APRIL UK, one of the UK’s leading providers of income protection and health insurance policies has confirmed its commitment to Bradley Stoke by moving its headquarters to a larger building on the Almondsbury Business Park in the north of the town.
Previously based in a 2,000 sqft unit at Apex Court, the company this week moved into April House, a newly refurbished 5,000 sqft building just up the road from its previous office.
Around 30 full time staff will provide support to their Business Consultants and growing network of brokers who service customers throughout the UK and Ireland.
The firm, established in 1997, is aiming to recruit up to twelve extra staff in the coming months to cope with the increasing workload as confidence returns to the insurance sector.
APRIL UK is part of the international APRIL Group headquartered in Lyon, France, which looks after six million policyholders in 37 countries worldwide. The group has a market value in excess of £776 million.
Cllr Janet Biggin, Chair of South Gloucestershire Council, was invited to declare the new headquarters open at a champagne reception on Monday evening. In her speech, Cllr Biggin said:
The investment and Confidence APRIL UK has shown in the area will reinforce South Gloucestershire’s growing reputation as a superb business location with excellent communications and a highly trained workforce.”
APRIL UK Chief Executive Officer Sarah Buck said:
“The move to the new headquarters is part of our strategy to extend our reach and develop our brand in the UK.”
“We have chosen Bristol as one of the main financial centres in the country. April House in Bradley Stoke will become a hub for our entire operation as we head towards 2013 – when the April Group celebrates its 25th anniversary. Our new office will provide the right platform to drive the business forward and deal with the increasing levels of business that we are experiencing. As well as allow us to continue providing the highest standards of service to all our customers, consultants and brokers.”
Emphasising the firm’s Gallic connections, Bristol creperie La Bonne Crepe (run by exiled Frenchman Christophe Moron) was brought in to provide guests with traditional crepes and galettes.
Photo: Christophe Moron (2nd from right) of La Bonne Crepe watches on as APRIL UK CEO Sarah Buck (centre) tries her hand at crepe-making.
The firm, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, provides a range of protection plans, including income protection, life insurance, private medical insurance, personal accident, medical cash, home insurance, commercial insurance and funeral plans, as well as providing cover for professional sportsmen and women.
APRIL UK recently won the prestigious ‘Top Firm Award’ at the Tenet Leading Lights Annual Awards event and have their sights set on winning more awards during 2013.
Top photo: L-R: Isaac Lam (April UK Marketing Manager), Sarah Buck (April UK CEO), Sean Cox (3D Business Interiors Ltd, who completed the refurbishment of the building), Cllr Janet Biggin (Chair of South Gloucestershire Council) and Cas Francis (April UK Area Manager).
