The growth is attributed to a 15% surge in general insurance premiums, reaching £6 billion.

UK and Ireland saw particularly strong growth, with premiums jumping 18%. Aviva’s wealth business also performed well, attracting £5 billion in net flows. However, retirement sales dipped slightly.

The company has hiked its interim dividend by 7% and completed a £300 million share buyback. Aviva remains confident in achieving its ambitious 2026 targets.

Group CEO Amanda Blanc hailed the results, highlighting the company’s strong position in key markets like the UK and Canada.

Ms Blanc 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.

She added: “We are the number one provider of workplace pensions and are planning to launch a new venture and growth capital strategy. This will open up new investment opportunities for our pension customers and could help unlock billions of pounds of investment into unlisted growth companies.

“We remain very positive about Aviva’s prospects. Trading conditions across the UK, Ireland and Canada, are excellent. And the UK market, our largest, is highly attractive and growing. We see many reasons to invest here, including greater economic stability and political certainty.

“This encouraging backdrop – and Aviva’s continued strong financial performance - means we are increasingly confident we can deliver even more for our customers and shareholders.”