London-listed Beazley has posted a 7% rise in gross written premium (GWP) to $US583 million ($787.8 million) in the first quarter, driven by its biggest division, specialty lines.

Specialty lines GWP increased 15% to $US261 million ($352.7 million) in the three months to March 31.

Life, accident and health GWP was up 33% to $US48 million ($64.9 million), while reinsurance grew 1% to $US89 million ($120.3 million).

Marine GWP fell 7% to $US74 million ($100 million), political risk and contingency dropped 9% to $US30 million ($40.5 million) and property fell 2% to $US81 million ($109.5 million).

“The continued expansion of our underwriting teams, including a London-based small business team focusing on healthcare professional liability business, helped us grow our top line by 7%… despite the continued competitive market conditions that have characterised recent periods,” CEO Andrew Horton said.