QBE opens new office as part of UK broker strategy

QBE has opened a new office in Leeds as part of its UK regional broker strategy.

The new office is based at West Village in Wellington Street and is currently the largest European site for the insurer outside of London.

More than 450 employees are based there, with over 20 of them being underwriters that will write property, commercial combined, casualty, contractors combined, fleet and motor trade.

QBE’s head of trading in Leeds Janine Wood said: “Brokers were clear about what they wanted, to be able do business on their doorstep with decision makers who understand the local market and the challenges local businesses are contending with.

“Our response was to grow our regional network of underwriters authorised to write different sizes and ranges of cross class products across most industries.

”Our team take responsibility, bring in our risk engineering and claims experts as needed and are not afraid to pick up the phone to give our brokers and customers a personalised and efficient service.”

Other capabilities

While QBE aims for the new office to boost broker trading, most people based there support the insurer’s technology, claims and finance capabilities.

The site also houses QBE’s automation activities, including robotic process automation, application programme interfaces and digital readers.

The office also reflects a £3.6m investment in Leeds, QBE said.

QBE International chief executive Jason Harris added: “Leeds is one of the UK’s fastest growing cities with a diverse economy and an exceptional talent base.

“Over the last five years, we have set up centres of excellence here for robotics, claims and finance, while building out our operations and people teams here.

“From Leeds, we are leveraging local talent to support our business across Europe, enabling us to consistently deliver great service, helping businesses get back on their feet more quickly.”