The firm said the move means prospective business customers will not only be able to access a greater range of commercial insurance products, but they’ll also be available from one place.

Under the agreement, Miles Smith will offer packaged products to small and medium-sized businesses, and more tailored solutions to large corporations and organisations that either have complex requirements, or are growing businesses with evolving needs.

Solutions are available for, but not limited to, businesses in the building trades, hospitality, landlord, retail sectors and those with offices and surgeries. In addition, Miles Smith will offer products to business owners who require cyber cover or that have specific one-off insurance requirements.

Previously, business customers only had access to a limited range of commercial insurance products from Co-op Insurance all, of which, were provided by Aviva.  Whilst Miles Smith has appointed Aviva as its principal underwriter, customers’ insurance needs will be assessed on an individual basis to provide the right expertise and proposition through a vast network of insurers and underwriters.

Prior to the new relationship Miles Smith managed a number of key Co-op corporate accounts.

Colin Butler, head of partnerships at Co-op Insurance, said: “As part of the business’s transformation journey, we have been assessing the range of products we offer to customers and members, and how we do this.  We recognise that business requirements change over time and the relationship with Miles Smith means we can now work with businesses irrespective of their size, trade or industry, offering commercial insurance to the majority of business owners in the UK.”

Paul Chainey, CEO at Miles Smith, said: “We have worked closely with Co-op Insurance for a number of years.  We share co-operative values and are customer service driven so we are very pleased to support Co-op Insurance in extending the scope of business insurance it offers and we look forward to being part of the Co-op’s customer journey as a trusted partner.”

Fraser Edmond, broker distribution director at Aviva, said: “We have developed a strong relationship with Co-op Insurance, providing expert underwriting capability over many years. We are delighted to be continuing to work with them to ensure Co-op Insurance customers receive the highest standards of service from Aviva.”