QBE to shut Reading office

QBE is to restructure its south of England business, resulting in the closure of its Reading office at the end of this month.

The Australian insurer has not confirmed whether jobs will be lost as a result.

The business currently being handled by QBE’s Reading branch, which formed part of the Brit UK regional acquisition, will be redistributed between QBE’s London, Bristol and Birmingham offices, and a new office in Chelmsford.

QBE said the shift in business would enable the company to build on its existing commercial and broker relationships.

The new Chelmsford-based national office will focus on QBE’s commercial combined offering, and remain the main office for the insurer’s motor business.

QBE’s national south office commercial manager Paul Scott said: “The move to Chelmsford will allow clients and brokers to benefit immediately from the combined strengths of the new office, and give them access to a wider product range. We will, of course, continue to work closely with our clients and brokers across the region.”

QBE London and south regional manager Richard Beaumont said: “The south is an incredibly important region for QBE. Establishing a regional presence in Chelmsford and extending the footprint of our Bristol and Birmingham operations will allow us to build on the success of our London business and enhance our ability to service the needs of all our clients and brokers across the south of England.”