21st July 2003
In 2002, Zurich’s UK Commercial business announced its intention to sponsor places for brokers on a one-year BA (Hons) Insurance Management degree course at the University of Central England in Birmingham. Twenty-two brokers took up the sponsorship opportunity and this week, the company recognised the success of the first 15 to complete their degree, with a celebratory dinner held at the Birmingham Hotel du Vin.
The brokers who took part in the sponsored degree come from the Birmingham area, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol and Glasgow. Seven were awarded first class degrees, and the other eight obtained 2:1s, a significant achievement that required dedicated time and commitment and a demanding workload.
David Smith, Head of Business Operations for Zurich’s UK Commercial business said; "We are delighted with the results, all the participating brokers have really excelled. Brokers are not just business partners to us; they are an integral part of our business. That is why we have invested in these people as we would our own."
The degree is specifically designed for brokers holding the ACII qualification plus five years experience in the industry and aims to develop several key competencies including strategic management marketing, risk management and financial management.
David Smith, concluded; "We are committed to developing staff to maintain high industry standards and consider the BA (Hons) in Insurance Management to be a valuable qualification to underpin the professionalism of our industry."
-Ends-
Notes to Editors:
Founded in 1872, Zurich is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. It has offices in approximately 60 countries and employs about 68,000 people.
For further information contact:
Susannah Jeffery,
Zurich Financial Services
Tel: 01489 561559
Sally Davies,
Zurich Financial Services
Tel: 0121 697 4403
