RNS Number:1087R
BRIT Insurance Holdings PLC
21 October 2003


Press Release


Embargoed until 7.00 am


21 October 2003





                                 Plans for 2004

     Brit forecasts record premium income backed by exceptional UK growth



Following the approval of the 2004 underwriting business plan by the Board of
Brit Insurance Holdings ("Brit") and its subsequent filing with Lloyd's, the
highlights are set out below :


* Brit is forecasting a 2004 gross premium income of #1.3bn, up 21% on the
expected 2003 total of #1.05bn, and continued strong market conditions.


* Brit's UK SME business is forecast to grow by over 40% in gross
premium income to #430m from #300m in 2003 creating a leading force in UK
general insurance.


* Continued recruitment of key teams and underwriters and the pursuit of
the strategic acquisition of renewal portfolios will enhance growth
prospects without inheriting legacy liabilities.


* Brit's ability to retain acquired renewal rights, as evidenced by the
successful outcome of the Gerling and Markel motor portfolios, will
contribute to growth.  Brit is currently pursuing renewal rights to various
other portfolios, including the Creechurch property insurance portfolio
which is expected to generate in the region of #40m of gross premium income
for 2004.


* The casualty department is expected to employ 32 underwriters by the
beginning of 2004 compared with the 21 employed at the beginning of 2003 and
projected gross written premium for 2003 is ahead of budget.


* If analysts' consensus forecasts are met, dividend payment should
resume following the publication of Brit's 2004 final results. From financial
year 2004, dividend policy will be to pay a minimum dividend of 70% of annual
post tax profit, subject to available distributable reserves.


Neil Eckert, CEO of Brit Insurance Holdings PLC, said:  "We are excited by the
business prospects outlined in our 2004 business plan.  We continue to meet our
operational targets during exceptionally favourable market conditions.  The
Board has further clarified Brit's dividend policy which demonstrates our
commitment to returning value to shareholders as soon as possible."



Ends


Contact:

Neil Eckert, Brit Insurance Holdings PLC                   020 7984 8510
Dane Douetil, Brit Insurance Holdings PLC                  020 7984 8803

David Haggie, Haggie Financial                             020 7417 8989
Peter Rigby, Haggie Financial                              020 7417 8989







                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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