to generically market the Bermuda insurance industry.

The launch drew support from inside and outside of the industry, said coordinator Ms Lisa Marshall.

Ms Marshall, a partner with patron member Conyers, Dill & Pearman, said: "The response has been fantastic. We've had a lot of support from businesses that trade with the insurance sector and who want to find out more about their customers. Many regard their club membership as a strategic competitive advantage.'' The Premium Club, first announced in December, has attracted 30 corporate members including international insurance companies, local travel firms, utility companies, printers, hotels, computer distributors and taxi operators.

Other members include law firms, banks, accounting practices and some of the industry's larger trade bodies, such as the Bermuda Insurance Management Association, which represents the Island's captive insurance managers.

The Premium Club was formed in recognition of demand from non-insurance companies that wish to be more closely identified with the Island's insurance and reinsurance community.

The club was organised by the marketing arm of the Insurance Advisory Committee. Membership is available to all who have some part in the industry, including service providers.