Aviva plc has reported a group operating profit of £875m for H1 2024, up 14% on the same period last year. The carrier said general insurance premiums were up by 15% and now topped £6bn while its undiscounted combined operating ratio was 95.4%, a slight deterioration on the 94.8% recorded last year.

Amanda Blanc (pictured), group chief executive officer, said: “Sales are up. Operating profit is up. The dividend is up. Our plan to deliver more for customers and shareholders is working really well.

“We have achieved another six months of excellent trading. We have generated growth right across Aviva, thanks to our leading positions in attractive markets such as workplace pensions and general insurance in the UK and Canada.”