Higos staff passes 200

Higos Insurance Services has taken on a further six trainees this month which sees the Somerset-based company’s staff numbers pass the 200 mark for the first time.

The six new trainees bring the total number of staff to 202, and form part of Higos’ 30 new team members appointed in 2009 – bucking the trend of job losses in the insurance industry.

All six will begin studying towards their Insurance Foundation exams while working within the business to gain experience across a range of roles.

“The appointment of these six new trainees is indicative of our approach this year,” said Higos managing director, Ian Gosden. “We’ve been continuing to develop and expand the business and have been determined to make the most of opportunities as they arise.

“While others are shedding jobs, we are still recruiting to take advantage of the number of experienced staff coming into the jobs market. Passing the 200 staff mark this year is an important milestone for us as we continue to expand and look towards the future.”

As part of its growth, Higos will move to a new headquarters near Wells, Somerset before the end of 2009 which will house the directors, accountants, HR, marketing, compliance and facilities. Higos is also expanding its main processing centre in Somerton with 5,000 sq ft of new office space. The extra space will give the company sufficient capacity to expand overall staff numbers to around 300.

Higos has been focused through the summer incorporating the latest of the 23 new businesses purchased in the last 18 months. In addition it has opened four new offices this year giving it a high street presence in Wells, Worle, Braunton and on the outskirts of Southampton.

Higos currently has 14 branches in Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Dorset, Devon, Hampshire and Wiltshire. Its target is to have 35 branches by the end of 2013.