Bermuda-based specialist insurer Hiscox Ltd. and brokerage Allison & Partners of London have joined forces to launch INSPIRE, an underwriting division specialising in professional insurance lines for UK and European small to medium-sized businesses.

INSPIRE, a division of Allison & Partners with capacity provided by Hiscox, will be based in Allison & Partners' London and Essex offices and its products will be available both via brokers and direct to the customer.

The launch follows Hiscox' acquisition of 49 percent of Allison & Partners in August 2007.