INSURANCE group RSA surprised markets yesterday with better-than-expected figures – and the departure of chief executive Andy Haste.

The firm, which employs about 1,200 staff at its Old Hall Street and Tithebarn Street operations in Liverpool, reported record first-half underwriting and operating results for the six months to June 30.

An underwriting figure of £206m was a 51% improvement on a year ago and the operating result of £467m was 22% better.

Net written premiums grew 10% to £4.18bn and pre-tax profits were 25% ahead at £367m

The COR – combined operating ratio representing the money spent on claims and costs for every £1 of premiums taken – was 93.2%, which was a 1.6% improvement on the previous year.

Chief executive Mr Haste said the improvements were achieved despite costs from natural disasters including the Japanese tsunami, New Zealand earthquakes and Australian floods. He said: “We approach the second half of 2011 with confidence.”

International markets represent the biggest portion of premiums and showed an 11% improvement.

The UK also delivered a “strong top line performance” with premiums up 7% to £1.57bn.

UK chief executive Adrian Brown praised the part the Liverpool operation played in what he said was “a great result for us”.

The city is home to RSA’s Motability operation and its commercial division MoreTh>n, which he said produced a £27m profit: “We have got lots of things going on in Liverpool, for sure.

“We’re really happy with our commercial lines business.”

And he said improvements to customer services had paid off, adding: “When customers are satisfied, they come back.

“People on the ground are working their socks off and it shows we are taking all the right actions and that is starting to come through in the results – but there’s more to do.”

Mr Haste will be replaced at end of the year by Simon Lee, currently chief executive of RSA’s international arm.