16 February 2006

Recently rebranded commercial insurance provider Icon is looking to launch a full online trading system for brokers in the second half of the year.

Formed as a result of parent Limit's acquisition of Colchester-based broker Tolson Messenger's schemes business unit in May 2004, the rebrand follows a period of consolidation, and a move from being a broker to an insurance company.

Icon offers a range of tailor-made products for home-based office businesses, freelancers and micro-businesses, aimed at clients that have up to 20 employees.

Ian Jones, head of business development at Icon, claims this is an area where there is real growth. "There's a real trend towards smaller, leaner businesses - technology means firms need fewer people to handle more work, so it's all perfectly logical."

The company aims to sell its products both online and through brokers. Icon currently has a quote-and-buy system on its website, and has plans to launch full online trading for brokers later this year.

Mr Jones added: "We still see brokers as having a very important role to play. This is why we have set a uniform transparent policy across the board - it will cost the same to do business with us if doing it direct or through brokers."

Mr Jones also confirmed that there were currently plans for further products but would not provide any details.