Atkinson Smith, insurance broker in the North of England, and Brit Insurance, the international general insurance and reinsurance group, today announce the launch of an online quote and buy system as part of their self build (new build) and home extension/conversion scheme.
The scheme is underwritten by Brit Insurance and has been available through Atkinson Smith since September 2006 when it acquired DMS Insurance, a long-standing and highly respected provider of quality cover to this niche market. It now offers direct access to retail customers and brokers via www.selfbuildonline.co.uk. edge IPK, a leading provider of User Experience Platforms, has developed the technology solution to offer this product online.
Ian Laycock, Managing Director, at Atkinson Smith, commented:
“With over 15,000 self build projects taking place each year in the UK, we felt there was a great opportunity for us to take advantage of this growing, niche market. As we developed our offering, it became increasingly obvious that an online platform to complement our existing capabilities would provide us with the scope to increase our customer base and offer our customers a superior experience. Brit Insurance shared our views on the online potential of this scheme and we have together worked with edge IPK to develop an integrated online solution targeted at both customers and other brokers who wish to place business via this scheme.”
Vivek Banga, Head of UK Distribution at Brit Insurance, adds:
“The online SME market is a growing area for us and we always look to support our brokers in trading SME business via online channels. This solution is one of a series of online platforms that we are involved in, working with partners such as Atkinson Smith to extend their foothold in to new or growing online markets. Too often, technology is regarded as a costly and complex alternative when it can in fact be an enabler, particularly in delivering a speedier, high quality customer experience.”
The new online service, which is a complete quote and buy solution targeted at both customers and brokers, has been developed by edge IPK through its edgeConnect platform. It provides Atkinson Smith with the ability to increase the volume of quotes provided, while reducing the overall cost of sales and providing a self-service facility for Atkinson Smith staff, retail customers and third party brokers.
“edgeConnect was developed to help large and small organisations alike to achieve swift return on their investment and to provide a technology platform that genuinely supports business objectives, not holds them back,” said Mike Williams, CEO of edge IPK. “Atkinson Smith now has a solution that allows it to market its products online to both customers and other brokers and provide a superior customer service.”
Source : Brit Insurance Press Release
