15. Endsleigh

Fee and commission income (2002): £48.8m

Pre-tax profit (2002): £5.7m

Address:
Shurdington Road

Cheltenham Spa

Gloucestershire GL50 3NR

Tel: 01242 866 866

Fax: 01242 866 951

Website: www.endsleigh.co.uk

History: Endsleigh was formed by the NUS in 1965, to use the bulk purchasing power of the student movement. Endsleigh has expanded its expertise to provide for a broader market. Trading as "independent insurance for career people" the formula of offering highly targeted niche products to the student community has been replicated with appropriate insurance professionals. Endsleigh is an independent insurance intermediary, designing its own policies and using a range of insurers to underwrite them. The company operates through an integrated multi-channel distribution structure that includes 129 branches, call centres and a fully-functional internet site. Currently 1,100 people work for Endsleigh nationwide.

Major shareholders: Management buy-out via a long-term strategic alliance with Zurich Financial Services. The NUS has a 15% share in the company.

Main lines of business: Household, travel, motor and pet. Endsleigh Business Insurance Services - commercial business, sporting and insurance for not-for-profit organisations. Endsleigh Financial Independent Tailoring - independent financial advice service via telephone and internet.

Special schemes: Professional, semi-professional and amateur sports insurance.