HM Treasury
On the day that government launches the UK insurance growth plan in front of industry leaders, leading life insurer Aviva has announced that it has pinpointed 500 million for investment in UK infrastructure.
This follows Avivas pledge, together with five other major insurers, to invest at least 25 billion of investment in major UK projects two weeks ago, alongside the publication of the National Infrastructure Plan 2013 (on 4 December).
Aviva has now announced that it has set aside its first 500 million as part of that commitment, a move enabled by the governments successful negotiations on the Solvency II Directive, and wider work to make the UK the most attractive place for infrastructure investment.
The government is committed to supporting institutional investors, such as insurers, to take a stake in building Britain, and this forms a key part of its new UK insurance growth action plan, published today.
The UK insurance growth action plan sets out where action will be taken by government and industry, working with other partners, to strengthen the sectors contribution to economic growth and enhance the UKs position as a global leader in a global industry.
In addition to long-term investment in infrastructure, the plan highlights several priority areas for action: developing a more coordinated and targeted approach to promoting the UK industry in key overseas markets; strengthening the UK as a location for overseas insurers and insurance capital; serving UK insurance consumers; and promoting skills and diversity in the insurance workforce.
The insurance industry is a vital asset for the UK and a major contributor to the economy. It employs over 300,000 people across the country, attracts global capital, serves the needs of consumers, and is a major British exporter.
Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Sajid Javid MP said:
The insurance sector is a leading example of the UKs position as a centre for global finance and we intend to keep it that way. That is why we are launching a UK insurance growth action plan today, to further strengthen the sectors contribution to economic growth and set out how we will work with industry to enhance the UKs position as a global leader in a truly global industry.
This is already bearing fruit, just two weeks ago six major insurers announced their intention to invest at least 25 billion in infrastructure projects, and I am very happy to see Aviva have already allocated 500 million for growth boosting projects across the UK and look forward to working with them to support this investment.
Huw Evans, Deputy Director General, Association of British Insurers said:
The Insurance Growth Action Plan demonstrates how important the UK insurance industry is to the economy and wider society and how working in partnership with government can be positive for both. We welcome the governments commitment to support UK insurers expansion into overseas markets, and also to help attract companies to base themselves in the UK.
Increased certainty on Solvency II has already paid off with insurers committing to invest 25 billion in UK infrastructure projects over the next five years demonstrating again how crucial a thriving insurance market is to the economic health of the UK.
John Nelson, Chairman of Lloyds said:
I am delighted that Lloyds has hosted the launch of the governments action plan for the growth of the insurance industry. It aligns well with Lloyds own strategy to expand into high growth markets and I am very pleased that the government has restated its support for that. The action plan is a clear recognition of the insurance industrys importance to the UK economy in providing jobs, investment and paying claims to rebuild when disaster strikes.