Lloyd’s of London marine insurer Ascot Underwriting Syndicate 1414 believes it is in a good position to take advantage of an upturn in the market this year.

Ascot chief executive Andrew Brooks said that there are positive signs for the marine market as many leading players in the sector have pulled out.

More than 30 Lloyd’s of London and non-Lloyd’s marine insurers have reduced capacity or totally withdrawn from the market over the last three years.