Willis, part of the WTW group, has introduced Zest Insurance, a new digital insurance platform built specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Australia.

The launch signals a shift in how smaller businesses can access and manage their insurance needs—bringing together digital speed with professional support.

Zest Insurance allows SMEs to handle every step of their insurance process online, from getting a quote to purchasing, renewing, and managing policies.

This approach aims to remove the friction often associated with traditional insurance systems. The platform also offers access to experienced brokers for guidance when needed, blending the best of digital efficiency and human expertise.

James Baum, Head of Pacific at WTW, said: “The launch of Zest Insurance comes at a pivotal time for the Australian SME market. With 97% of businesses having 20 or fewer employees, the platform is poised to serve a vast and growing segment of the market. Zest Insurance aims to bridge the gap between traditional insurance models and the digital expectations of modern SME owners.”

The platform has been created to address long-standing frustrations among small business owners who often find the insurance process overly complex and outdated.

Brent Lehmann, Head of Commercial & Affinity, Pacific at Willis, added: “SMEs are the backbone of the Australian economy, yet many still face outdated, complex processes when it comes to insurance. They increasingly demand convenience, speed and tailored insurance solutions. Zest Insurance is our answer to that challenge, bringing together digital convenience and trusted expertise in one powerful platform. It aims to make purchasing business insurance more straightforward for small business owners.”

The Australian SME insurance sector, worth over AUD 9 billion in gross written premium, has traditionally lagged behind other markets in adopting digital tools.

Zest Insurance intends to close that gap by offering a fully online experience, tailored coverage by industry, and a user-focused design that makes policy management more accessible and less time-consuming.

Initially, the platform will be available to businesses operating in administration and support services, including bookkeepers, payroll firms, management and marketing consultants, and market research companies. For this launch phase, all policies will be exclusively underwritten by Chubb, a globally recognised name in the insurance industry.

Baum further added: “We’ve built Zest Insurance to be more than just a platform. It’s a new way of thinking about SME insurance. It’s about simplicity, transparency and putting the customer first. Together, we’re setting a new standard for SME insurance, starting in Australia.”