Calliden is on track to launch a personal lines agency in July, CEO Nick Kirk told the company’s annual general meeting last week.

He later told insuranceNEWS.com.au the joint venture will offer motorcycle cover aimed at “mature” riders.

Mr Kirk says the company’s transition from underwriter to managing general agency/niche insurer is complete, and the focus this year will be on growth.

It aims to link to the Steadfast Virtual Underwriter platform in the fourth quarter, is restarting joint ventures and plans to launch new products through new carriers.

Calliden started a number of joint ventures between 2005 and 2008 but slowed down after buying the general insurance assets of Australian Unity in 2007, so it could concentrate on integrating that business.

Mr Kirk says joint ventures have delivered “tremendous” returns and Calliden wants to create more. “It is returning to something we have a successful track record in.”

The company has forecast profit of $7.5-$9.5 million this calendar year.