AmWins has launched an SME division within its London-based MGA Unicorn Underwriting.

Kevin Hawkins and Richard Ellis have joined the MGA to run the small business unit, taking on the roles of UK SME underwriting director and UK SME pricing director, respectively.

The pair join from LV=Broker, where they spent the past 11 years building and managing SME accounts.

Unicorn will initially offer SMEs commercial combined, retailers, office and surgery and property owners products, alongside the previously available unoccupied residential and commercial property policies. New SME products are underwritten by AA- rated Travelers.

Unicorn CEO Sasa Brcerevic said: “I am very pleased to welcome two very talented, experienced and skilled leaders to head Unicorn’s new SME division. Having spent many years serving UK SME clients, both have consistent track records in delivering market-beating results.”

Hawkins said: “The SME market is ripe with opportunity for a fresh, client-centric underwriting agency. Unicorn enjoys the support of a strong and stable backer in AmWins and, with policies underwritten by AA rated Travelers, we have the ideal foundation to offer clients the very best products."