17. Endsleigh Insurance Services

17. Endsleigh Insurance Services
Fee and commission income (2000): £42.2m

Pre-tax profit (2000): £2m

Address: Shurdington Road
Cheltenham Spa
Gloucestershire
GL50 3NR
Tel: 01242 866 866
Fax: 01242 866 951

Website: www.endsleigh.co.uk

Major shareholders: In April 2002, the executive directors of the company, led by managing director Mike Alcock, (see profile page 20) undertook a management buy-out and formed a long term strategic alliance with Zurich Financial Services. The NUS has a 15% share in the company.

Company history: Endsleigh was formed by the NUS in 1965, to use the bulk purchasing power of the student movement to successfully negotiate suitable cover and preferential rates on their behalf. 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 products for graduates and professionals.

The proposition to insure and retain students throughout their careers was further strengthened last year when a full independent financial advisory service was introduced.

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 1100 people work for Endsleigh nationwide.

For the year ended 2000 the company made £43.1m in fees and commission and a pre-tax profit of £2.5m

Main lines of business: The company offers a wide range of insurance products, including household, travel, motor and pet. Endsleigh Business Insurance Services provides commercial business, sporting and insurance for not-for-profit organisations and Endsleigh Financial Independent Tailoring is unique service for Independent Financial Advice based on the telephone and internet.

Special schemes: Professional, semi-professional and amateur sports insurance products ranging from stadium cover to personal injury policies.