Kinnect no joking matter - setting the record straight

While I am delighted by the vote of confidence in Kinnect expressed by the insurance industry in your article Turning the tide of technological change (PB, August 2004), there are some inaccuracies that I would like to correct.

The article quotes Mr Foord as stating that only three risks have passed over the Kinnect platform. This is out of date and wildly off the mark.

While I do not feel that it is productive to constantly make announcements updating the number of risks that pass over Kinnect, I can confirm that this is now a daily occurrence and growing in momentum. Our initial broker partners, Marsh and Willis, have been placing North American property risks over the platform since May 2004 and we plan to extend the range of risks handled by Kinnect in 2005.

Classing this important initiative as 'a joke' is also unhelpful and contrary to the opinions of the key players in the London market. Lloyd's views Kinnect as an integral component of the wider London market reform process. With the support of Marsh, Willis, Ace, Amlin, Beazley, Wellington and our new customers, Ascot and Markel, Kinnect is well placed to play its part in business process reform.

Toby Davies, Chief executive officer, Kinnect.